Structured Exit Strategies Before Search: Asset or Anchor?

June 09, 2025
by a searcher from Harvard University - Harvard Business School in Washington, DC, USA
I’m in the planning stage to launch a self-funded search and considering whether/ how best to structure a thoughtful transition from my current role. I’ve seen most searchers exit cold turkey (which obviously does a lot to focus the mind), but have heard of others who negotiate phased transitions or part-time advisory gigs to buy time and runway.
I’d love to hear how people in this community have approached this:
Were you able to negotiate paid transition support while launching your search?
Did it help - or did it dilute your energy and commitment?
Any creative win-wins you’ve seen for employer + searcher?
I’m especially interested in cases where people made the transition itself part of their edge, whether by de-risking cash flow or preserving narrative strength.
Thoughts?
from Karel De Grote Hogeschool in Belgium
from University of Venice in 36100 Vicenza VI, Italia