Do It On Purpose, Do It With Class
Lessons Learned From Elizabeth Halsey
Check all that apply:
__ I have hit the lottery and I never have to work again
__ I have a 50 year contract with a guaranteed ridiculously over-the-top awesome salary
__ I have a sugar daddy or momma who will keep me comfy forever
If you checked one or more of the above, just skip this article. Also, please know that I both loathe and envy you all at the same time.
However, if you are like the other 95 - 99% of us, keep reading. You might just learn a few things about playing nice when work is sucking the life out of you.
Whether you are having a passive aggressive conflict with your boss or you’re ready for something new, there are lessons to be learned from some kinda inappropriately funny movie characters. If you are ready to break loose from the chains that keep you shackled to your current job, you need an exit strategy. One that will help you walk away with your dignity intact and the opportunity to do what you love when you leave.
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For a minute, let’s take a look at Elizabeth Halsey, played by Cameron Diaz in Bad Teacher. Ms. Halsey was a mediocre teacher and an oddly delightful person. Her goals in life included marrying up and getting bigger boobies. When her nerdy love interest wised up and gave her the boot, she found herself starting over. The only thing that she had to fall back on was her previous job.
How did she slide back into her old position? It's all about how you play the game. Ms. Halsey was very smart when it came to parting ways from her job. She stayed in good standing upon leaving because she did it the right way. She gave notice, she completed her contract, and she packed it up and left with a fake azz smile on her face.
Be Classy
In my fantasies, I know exactly how my worst day at work ever will end. I have even practiced the entire scenario. I will be in the company of a small audience whom I know will revel in the drama. I will slap my hands down on my desk while pushing my chair back and standing all simultaneously. I will grab my big red designer purse, sling it onto my shoulder, and share a few choice and profane words. I will end the entire scene with a set of double birds that shoot from the hips, and march outta there with my head held high and a stride like Meryl Streep in the Devil Wear's Prada.
I hop into my convertible, slide on my shades, turn on the ignition, blare the music, light up a lady ciggie and burn rubber as I drive away--just like Cameron Diaz in the Bad Teacher movie.
What's the difference between my fantastical exit strategy and Ms. Halsey's? One thing--she was cordial when she left. So when she finds herself flat azz broke at the end of the summer, she was eligible to apply for her old job (and probably get a decent reference).
If you want to quit your job, I urge you to be more like Ms. Halsey and less like me in my fantasy.
- Don’t burn your bridges
- Resist the urge to tell your boss to suck it
- Let everyone know that you’ve enjoyed your time
- Share your plans for the immediate future
- If you can, give notice and offer to help
When you have reached the point where it is time to move on, do it on purpose and do it with class. Do it like Ms. Halsey (but only at the beginning of the movie).