HOW DO YOU LEAVE A JOB ON GOOD TERMS?
The temptation to resign in style can be overwhelming.
Once your name is penned onto a new job contract, ‘speaking your mind’ at exit can feel like a dream come true.
However, although storming into your (soon to be ex) boss's office and shouting all the reasons you’re glad to be leaving may provide some instant gratification - it will do you no favours in the long term. In fact, it can result in tremendous damage to your professional reputation and future hire-ability, not good.
So how can you leave a job and maintain good terms - even with bad bosses?
Control your emotions
Understandably you are incredibly excited right now. New job, a fresh start, it’s all very thrilling - but don’t allow these feelings to get in the way of a professional departure. No matter why you’ve chosen to leave your current organisation, you have to respect the experience you’ve gained in their employment, good and bad. This is particularly true if you’ve worked with the same business for numerous years and have become an integral part of operations and culture.
Bragging to anyone who will listen about the brilliance of your new job and how enthusiastic you are about leaving, is both disrespectful and offensive to current coworkers. Be calm, controlled, humble even. Exercise restraint when discussing the positives of your new job and build relationships; as there’s a good chance you’ll need the support of ex-management and colleagues for references or networking in the future.
Provide suitable notice
The moment you make the decision to leave let your manager(s) know first, before sharing the news with other co-workers. Whether you’re a fan of your boss or not, respecting the line of management and appreciating the impact your departure will have on the business, will put you in good stead for future communications.
For most employees, the typical notice period is two weeks. You can, of course, stick to this (or whichever time period is contractually stated), however the more availability you can provide, the better. Much of this decision will come down to your personal circumstances and the work you’re tasked with wrapping up, but flexibility will be appreciated.
As an important note, ensure you document all the details of your exit and make sure to formalise your departure with a professionally written letter of resignation, with examples available at [1].
Don’t make it difficult
Your resignation is going to have an impact on the company you’re leaving. How much of an impact will vary, but is likely to at-least include employing or training a replacement - which can be difficult if the skills required are hard to source.
To ensure you leave on good terms, help by making this process as smooth and efficient for everyone involved as possible. Allow sufficient time to complete projects, write up handbooks for your replacement and provide the business information you alone are privy to (such as login details).
Don’t spitefully make your boss's life difficult in the wake of your resignation. Being intentionally hard to work with, sabotaging activities you're involved in or withholding business information are all guaranteed ways to burn bridges and sour your exit.
Use these final days in the job to create the best possible last impression, rather than slacking off. You may have secured the new job, but if your new employer hears you handled your exit poorly, they could reconsider their hiring decision. Work hard, be a premium employee and complete your work to the highest standard in a professional manner.
Be prepared
It can be difficult to guess exactly how your resignation is going to be received. Many employers will be accepting and respectful of your decision, enabling you to enjoy your last weeks - perhaps even throwing you a goodbye party!
However there’s an equal possibility that your departure will strike the wrong chord with management, perhaps due to being poorly timed or unexpected; leading to a much more negative experience and plenty of cold shoulders. In some cases, you may even be asked to leave immediately, particularly if you deal with sensitive data or there’s a security risk.
When you hand in your notice, go in fully prepared. Have a practiced story for why you’re leaving, taken from a positive point of view; for example,
“I’m so grateful for everything you’ve taught me in the past x years. It’s helped me become a better x, and has given me the confidence to make a change in my career path. I’ve been offered an opportunity with x company that better fits my personal career aspirations. My hope is that we can stay in touch and possibly help each other again in the future.”
Put your house in order - save any digital data you need, delete browser histories and files, clear out your desk, grab your mug from the kitchen, pack up the fish tank etc… Just do everything required so that, if asked to leave immediately, you’re not left in a compromised position.
Ensure relationships aren’t severed
Since the onset of social media, the professional business world has become increasingly digitally connected and with that, much much smaller. With sites like LinkedIn sharing your full work history and making it simple for people to connect with your ex-colleagues, it’s more vital than ever to maintain positive relationships with previous coworkers.
The last thing you want is for a disgruntled former manager with a gear to grind, to provide bad feedback to a hiring manager reviewing your past experience! Keeping people sweet (even if it’s through gritted teeth), allows you to leave gracefully and keep the door open for future networking or referencing needs. It also strengthens your personal reputation and relationships without leaving current coworkers with a toxic last memory of you.
This also feeds over to your current customers and clients. It’s possible your departure could also affect this group, so make sure to politely let them know you’re leaving the business. Many of these could become strong connections, even supporting your next job position, so you want these people aware and on-board with your movements.
Support and train your replacement
One of the biggest headaches caused by your departure is the need to fill the void created. This either means your boss needs to source and hire a replacement, or another co-worker needs to step up and carry the load. A huge part of leaving on good terms is making sure your replacement is capable of taking on the workload and tasks you’re leaving behind. You know better than anyone exactly what your job entails, so can play a key role during recruitment and training.
Offer to be part of the interviewing and sourcing of your replacement. Give clear insights to your management team on exactly the type of person they need to hire and why. Impart wisdom to your understudy, help them succeed and you will be remembered fondly by all parties.
In conclusion
It can be hard to hold yourself back when quitting on a bad boss, but it’s a must that you do. Unleashing your inner diva will achieve nothing, apart from potentially sabotaging your future career prospects.
Be respectful. Be supportive. Be professional. Don’t brag. Don’t slack off. Don’t damage relationships.
Think ahead. Think about what’s left behind. Think about your future.
References
https://www.thebalance.com/best-resignation-letter-examples-2063519
