Leave on a positive note with your head held high.
There are some occasions when, simply put, it’s time to leave your current workplace, whether by circumstances internal or external, where the advantages of leaving outweigh the disadvantages of staying, whether done reluctantly or otherwise. Perhaps you feel like a change of career or even to start up your own business.
Leaving Properly
In such a scenario, there is an inherent tension between you and your bosses or even your fellow workers. Not necessarily a negative one but the knowledge you are soon departing changes the nature of relationships and people may start treating you somewhat differently than before, perhaps more detached and somewhat more aloof. This is perfectly natural human behavior and not to be taken personally. It’s simply human nature to react differently to someone you’ve grown close to when you know that relationship is about to be severed imminently.
That being said, you want to eventually leave your current and soon-to-be-ex workplace on a positive note, with people remembering you in a good light and your former bosses able to give you a glowing reference for your next employer. You want to be able to walk out the door that final time in peace and with both dignity and reputation intact. Some departures have been bitter and with animus which you want to avoid at all costs. Leave people actually missing your presence every day, let them feel your absence, and remember you fondly.
What’s The Best Way To Leave My Job?
To do this, we’ve consulted with some employment experts on how to resign and depart gracefully and respectfully from your current position. These 5 tips will hopefully give you some guidance on leaving on a good note.
Are you ready? Let’s do it…
1. Preparation
First things first, be very, very sure that leaving your current job is absolutely, positively the right thing to do. You need to be 100% certain of this, as once you start the wheels in motion and then change your mind, you’ll appear erratic, indecisive, unreliable to those around you. But if you are certain, then prepare a timeline for your departure, how you will inform the management and your fellow workers, legal necessities prior to leaving, your financial stability upon leaving and getting a new job, etc.
Talk with your family and friends about what you’re planning, lay it all out for them and see what they think. Listen intently to what they say and don’t dismiss anything out of hand. If you feel resolute in your determination to leave then do it only with a clear conscience and clarity of purpose.
2. Legalities
When leaving a workplace, be sure you have considered all the legal necessities for your departure. These days, in an increasingly globalized and corporatized world, there are certain terms and conditions that must be fulfilled before you can depart… or risk legal action against you if you don’t and nobody wants or needs that.
For example, is there a mandatory notice period between informing your bosses of your intent to leave and your actual departure date? Very often, it is one month but situations may vary. What about the return of company property or the details of your severance agreement? Does your employment contract have a non-compete clause and in what specified circumstances is it spelled out? These are all things that need careful and precise consideration beforehand.
3. Informing Your Superiors
Now you’ve decided your leaving and weighed up all options – personal, professional, and legal – now’s the time to drop the news on your bosses and inform them of your intent. Arrange it beforehand, perhaps make an appointment with their secretary instead of dropping into their office unannounced. Know what you’re going to say in advance and be prepared for potentially awkward questions.
Go to the meeting in a positive frame of mind, explain clearly and concisely your reasons for leaving, accentuate the positive aspects of your job over the negative, and keep your composure throughout, and not get excited or agitated. One thing you should do in advance is backup all files and folders that belong to you as your access may be terminated soon after your meeting.
4. Loose Ends
Before you go, and if you are able to stay through your notice period, use the time wisely to tie up all loose ends. Finish projects that need to be finished, ensure all legal obligations the company has to you – and you to it – will be fulfilled in full by the date of your departure.
A good idea would be to train up a potential successor before you leave, someone you know will be carrying out your former responsibilities when you depart. By doing this, you show yourself a thoughtful and considerate team member who’s not going to just skedaddle and leave your former colleagues holding the baby (so to speak).
5. Goodbyes
As the day of your departure draws near, you are no doubt racing to finish up everything before clearing your desk and bidding fare thee well to your colleagues. Try and make this as positive a transition as possible. Don’t get overly emotional and start blubbing, project an air of determination and resolution while acknowledging just how much you’ll miss your colleagues.
A good way to end on a high note is to arrange a social gathering on or around your departure date, perhaps print up invites and disseminate them throughout the office. Make your colleagues feel how much you valued them and that leaving is a big step for you but that you’re wanting to enjoy one last big hurrah with them to go out with good memories and positive vibes.
