If I had to identify the number one lesson learned in 2020 it’s that you cannot count your chickens before they hatch. In other words, we can’t get eager with life plans because there will be plenty of unexpected curveballs. This is especially true if you are planning to make a career transition this year.

A classic mistake that people make is resigning too early. I admit that once I have one foot out the door, I start to mentally checkout and feel a sense of guilt from lying to my current team. I also feel obligated to give them as much time as possible to prepare for the transition and identify a new hire. While this is great intent, this is not our problem! Sounds harsh, but do not let this be the reason you resign too early.

The risks of resigning too early are:

• A longer time period without pay and benefits than intended if your company asks you to leave earlier or if your start date is delayed

• Risking the relationship with your current team if your other opportunity falls through or is delayed

• Losing negotiation leverage with your current and/or new employer

I recommend asking your new employer to give you your start date in writing and let them know that you won’t be resigning from your current role until the start date is locked in. This may be tricky in a Covid environment but they will understand the reason for your ask. If you are in a position to take some extra time off, add that to the required notice you have to give your current employer. Once you have a target date for resignation, communicate that to your new employer and get some sort of verbal agreement that you can move forward.

Important to note: There may be a slight chance you give your employer two weeks notice, but they ask you to leave earlier if you are going to a competitor firm. I’ve heard of situations where someone gave notice to their manager and was asked to leave immediately! You want to make sure you’ve thought this through and are prepared to fully disconnect the minute you give notice. Take the few weeks prior to prep accordingly as your access may change to files, printers, etc. based on security concerns.

Remember, you are not obligated to give any more notice than the required amount which is typically two weeks. If you are subject to a garden leave, there is a different protocol for resignation. Ultimately, when resigning, be thoughtful, considerate, and polite to your manager. I tend to keep it very high level and cordial and do not share more information than necessary about my new opportunity. This is not the time to list your pain points and frustration-- save that for the exit interview with HR. If your manager asks you if there’s anything they can do to keep you, feel free to say politely decline if you have made up your mind. If you are curious about what a counter offer may look like, you can do so but this is a risky path to go down.

Resigning from a role stirs up many emotions and so I encourage careful thought and to run it by a trusted mentor. You need to put yourself first!