Use this checklist as a guide for everything you need to do one year before you begin living fully in preferment. Start planning for and get excited about the best years of your life!

CAREER CLOSEOUT CHECKLIST
Review Employee Benefits
☐ meet with human resources
☐ review pension benefits
☐ review 401k status
☐ review health insurance
☐ review cobra options
☐ identify any available outboarding support
☐ other

Notify Your Network
☐ establish your transition/replacement plan
☐ notify leadership team
☐ notify teammates
☐ notify clients
☐ mentor colleagues to empower success in your absence
☐ give people a chance to say goodbye
☐ other

Transition to Personal Accounts
☐ create or reactivate a personal email account
☐ transition any logins needed from business email to personal email
☐ make a list of the people you want to stay in touch with
☐ forward important emails to personal account
☐ other

Collect Career Records (stay compliant with polices)
☐ collect past presentations
☐ collect work product
☐ gather letters of recommendation
☐ save past resumes or professional bios
☐ gather personal contact information for mentees, select colleagues, and organizations
☐ other

PERSONAL CHECKLISTS
Get Your Financials in Order
☐ hire a financial planner
☐ review all estate planning documents
☐ meet with accountant/tax advisor
☐ other

Set Expectations with Family and Friends
☐ solidify your plans with family
☐ share your plans with friends
☐ announce your departure date with colleagues
☐ prepare for your records and workload shift
☐ other

Make Some Lists
☐ home to-do list - repairs, etc.
☐ personal to-do list - things you’ve been putting off until 'tomorrow'
☐ travel wish list - be creative
☐ doctor visit list
☐ brainstorming existing activities list
☐ other

Consider the Following Items
☐ taking a unplanned year, like a gap year for post-career
☐ if you have a partner, discuss what your post-career will be together
☐ reach out to your preferment network and attend regular meetups
☐ define what sort of contributions you could make
☐ donate your old work wardrobe
☐ buy a bolder and fun wardrobe to look and feel fresh
☐ other

FIRST MONTHS AT HOME
Celebrate Your Accomplishments
☐ plan a celebration with your inner circle
☐ take stock of your career highlights
☐ send gratitude notes to those who enabled your achievements
☐ treat yourself and indulge in selfish
☐ embrace all the emotions, including grief
☐ other

Enjoy Your Freedom
☐ set up weekly coffee with friends
☐ go browse a bookstore
☐ take an online course
☐ walk around your community
☐ detail your car
☐ create or overhaul you home office
☐ clean closets, basement, garage, or attic
☐ other

Establish Fresh Routines and Habits
☐ design a new morning routine
☐ remove all foods with preservatives and sugar
☐ sit still with your thoughts or practice meditation
☐ add one additional 20-minute movement activity
☐ other

Live Your New Identity
☐ create a new electronic contact card
☐ write your preferment bio
☐ practice answering, what do you do?
☐ other