Building an Exit Strategy

I am part of the Great Resignation. This summer I left a big church in Atlanta for a small consulting firm in Utah. 

Like many, I had been wrestling with:

“Is this what I want to do for the next decade?”
“If I left, what will I do next?“
“Who would hire me? Can I make it in a new career?“

While I was processing this change, I found very few resources to help me prepare for it.

Since leaving I’ve reflected on my journey and decided to share a series of thoughts on building an exit strategy.

As I do, it’s worth clarifying that while I left full time church ministry, there was no scandal or big secret. I’m not disillusioned with my faith. I love and respect the pastors who were beside me and miss our church every week.

While I wrestled with staying or going, I didn’t know what to do next or how to get there. I often felt cowardly (am I afraid to leave?), questioned my calling, and wondered if I was stuck. 

If you’re thinking about a career change: Don’t just jump ship. If you’re wrestling with staying, first figure out where you’re going. 

The solution to feeling stuck isn’t to try to drum up more courage. Leaving boldly or quickly isn’t the same as leaving with clarity and direction.

Building an onramp is better than grabbing a parachute. 

If I can, I want to help you clarify direction and begin building that onramp.

Over the next month, I’ll approach this in three parts.

Part one: Clarity. 

Clarifying your calling, mission, and vocation (knowing the difference will help you decipher what’s next)

Part two: The on-ramp.

Identifying what’s next and how to get there

Part three: How to leave well

If it is time for you to leave, I’ll share my top ten observations for leaving well.

I’ll be back next week with part one.