8 Steps to Quitting Your BCBA Job
Deciding to leave a job can be a significant and daunting step in your professional journey. But how do you do it? Let’s talk about exit plans. This is not an exhaustive list, but these few pointers can help to get you going.
Assess Your Reasons/Identify Values: Take the time to reflect on why you want to leave your job. Is it due to a toxic work environment, lack of job satisfaction, or a desire to pursue a new career path? Understanding your motivations will help you shape your exit plan and set clear goals for your next move. Identify your values as a human and reflect on how a new job could help you live those values. Get a journal, write it out.
Define Your Timeline: Establish a realistic timeline for your departure. Consider factors such as your financial situation and how long it would take to ethically transfer your caseload.
Evaluate Your Finances: Leaving a job can have significant financial implications, so it's essential to assess your financial situation beforehand. Consider factors like your savings, upcoming expenses, and the potential time gap between leaving your current job and finding a new one. Decide if you need to find a new job before leaving your present one or if you will take some time in between jobs.
Consider health insurance: Will you have coverage through a spouse during your time between jobs or will you need to purchase coverage? You may need to ensure that there is no gap between leaving your job and starting a new one in order to be covered by insurance.
Polish Your Resume: Create an updated resume that highlights your skills and experiences. Tailor it to align with the positions you plan to pursue. Ask friends to look it over.
Secure References: Request references from colleagues, supervisors, or mentors who can vouch for your skills and work ethic.
Draft Your Resignation Letter: Compose a formal resignation letter addressed to your immediate supervisor or manager. Keep it concise, professional, and positive. Express gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you've had while working for the company, and clearly state your intention to resign. Offer your assistance in the transition period and maintain a respectful tone throughout. Some people choose to announce their resignation in a 1:1 meeting while other people choose to do so over email. Which of the two approaches you should take depends on your situation.
Maintain Professionalism: This is a hard one. Sometimes when quitting a toxic job, we feel hurt, bitter, or even betrayed. However, it’s important to maintain a level of professionalism during this process. Be respectful to your colleagues and supervisors, even if you've had negative experiences in your role. I find that it’s best not to burn bridges, if possible.
NOTE: There are times when it is appropriate to pursue legal action against your employer due to workers right’s violations. This is a very different and complex situation. For more on your rights as a worker in ABA follow @karissaknowsbehavior .
Prepare for the Transition: Once your resignation is accepted, focus on ensuring a smooth handover and transition of your caseload.
In closing, navigating a job departure is a multifaceted endeavor that demands careful consideration and strategic planning. Remember that your decision to leave is an investment in your well-being and professional growth. Embrace the opportunities that change brings and approach the transition with a clear vision for your future. Whether you're seeking a new challenge, escaping a toxic work environment, or pursuing a different career path, the steps outlined here can serve as a roadmap for a smooth and purposeful exit.
