Gwyneth Paltrow is not somebody I particularly rate but I don’t mean that disrespectfully. We all laughed when she named her daughter Apple, and then we laughed some more when she referred to her divorce from Chris Martin as ‘consciously uncoupling’.
But then we thought, maybe she is on to something and actually, there is a way to adopt a better attitude to things, situations, and people we no longer feel the same for. A way to consciously uncouple.
So today I am asking you to channel your inner Gwyneth Paltrow and to let me tell you how to consciously uncouple from your place of work. Why? Because even though you’ve made the decision to leave because a few things have soured, or you have got bored etc. it’s important not to burn your bridges because you never know if down the line you may need them again, or them, you.
Acknowledge when it’s time to leave, and leave
This seems obvious but it’s amazing how many people hate their jobs and moan to their colleagues, family and friends daily about it, but won’t actually do anything because it’s easier to stay. Your misery will show in your work and your mood will bring everyone else down.
Life is short and even though I know it isn’t always straight forward to make a change, sometimes a drastic one, it’ll be so much better for you long term.
Focus on the positives you have gained
Even though at the beginning of the year I left a job without a plan, and my lasting impression of that company is 98% negative, I have to still acknowledge the 2% that wasn’t so bad. For me that 2% is the people I met (except one), and that I re-oiled some skills that had gotten rusty in previous roles.
It’s not me, it’s you
A day or two before your last day and you consciously uncouple from your place of work, ask for an exit interview with HR and provide some honest feedback about the company. It doesn’t always have to be bad, but help them understand what they did well, and what they didn’t do so well and how some simple changes might improve the role for others.
By being constructive, they will respect you for that and you can respect them for listening, even if nothing changes that’s not your problem anymore.
Keep in Touch
Personally I prefer not to have colleagues on Facebook and connected via my other social channels while I work with them, but so often when you leave your boss will say to keep in touch, so do.
Social media makes it easy to consciously uncouple without breaking all ties so utilise those channels where it’s appropriate, and don’t be afraid to drop your old boss an email in six or 12 months to touch base. Let him/her know how you are doing and ask how things are with them.
These photos were taken a couple of years ago on a beach near Worthing.
Have you ever taken steps to consciously uncouple from a job before? Have you got any other tips to add to this list?
Until next time x
