Exit Planning Essentials

I had been with my previous employer for a long time, so I knew a layoff might eventually happen. I thought, “All I need is a solid, updated resume, and I’ll be good to go.” Oh, how naïve I was! 😊 Looking back, there are a few things I wish I had prepared earlier to make the transition smoother. Here are my takeaways: • LinkedIn Set up your profile. LinkedIn has great guides to help you, but it takes time and effort to make it truly shine. Grow your network. Start now! Connect with current colleagues, former co-workers, friends, and family. Your network is more powerful than you realize. • Learn how to use AI tools: AI is a game-changer. Whether it’s tailoring resumes, brainstorming interview responses, or negotiating offers, it’s an incredible resource I didn’t even know existed! • Resume: Yes, you need an excellent, updated resume—but here’s the catch: you’ll need to tailor it for every single job application. It’s worth the effort! • References: Start gathering references now. It’s so much easier to ask while you’re still in a role than after you've left. • Document your achievements: You’d be amazed at how hard it is to recall accomplishments when you’re under pressure. Keep track of them now! Old performance reviews can be a goldmine for this. • Prepare for stress: Being unemployed is stressful, even with a good severance package. The job search process can be disheartening—rejections, ghosting, and no responses can make you doubt yourself. Build a support system now, whether it’s friends, family, or a community. For me, daily journaling has been a lifesaver. Despite the challenges, I’m staying positive and focused on finding the right opportunity—one where I’m the perfect fit for the company, and the company is the perfect fit for me. I know it’s out there; we just haven’t found each other yet!

One thing I’ve learned from leaving corporate life to start my own firm: Uncertainty is constant. In the corporate world, you have a steady paycheck, clear job expectations, and a routine. But when you step into entrepreneurship? That safety net seems to disappear overnight. There are always unexpected setbacks—a new software to figure out, a client project that took a different turn, or a strategy that didn’t hit quite the mark. Uncertainty doesn’t mean failure. It’s part of building something new. Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship is full of unknowns, pivots, and moments of doubt. The key is leaning into it, not running from it. 💡 Know your non-negotiables: – Understand what needs to be covered financially and don’t hesitate to lean on savings or a part-time job if necessary. 💡 Focus on the next step: – You don’t need to see the full path to keep moving. Take the next action that builds momentum. 💡 Remember your “why”: – When things get tough, reconnect to why you made this leap. What freedom or opportunities are you creating that a corporate job couldn’t? Uncertainty will always be there. Learning to move through it builds the growth. Getting comfortable with the unknown opens the door to fresh ideas, new strategies, and opportunities. If you’re feeling unsure in your move from corporate to entrepreneurship, know that it’s normal. Keep moving forward. You’re creating something, even if it’s not clear yet.

Career transitions aren't about finding a new train track to ride to career advancement—they're about mastering the rock climb. Here's the framework I use with clients to help them pivot successfully: Step 1: Identify Your True Pain Point Before making any move, ask yourself: Is it your boss you dislike or the actual work? Is it the industry or just your company culture? One client was ready to leave her entire field until we discovered she only needed an internal transfer away from a toxic boss—saving months of job searching while keeping her seniority. Step 2: Apply the W.I.S.E. Framework Don't jump straight to job applications. First, analyze: Workplace needs: What motivates you at work? Industries: Which sectors will you thrive in? Skills/Roles: What work uses your skills/strengths? Experience: What experience can you leverage in your transition? Step 3: Become the Entrepreneur of Your Career The ultimate goal? Complete ownership of your professional destiny. This mindset shift is everything. Your experience is your product, and you must position it differently for different opportunities. Feeling stuck? Successful job seekers prioritize and compromise.  Use “forced choice” to help you prioritize what’s most important to you and narrow down your options. Here's a question for deeper reflection... How does your past experience prepare you for the roles you're targeting now? #Careers #JobSearch #LinkedInTopVoices

Attention - Career pivot!? It is rather often that I receive direct messages from candidates asking for advice on how to manage a significant career pivot. Changing careers at a mature stage in life is a little like going on a very tall roller coaster - it can be both exciting and scary. Here are some thoughts to consider: ↝ 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Start by assessing your skills, interests, and values. Understand your strengths and what drives you. This self-awareness will guide you towards a career that aligns with the true you! ↝ 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝘁-𝘂𝗽: Understand the financial implications of a career change. Determine how your income might be affected during the transition period and plan accordingly. In today`s environment it almost always takes longer than planned. ↝ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲: Take the time to learn about potential career directions. Look into industries that interest you and explore the job market demand, required skills, and educational or training pathways. Talk to real people to gain insights! Make sure that you take into consideration local market specifics. ↝ 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: Identify your skills or knowledge that can be transferred as well as gaps between your current experience and your desired career. Courses, certifications, or workshops can be helpful (and costly). ↝ 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Leverage your existing network and reach out to professionals in the new field. Networking can be critical in your decision making as well your eventual success. ↝ 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: If possible, gain practical experience in your new field through volunteering or internships. This can help you confirm you are on the right path; acquire hands-on experience and expand your network. ↝ 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Understand that changing careers may take time and effort. Consider adjusting your plans based on new information or opportunities that arise. ↝ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁: Resilience on this journey will be critical. Job hunting and career changes are often challenging, but maintaining a positive mindset will increase your chances of success. ↝ 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁: Once you've made the change, periodically evaluate your career satisfaction and progress. Be open to making further adjustments if needed to ensure long-term fulfillment. ❓ Anything you would add? Any questions? ------------------------------------------------- Oh, hey there! I am Dana - Recruiter with a 💡 ☝🏼 Like this and want more interesting content? 🍪 Share if others could benefit from this too! 🔔 Follow me and 'hit' the bell on my profile.

If your LinkedIn says ‘Open to work,’ but your mindset still says ‘stuck,’ you are NOT yet ready for the real transition Because a career change begins from ‘YOU’, it’s psychological. The thing is, You can update your title overnight. But reprogramming your identity takes work. And that’s where most people struggle. I’ve helped professionals across industries navigate this and every successful shift came down to 10 non-negotiables: 1. Get clear on your ‘why’ If you don’t know why you’re leaving, you’ll repeat the same mistake again. 2. Audit your strengths Not the ones on your resume, the ones that energize you. 3. Redefine success The next role might not come with the same title or paycheck, and that’s okay if it aligns with growth. 4. Craft your new narrative Tell your story like someone connecting dots, not changing directions. 5. Rebuild your network before you need it The best opportunities come from conversations. 6. Refresh your digital presence Your LinkedIn should reflect where you’re heading, not where you were. 7. Prepare emotionally for uncertainty. Transitions test patience, so ground yourself before you take the leap. 8. Permit yourself to pause Big shifts drain energy. Step back to process the change so you can step forward with intention. 9. Seek feedback, not validation. Ask, “What can I improve?”, not “What do you think of me?” 10. Prioritize your mental stamina You can’t create clarity from burnout. P.S. Which of these 10 do you think most professionals forget? #LinkedIn #Work #Lifestyle #Careergrowth #ProfessionalGrowth

The best career advice I give? Don't resign. Wait to be made redundant. Two years ago, I got my redundancy package. It bought me the runway to figure out what came next. I've coached people who resigned the week before restructures were announced. Same exit. No payout. No runway. That's the difference between an emotional decision and a strategic one. The emotional trap is this: Resigning when you're angry, frustrated, or burnt out feels powerful in the moment. It's really not. It's reactive. The decision that feels right for present-you might devastate future-you. Talk to people who will put a mirror to your face — not family or best friends who'll tell you what you want to hear. Sleep on it. For many nights. If you still want to leave after that? Then it's a decision, not a reaction. The financial reality: Unless you're in a toxic environment destroying your wellbeing, wait for the redundancy or restructure. Most companies offer a payout. Walking away voluntarily means walking away from money that could've bought you runway. Not everyone gets a package. I know how privileged I was. But if you can wait, wait. The checklist: ✅ Get receipts while you still have a paycheck Every customer win, every partner compliment — ask them to write a LinkedIn recommendation NOW. It's public. You never need permission to use it later. ✅ Save your proof (non-confidential) Performance reviews. Emails praising your work. Project metrics. The receipts that prove your value. ✅ Write an SOP for your role Give it to your manager. Leave your position better than you found it. Your reputation follows you. ✅ Submit all outstanding claims Medical. Expenses. Everything. Don't leave money in dispute. ✅ Document what's owed Salary. Commissions. Bonuses. Know your numbers before you sign anything. ✅ Check your insurance Especially if you have family. Know exactly when coverage ends. ✅ Have your own laptop ready Some companies walk you out same day. Your work laptop goes with security. Make sure you're not stranded. The real advice: Prepare for the worst. Some people get gardening leave. Some get a proper handover period. Some get escorted out within the hour. You won't know which one you'll be until you press the button. So before you do, make sure you've already taken everything you need. I got runway because I waited. Others didn't because they couldn't. If you have the choice, choose strategically. What would you add to this checklist? #careerquake

We don’t talk enough about how leaders should leave. Stepping into a role is visible. Structured. Supported. Stepping out rarely is. And yet, how a leader exits often shapes whether their successor succeeds. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to take over from leaders who did something incredibly valuable. They didn’t disappear overnight. They helped me settle in. Shared context. Offered perspective. And then, they made a deliberate choice to step back. Not because they didn’t care. But because they did. They understood that leadership is not inherited intact. Every role is reshaped by the person who holds it — their instincts, priorities, judgment, and way of working. If the outgoing leader continues to hover, even informally, the organisation doesn’t transition. It compares. And comparison is one of the quickest ways to make a new leader tentative. Well-intentioned availability can become invisible interference. Real support during transition is not about staying present indefinitely. It is about knowing when presence becomes pressure. The generosity of leadership is not only in building something. It is also in creating the space for someone else to build differently. Sometimes, the most responsible thing a leader can do is: Share. Support. And then step aside. Not as withdrawal. But as an act of trust. Leadership is not proven by how tightly you hold on. It is shown by how intentionally you let go. #graciousleadershiptransitions

"I'm thinking of leaving sales to start my own thing. Any advice?" Got this DM from a top enterprise AE yesterday. My response surprised him: "𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵." Not because he shouldn't build his own thing. But because he's asking the wrong question. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: "How do I use sales to architect my escape while I'm still earning?" After 17 years in sales and watching dozens of enterprise and strategic sellers flame out trying to make the jump, I've seen the pattern: The ones who succeed don't leave sales. They transcend it. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠: They treat sales and entrepreneurship as mutually exclusive. Either you're closing deals or building your dream. But that's binary thinking in a world that rewards sellers who can build. When I was closing transformation deals with Fortune 500s at LivePerson, I wasn't just managing a strategic account list. I was: • Testing frameworks that became IP • Building systems I'd later productize • Creating content that built my audience • Developing skills worth $100K consulting gigs My territory was my laboratory. Every deal taught me something I'd use post-corporate. Instead of continuing to climb the ranks, I chose a different path. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡: Year 1-10: Commit to the craft (become undeniably valuable) Year 12-14: Build a war chest (invest strategically) Year 15-16: Create IP (frameworks, systems, content) Year 17+: Execute the transition (with runway and proof) I left at the top of my game with: • 24 months of runway • 50K LinkedIn followers • Proven frameworks • Zero desperation That's not luck. That's architecture. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡: If you can't build something while earning $300K with benefits, it will only be harder when you're burning through savings and stressed about paying a mortgage or for your childrens' college funds. Constraints force creativity. Full-time sales forces you to be strategic about what you build. So my advice to that enterprise seller? Don't leave sales to 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡 your thing. Use sales to fund your passion. Build your passion in the margins. Test your passion with real customers. Then transition when it's already working. The bridge from sales to sovereignty isn't built overnight. It's architected deal by deal, system by system, year by year. It gives your sales craft more purpose. It becomes your distinct 𝑤ℎ𝑦. Let that be your competitive advantage. Most sellers want to make the leap too soon. The smart ones build the bridge first. 🐝 P.S. Currently helping 12 sellers architect their transition while they're still earning. The next opportunity to work with me 1:1 opens in January. Details: https://lnkd.in/ebxtsSWN

A couple of weeks ago I received a distressing call from an old colleague whose well-funded and well backed employer shutdown overnight. As she shared the news of over 350 stranded employees, it dawned on me that this is the same story across so many organisations & startups. God forbid, that this happens with anyone , here are some insights on what to do in the first few days after suddenly losing your job. Here are 9 essential points to consider: 🔥 TAKE A MOMENT TO ABSORB THE NEWS: It's natural to feel shaken and upset. Allow yourself time to process the situation and acknowledge your emotions before taking action. 🔥 ASSESS YOUR FINANCIAL STANDING: Sit down with your spouse/partner and evaluate your financial situation. Take stock of loans, EMIs, and your inflow of funds. Determine how much liquid savings you have and calculate your runway—knowing how long you can manage without income can alleviate some pressure. 🔥 COMPILE A LIST OF CONTACTS: Create an Excel sheet with the names and details of colleagues, bosses, and professional acquaintances who can provide referrals or job leads. Treat it as you would a sales prospect list—networking is crucial during this period. 🔥 AVOID IMPULSIVE DECISIONS: While the urgency to find a new job may be overwhelming, it's essential not to jump at the first opportunity that comes your way. Exercise patience and wait for the right opportunity that aligns with your goals and aspirations. 🔥 EVALUATE BUSINESS IDEAS: Use this transitional period to work on that business idea you've always wanted to pursue. Evaluate its feasibility and potential, and consider whether entrepreneurship is a path you'd like to explore further. 🔥 FREELANCING OR CONSULTING: While searching for a job, consider freelancing or offering consulting services to generate income in the meantime. Leverage your skills and expertise to provide value to clients and keep the cash flow steady. 🔥 EXPLORE UPSKILLING & ENHANCING YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Take advantage of the downtime to invest in self-improvement. Identify areas for professional development, enroll in online courses, attend webinars, or acquire certifications to bolster your skill set. 🔥 MAINTAIN A ROUTINE: Establish a daily routine that includes job searching, networking, skill-building, and self-care activities. Structure and consistency can help maintain focus and motivation during this challenging period. 🔥 SEEK GUIDANCE: Don't hesitate to seek professional career counseling or guidance from experts in your field. They can offer insights, strategies, and support to navigate the job market effectively. Remember, losing a job can be disheartening, but with the right mindset, resilience, and proactive approach, you can transform this setback into an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Stay positive, keep moving forward, and trust that new doors will open along the way. #SamparkSeSampark #JobLoss #Career #Resilience #startups #business

Most career breaks fail before they even begin. Courage isn’t the problem., planning is. Here's an unromantic checklist if you are serious about one: 1. 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀: Set aside 2x of what you think you will need. I say 2x because if it's 1x, you would start getting anxious much before the end of the break. And that's not a fun spot to be in. You don't want to be three months into your soul-searching journey only to realize your soul needs to start searching for a job again. 2. 𝗔 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: Without some framework, your break will turn into an extended weekend that somehow lasts six months, and you'll wonder where all that time went. Plan a few anchor activities – maybe learning something new, working on a passion project, or finally organizing that closet that's been judging you silently for years. But keep it flexible enough that you can pivot when inspiration strikes. 3. 𝗠𝗮𝗽 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲: For e.g. - I knew every now and then, I will compare myself to my peers. I had already written down what I would tell myself on bad days. And now, it has reached a stage where I don't give a furry rat's behind about whoever is doing whatever in their lives. But it has taken a lot of practice. 4. 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘄: Surround yourself with people who understand that taking a break isn't code for "having a quarter-life crisis" or "being lazy." At the very least, stay away from people who can project their insecurities about a break on you. 5. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀: This will hit you approximately 3-4 weeks in, when you realize you've forgotten how to have an identity outside of your job title. One day you'll wake up and panic because you don't know how to introduce yourself at parties anymore. "Hi, I'm... uh... someone who used to do things?" Expect it, embrace it, and remember that this temporary identity crisis is actually your brain making room for who you really are underneath all those job titles and LinkedIn endorsements. That's it - you are now ready for the adventure of a lifetime. As dating apps have taught us - only dead fish go with the flow. Be a human, and plan better. Because For most people, a career break doesn’t just remove the title, it removes your identity scaffolding. PS: Would love to know how you built your thriving kit for the break or if I've missed any obvious landmines.