If you’ve ever woken up before work thinking, I swear I’m going to quit this job, you’re not alone.

(Have you heard of the Great Resignation? Enough said.) But quitting is a lot easier said than done at times—especially when you lead a team.

People quit jobs for all kinds of reasons.

But quitting a job isn’t necessarily a simple feat. While it may feel like a relief for some, it can feel overwhelming for others who aren’t sure what their next move will be. After all, change can be uncomfortable; if it were easy, we’d all do it at the first sign of trouble.

Too many of us stick around in jobs in which we’re unhappy because doing so—and putting up with whatever it is that makes us feel like quitting in the first place—is easier than forging forward in the pursuit of something different or unknown. Some of us even become complacent in those jobs, going through the motions day in and day out, despite the toll it all takes.

Others have an urge to quit, not because there’s anything wrong with their current position, but rather because there’s something better-suited for them, higher paying, more flexible, or more interesting out there.

Still, quitting your job isn’t always as easy a decision as applying for the one that sounds great. But you’ll never get the one that sounds great if you don’t take that step.

So here’s how to put a positive spin on quitting your job when the time is right, whether or not it’s easy.

4 Ways to Put a Positive Spin on Quitting a Job

Follow these four tips for keeping optimistic about quitting your job, whether it’s one you love or not.

Be grateful for the experience.

Whether you stayed at the job you’re quitting for six months or ten years, you can certainly be grateful for the experience you’ve had there. Regardless of the amount of time you spent working in that position, you have certainly learned something along the way—whether it be about you as a professional, your industry, or relevant skills.

Acknowledge what you can take away from the job with you when you leave. Even bad experiences come with lessons to learn. So keep an open mind when looking back on your time, and be thankful that it’s led you to where you are today—in a position to create change.

Look ahead to new opportunities.

It’s easy to feel regretful about your past. You may feel like you wasted too much time with a specific company or in a certain role. Maybe you wish you had asked for a raise years ago. Or, perhaps, if you could turn back time, you’d have prioritized differently. But you can’t look back; you can only move ahead.

If you’re quitting because you are taking a promising job elsewhere or starting your own company, get excited about the next chapter. If you’re quitting because you’re unhappy in your current role or seeking a change, but you’re not sure what comes next, be open to all of the opportunities that await ahead of you. 

Thank your colleagues—and offer to keep connected.

When it’s time to say goodbye to your colleagues, be sure to thank them for their help, inspiration, and collaboration throughout your time together. Let them know that you’re moving on because it’s best for you at this time but that you hope to keep connected going forward. If you feel comfortable, share your personal contact details with them to stay in touch.

You never want to burn bridges when leaving a job. You never know who else might end up elsewhere in the future. Networking with former colleagues can never hurt.

Help out the next person.

Creating a “cheat sheet” for your successor can be hugely helpful for your employer if you’re not around to help train them. Doing this can help you feel better about leaving the team you’ve been leading. Knowing that they’re in good hands can alleviate any feelings of letting your work go to waste. It can help you feel more comfortable and confident in moving on.

Helping the next person with resources and tips for the job also helps that person be successful. Your quitting—and the legacy you leave behind—paves the way for them to advance in their careers, which you can look at as a way of paying it forward. 

Overall, quitting doesn’t necessarily come easy to everyone. But you have the power to make it a positive experience—both for you and for your successor, as well as your company. While a new career adventure awaits you, be kind to yourself throughout the process of change and be conscious of the legacy you leave.