How to Exit a Job the Right Way. Don't Let the Smile Fool You EP13

So let’s talk about something we all face in our careers: the art of leaving a job. Most people think that making a move is only about resignation letters and LinkedIn updates, but there is so much more beneath the surface. In this episode of Don’t Let the Smile Fool You, we’re diving deep into the real exit stories — why you need to own your narrative, how to manage your emotions, and the importance of leaving with grace no matter how your tenure comes to an end.

I share my firsthand story about leaving a company after a year of growth and challenge, and what it taught me about detaching my identity from my job title. Whether you’re resigning, being let go, walking away quietly, or starting something completely new, this episode covers why exits matter, why being a ‘good leaver’ pays off, and why burning bridges can hurt your future far more than you think.

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your professional reputation intact, maintain key relationships, and build your confidence after a job change, you’ll find real tips here. We talk about how to pack your ‘exit bag’ — leaving bitterness behind, focusing on your accomplishments, letting go of the need for validation, and practicing your new introduction to the world.

Your job is not your identity. Exiting is not failure. It’s just the next chapter. So how will you tell your story when you move forward?

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the trilogy and why it’s time to talk about exiting
01:09 Why everyone faces the exit conversation – resignation, redundancy, firing, or promotion
02:11 Your job title is not your identity
03:18 The ego trip of thinking your company can't survive without you
05:02 How to let go of emotions and focus on the future
05:40 What makes a ‘good leaver’ versus a ‘bad leaver’
06:31 The importance of leaving on good terms – and when it matters most 07:49 The rule about honesty when you’re leaving a company
08:58 Why transparency matters and how to avoid burning bridges
10:23 How to control your narrative and negotiate your exit
11:07 What to pack in your ‘exit bag’ – lessons, not bitterness
12:15 Owning your impact and holding onto valuable relationships
14:51 Dealing with redundancy, being fired, or an unplanned exit
16:31 Processing the identity shift after leaving a role
17:42 Overcoming ego and shame when changing jobs
18:27 Reminding yourself what's left after the title is gone
19:06 Writing your new introduction and moving forward with confidence 20:22 Exiting does not mean failure
20:59 How to shape your personal narrative for what comes next
21:37 Wrapping up - how to tell your own moving forward story

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