The Smart Woman's Guide to Successful Offramping

You are leaving your job to pursue a new adventure! Before you get carried away by the wonderful opportunities and challenges ahead, be sure to factor in a few simple steps that will help you successfully on-ramp when the time is right. All too often women walk away from the workplace without putting the pieces in place that will create new employment opportunities for them later in their lives. We don't want that to happen to you! Network: Keep you network alive and growing. Bring your contacts with you and build a personal network on your computer at home. YourOnRamp is designed to make this easy. Make sure to reach out and stay in touch with key people on a regular basis. Schedule lunch or coffee on a monthly or quarterly or semi-annual basis. Add new colleagues and friends to your network and make a note of what they have done and are doing with their careers. Pass on interesting information when you come across it that will let your friends and colleagues know you are thinking of them. Gather References: Keep a list of your references for future job searches with phone number and email addresses. You never know when you might need them, but need them you will! As you know, employment references can make or break your job offer. Now is the best time to ask colleagues while you and your work are fresh in their minds and everyone is feeling supportive and nostalgic as you leave. Add volunteer contacts to this list as you develop them. Join alumni or other relevant organizations: Sign up for regular emails or newsletters. Call individuals to talk about topics or events that interest you. Nurture the habit of asking questions and staying informed. Add individuals you connect with to your network. Read: Read the newpaper, read magazines, take advantage of YourOnRamp's news desk to scan headlines and read article summaries of key business publications. Stay informed. Especially if you are home with young children, you want to find time to learn new information so at least when that inevitable cocktail conversation is upon you, you can ask "What do you think of ...." and not feel out to lunch. Most importantly, find quiet time to reflect on the balance you want in your life. Carve out quiet, peaceful time to understand what makes you tick and set goals. Our lives are filled with so much "noise" it is easy to get sidetracked by other people's agendas and requests especially when you no longer have work priorities clearly outlined. If you have personal goals, they will help you prioritize your efforts, from which emails you respond to first, to what books you read, to what skills you develop. In other words, follow you dreams! You are not alone as you negotiate this next step in your life. Millions of women are doing exactly the same thing. Reach out and connect, we know your experiences will provide inspiration and guidance for others just as other women will help you negotiate this next step. YourOnRamp is here to help you.