How to Navigate the LOGISTICS of the Decision to Change Jobs
So, you’ve decided you want to change jobs. Or maybe you haven’t fully decided yet, but the thought has been poking at you like a toddler demanding snacks—persistent, impossible to ignore, and mildly exhausting.
And now you’re staring down the overwhelming pile of logistics that come with actually making a move.
Where do you even start?
How do you make sure you’re not just spinning in circles, mentally draining yourself with an endless list of “What about this?” “What about that?” and “Oh my God, am I actually doing this?”
This is exactly where today’s blog comes in. We’re going to take the chaos of job transition and turn it into something you can actually work with—without the existential crisis.
Let’s get into it.
Step 1: Do the Math (Even If You Hate Math)
One of the biggest reasons people stall on changing jobs is financial uncertainty. The vague, looming fear of What if I can’t afford this? can keep you stuck indefinitely.
So let’s be clear: The answer is not “hope for the best.” The answer is do the math.
What do you actually need to cover your expenses each month?
What’s your bare minimum survival number?
What’s your comfortable, ideal number?
How much do you have saved? How much do you want to have saved before you make a move?
If you want time off between jobs, how much time can you afford?
Most people think they have a number in their head. Most people are also wrong. (Not you, obviously, but, you know, other people.)
A client of mine thought she needed a certain amount to get through the summer before changing jobs. When she actually did the math? That number had been wildly inflated by her brain’s built-in “must panic at all costs” mechanism. The reality was way more manageable than she thought.
Numbers might not be sexy, but knowing them will help you make informed decisions instead of fear-based ones.
Step 2: Set a Timeframe (So You Don’t Accidentally Stay Forever)
This is where I ask clients a simple but slightly horrifying question:
"What are you waiting for?"
Not to pressure you, but… seriously. If you know you want to leave, but you don’t define a timeline, you risk falling into the “I’ll think about this later” trap, which, in career transitions, often turns into I guess I just work here forever now?
Your timeframe doesn’t have to be immediate, but it does need to exist.
Do you want to be gone by summer?
Are you waiting for a bonus or a specific work milestone?
Do you need a new job lined up first? If so, what’s your deadline to have one?
A year from now, how will you feel if you’re still in this job? What about six months? Three months?
If you get the internal reaction of “Oh God, absolutely not”—that’s a clue.
Your timeframe doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real.
Step 3: Know Your Limits (and Don’t Let Other People Define Them for You)
Some people thrive under a little pressure. Others? Crumble like a discount croissant.
Knowing your own boundaries is key.
Does a strict deadline help you take action?
Or does it make you panic and shut down?
Are you the kind of person who needs a safety net (financially, emotionally, logistically)?
Or do you do better when you rip the Band-Aid off?
There is no right answer—just your answer. Your job is to figure out what kind of structure you need to make this transition feel manageable.
And if your decision affects someone else (spouse, partner, roommate, emotional support dog), have real conversations. Not in a “Hey, I need your permission” way, but in a “Here’s how this might impact both of us, let’s talk through it” way.
(Side note: If you need a deep dive on this, Google “Terry Real democratic relationships.” You’re welcome.)
Step 4: Make a Game Plan for Multiple Outcomes
You have an ideal plan. Great.
Now what happens if things don’t go exactly according to plan?
Because let’s be honest, the universe loves to throw curveballs.
So, have contingencies:
What if the job hunt takes longer than expected?
What if you get multiple offers—how will you decide?
What if you leave, take a month off, and realize you need three months?
What if your dream job turns out to be… not so dreamy?
A client of mine had a structured plan: if he found a great job, he'd take it. If he had some options but nothing exciting, he’d reassess in another six weeks. If he had zero options, he’d give himself permission to rethink whether he needed to just get out first, then figure out the rest.
No one likes uncertainty, but having a plan for different outcomes makes uncertainty manageable.
Step 5: Use Your People (Even If That Feels Weird)
You don’t have to job hunt alone.
Use your network. Tell people what you’re looking for. Even people you wouldn’t expect. Your dog groomer might have a cousin who runs an amazing company. Your old coworker might know someone hiring.
If you have no idea how to do this without feeling like a desperate weirdo, go listen to Episode 22 of Decision Masters, where I talk with networking and pitch expert Laura Brennan about how to make asking for help not feel awful.
And for a quick mindset boost, go watch Tina Seelig’s TED Talk on “luck.” It’s not actually about luck—it’s about how talking to people creates opportunities.
(Spoiler: It works.)
Final Thoughts: Free With Every Decision? Uncertainty.
You might be feeling nervous right now. That’s okay. Every big decision comes with a complimentary serving of uncertainty.
You’re not alone in this. You can figure this out. You will figure this out.
And if you need help along the way? That’s what I’m here for.
Wait, I need more help!
Is it time to work together? I help overthinking high-achievers trust their choices.
Whether you need help being more decisive, taking up more space in your own life, or truly figuring out what you want so you can take action on it — coaching with me gives you guidance, accountability and an expert in your corner.
We’ll use science-backed tools and proven strategies to change mental and physical habits, decrease your baseline overwhelm, and grow your self-trust to the point that you make clear, conscious, self-honoring decisions with ease, daily.
It starts — naturally — with some decisive action.
Book your no-strings Free Consultation where we’ll talk like humans, break down your goals, identify a path forward, and figure out if we’re a fit to work together.
