Resignation Anxiety

Resigning from a job can bring about a lot of different emotional responses from excitement about new opportunities the future will bring and new people you will meet to uncertainty and even fear of the unknown. You have already recognised that it is time for a change but it is perfectly natural to have second thoughts, to doubt yourself and to feel anxious about your professional future during this time of transitioning from one job to another. The good news is that there are several strategies that can be used to cope with resignation anxiety and to help you gain the ability to navigate yourself through the process with unwavering confidence and a positive attitude.

Accept your own feelings and be reassured that it is perfectly acceptable to feel uncertain about stepping into the unknown and to experience fear of change. By recognising and validating these emotions, you are taking the first important step towards managing your emotions effectively.

It may be helpful to create a simple plan to address ongoing concerns and alleviate any anxiety. You could start by identifying any triggers that are causing you to become upset. This could be anything from possible financial instability to worrying about losing valuable relationships with current colleagues. Break down your worries into manageable tasks and develop steps in which you can take action and address them.

Seek support from those you trust who can offer encouragement, guidance and support in the current challenging time. Talk openly about your feelings so you can gain perspective and reassurance which can act as reminders that you are not alone in how you are feeling.

Don’t neglect your mental health and make sure that you prioritise self care which will help with your emotional wellbeing. Practice a variety of mindfulness techniques and if you have never looked into this before, take time to research what works for you. Engage in activities that act as destressors and promote relaxation such as exercise, meditation or spending time outdoors in nature. Make time for interests that bring you joy which will uplift your mood and distract you from negative thoughts.

Focus on what you can control and let go of things which no longer serve you. Of course, it is natural to worry about the future but it does no good to dwell on hypothetical scenarios which will invariably be all negative! Direct yourself into being productive such as networking and becoming fully prepared for your next job.

Dealing with resignation anxiety requires a blend of self awareness, self care and support from others to ensure that you remain resilient and confident and ready to start your new job. Embrace this opportunity and see it as part of your continuous learning and self improvement and self discovery journey!