Making the Most of Your Final Days at Work: Strategies for Transition
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Chapter 1: Embracing Change
As your job nears its conclusion, whether it’s due to your own choice or external circumstances, it's essential to focus on what you can gain from this period. Instead of dwelling on the reasons for your departure, let’s explore how to make the most of your remaining time. If you haven't secured new employment or financial support, this can understandably be a stressful phase. You might be scrambling to find your next role, which can feel overwhelming. However, even during this challenging time, the efforts you put into job applications and your current responsibilities can yield valuable insights.
Currently, I’m in a situation I never anticipated, but thankfully, it’s set to end in three months. My professional background includes roles as an English teacher, lecturer, and educational leader, coupled with my passion for writing. After relocating internationally to Basel with a promising job offer, I faced an unexpected setback before my new role even started. I was excited to help establish a new international secondary school, but the owners ultimately decided against it due to insufficient student enrollment. I was then offered a contract to teach primary art, a position I felt obliged to accept given the family's relocation and my husband's thriving career. Despite my initial dissatisfaction, I’ve come to appreciate the experience as my time here draws to a close. Below, I’ll share five key takeaways from this transitional phase.
Having switched jobs six times with foresight, I've consistently found these transitional periods to be enlightening. Regardless of your circumstances, let’s focus on the positives that can emerge from this experience.
Learn as Much as You Can
It's common to view a job departure as an ending, but it can also serve as a chance for personal and professional growth. Knowing you’ll soon be leaving may free you to explore aspects of your role that previously went unnoticed. You might feel less constrained by managerial expectations—though keep in mind that you may still need references down the line.
Take on New Challenges
This is an ideal moment to experiment with new responsibilities at work. With fewer deadlines looming, consider enrolling in professional development courses or attending meetings with a mentor. I found that by the end of my middle leadership role, I felt confident enough to lead full staff professional development sessions. If things don’t go well, remember: you’re leaving anyway! This allowed me to hone my presentation skills and solidify my learning.
Learn from Your Colleagues
Even if your workload feels heavy, take advantage of the knowledge-sharing opportunities at your workplace. If you're moving towards freelancing, these resources may not be available for free anymore. Seek advice from tech-savvy colleagues about tools or processes you've always wanted to understand but never had time to explore. Most people are willing to help if you simply ask.
Gather What You Can Legally Keep
If you’re anything like me, you probably have a wealth of documents stored in Google Drive from your tenure. Be mindful that once you leave, access to these files may be cut off. Take the time to organize the materials you wish to retain—assuming there are no legal complications. Instead of downloading everything, selectively choose valuable content, label it appropriately, and store it on an external drive or an alternate cloud service. This preparation will prove beneficial when showcasing your work to potential employers or revisiting past projects.
Strengthen Bonds with Colleagues
Among your coworkers, some may have become friends, while others might simply be acquaintances. While I’m not suggesting you mend ties with toxic individuals, it’s worthwhile to connect with those you haven’t interacted with outside of work. Share your contact information and express your desire to stay in touch. A genuine compliment can go a long way, and mentioning potential future collaborations may foster new opportunities.
Try to Enjoy the Process
While it sounds straightforward, making an effort to enjoy your final days or weeks at work is crucial, regardless of your past feelings about the job. Reflect on the aspects you appreciate: whether it’s certain tasks, the people around you, the workspace, or even the daily coffee runs. During my departure from a job in Hong Kong, a friend and I took breaks to walk by the river and enjoy a Starbucks. Our discussions ranged from teaching strategies to personal stories, which added depth to our work relationships. I found myself being more present with my students, sharing meaningful conversations about the future as we all faced transitions.
Pursue What You Truly Desire
While it may seem daunting, pursuing your genuine interests is possible, even if the dream job remains elusive. You might be writing on the side, attending classes at night, or taking a break for family or travel. My husband and I faced six months of unemployment during the pandemic, which turned out to be a precious time spent together as a family.
Now, I’m venturing into my long-held aspiration of becoming a full-time writer. This has always been a side project for me, but I’m now taking the plunge, aware that it might not succeed—and that’s okay. The courage to leave behind a stable salary and familiar positions stems from my recent experiences. Throughout this transition, I continue to learn and maintain connections with former colleagues. The ideas I’ve gathered, both independently and collaboratively, are guiding me as I embark on this new chapter. It’s a journey I’m finally ready to embrace.
Let us know what you’re gaining from your last moments in your current role. Best of luck on your upcoming adventures!
Kathleen Waller is a novelist with a PhD in Comparative Literature, currently teaching art to some amazing young students. With twenty years of experience teaching literature, cultural studies, and applied ethics at high school and university levels, she is excited to share her journey. For more information, visit: kathleenwaller.com
Twitter / Instagram @tournerlesmots
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Chapter 2: Video Insights
Explore the themes of change and perseverance in "Primal Fear - 'The End Is Near' Live (Official)."
Delve into the concept of impending change in "The End Is Near" video.