PHOTOS

: Quitting a job you hate is easy, but walking away from a job you love is down-right heartbreaking. Leaving a situation like that is similar to divorcing a spouse, and as such requires some time to grieve, heal properly and move on in a healthy way. <li><li> I speak from experience. When I put in my notice to resign as managing editor of a popular lifestyle Website, I was sad, anxious and resolute. Chin up, dressed as cute as cute could be (just sayin’), I gave up a job I loved. It was time for me to leave, so I could pursue my personal writing and business goals. <li> <li>Sometimes, moving on is a necessary part of career and personal growth. The break up between you and your job can amicable but painful. Check out a few tips for divorcing your job while still maintaining your sanity. —Demetria Irwin

: Cut digital ties: When you break up with someone, you need to unfriend on Facebook, unfollow on Twitter and stop compulsively visiting that person’s blog or Tumblr page. Same goes for work. You have to get out of the habit of daily interaction with your previous job. E-mails and calendar events connected to your phone must also be deleted. You don’t want that familiar “ping” reminder about a weekly staff meeting that you don’t attend anymore.

: Stop playing the role without the title/benefits: When you and your ex are dunzo, you already know the dangers of “hooking up” on occasion with no titles or commitments. You’re bound for failure, resentment and feeling some type of way. With work, you have to put the brakes on doing your job behind the scenes. When former co-workers call and e-mail asking for help with how you did your job, you must politely decline. That is no longer your responsibility.

: Do not gossip: The relationship is over and even in the best of situations there were some not-so-great aspects to it. People might prod you for dirt, but don't give in. Leave with grace and tact. When you run around bad mouthing a previous employer, the only person who ends up looking ridiculous is you. Use your experiences—both good and bad—as learning tools for your personal growth. Plus, you never know what opportunities will arise later. Don’t burn your bridges.

: Throw out reminders of the old job: Toss (or recycle) those business cards, get rid of the piles of handwritten notes that you don’t need and by all means purge your computer of the drafts and documents that are part of that your former everyday life. At this point it’s just clutter. Take care to keep the useful bits though. Contact information for people you want to keep in touch with and documents that could be useful in your next career journey should remain in arm’s reach.

: Go as hard for yourself as you did for your job: You put a lot of time and energy into your previous situation. Now that the job is no longer a part of your life, there can seem to be a large void in your life. Fill it immediately. Re-channel that effort to yourself, whether that means starting your own business, taking a much-needed vacation or honing a long neglected skill set. Nurturing the best you possible is the healthiest way to move on.