Step 1 of 4 · 2 hours

Step 1: Situational Audit

A framework to separate 'bad manager' from 'bad career path'.

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Check off these key actions to complete this step:

Complete the situational scorecard
Identify your 'non-negotiables'
Determine if staying is an option

Coach's Perspective

Ask: Is this fixable with a new manager? Different team? Or is it the company/industry fundamentally wrong for me? Stay if you're 80% happy. Leave if you're under 60% and see no path up. Leaving when you're burning out costs you.

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Step 2 of 4 · 3 hours

Step 2: Craft Your Exit Narrative

Build a positive, forward-looking story for why you are leaving.

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Check off these key actions to complete this step:

Draft your 'Why I am leaving' 30-second pitch
Focus on 'moving toward' growth
Remove all negative or personal jabs

Coach's Perspective

Frame it as growth-seeking, not escape-seeking. Say 'I'm excited to focus on X' rather than 'This place was toxic.' Practice your pitch until it feels natural. Never badmouth your current employer—the world is small.

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Step 3 of 4 · 4-6 hours

Step 3: Refresh Your Assets

Get your resume, LinkedIn, and portfolio 'market-ready'.

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Check off these key actions to complete this step:

Update your impact bullets
Set LinkedIn to 'Open to Work' (private)
Gather references and testimonials

Coach's Perspective

Update your resume while you're still at the company—it's faster to remember your wins. Use the '% improvement' or '$X revenue' format for impact. LinkedIn should be current and professional. Ask for recommendations before you leave.

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Step 4 of 4 · 3 hours

Step 4: Map the Next Chapter

Identify 10-15 companies where your narrative will resonate.

DO THIS NOW Required Checklist

Check off these key actions to complete this step:

List companies based on values/growth
Identify internal champions
Begin low-stakes networking

Coach's Perspective

Look for 'people you know' at target companies. Warm intros through LinkedIn or mutual connections beat cold applications 10x. Start networking 3-4 months before you plan to leave—it buys time and options.

Recommended Workspace: Explore template/tool ↗

Quest Complete!

You've mastered this path.

Congratulations! You have completed all the steps in the When It's Time to Move On playbook.

Your New Skills & Wins

✓ Clear objective view of your current role
✓ Professional, vetted exit narrative
✓ Market-ready resume and profile
✓ Strategic list of next-step targets

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