Ramp down tip

Despite popular belief, e-mail does not have to run your life.

E-mail is not your boss. It is simply a method of communicating information, just like postal mail. Before the advent of all of our modern electronic “conveniences” there was an expectation that it would take a bit of time for you to receive information. No one ran to their mailbox every five minutes or had a panic attack if someone didn’t immediately receive and respond to their note. The expectation was that communication took time, and when people were able, they would respond.

One of the greatest professional assets is who you know and who knows you. According to a study of over 600 MBA grads, with 56 % earning over $100,000, “Fifty-eight percent of respondents believe a person skilled at networking could see a ‘significant, substantial or dramatic’ impact on income — even up to a 100-percent increase.”

That means “soft work” like networking can have a pretty substantial ROI.

Q: How do you wrap up before time off?

A: Under estimate how much you can complete. Over estimate how much time you will need to complete it.

One of the downfalls of being an incredibly positive person is that I always want to plan for the best case scenario when it comes to how much I can get done in a day, especially right before time off. But as I’ve discovered–more than once or twice–it’s better to be a bit of a pessimist when it comes to wrapping up for vacation or any time out of the office.

Here are some tips to help with the process:

As you wrap up your paid gig for awhile, write yourself a quick note to be opened on a specific date a few months before you return to work. In the note, jot down at least 3 options of where you'd like to see yourself go, career-wise, upon your return. When the time comes, use this letter to yourself as a springboard towards choosing your next career step.
-Alexandra Jenkins

If you resign prior to vesting, make sure you are clear about what (if anything) you will be leaving on the table. Check into stock options, tenure, retirement, bonuses and any other financial benefits that may be effected. You may find that staying a bit longer can offer a significant financial perk.
-Ilene Schaffer

Consider a leave of absence instead of quitting your job; this allows for an easier return to work when you're ready.

When taking a break from the paid workforce, keep in touch
periodically with at least a few colleagues who've been supportive in
the past. This will ensure that your career network is active whenever
you need it.

If you want to off-ramp, consider slowing down as opposed to stopping cold turkey.  Keeping one foot in the door will keep you marketable and connected to your industry.  Consider creating a plan that gives you flexibility to pursue the life you want outside of employment while at the same time maintaining your skill set.