According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person changes jobs 10-15 times (with an average of 12 job changes) during his or her career, spending roughly five years or less in a job. And for millennials, the number of job changes is even greater. According to the Future Workplace “Multiple Generations @ Work” survey, 91% of millennials expect to stay in a job less than three years, resulting in 15-20 jobs over the course of their working lives.
Whether you’re leaving a job voluntarily or involuntarily, this transition can often be bittersweet and fraught with a variety of emotions. While the following tips may seem like common sense, it’s important to exit professionally to avoid “burning any bridges.”
- Stay Focused—As much as possible, tie up any unfinished business and remain engaged until you walk out the door. You may feel relieved to be moving on or perhaps resentful that you were asked to leave. You may be tempted to say, “Not my problem anymore; I’m outta here!” However, it behooves you to leave your work in good order so that your boss, your team, or whoever takes your place, can pick up the tasks after you’re gone. Prepare a status update of all current initiatives and who is responsible for each. Let those who you do business with—inside and outside the company—know who the future contact(s) will be. Ensure that others are aware of upcoming deadlines or issues that will need to be addressed in the future. Think about how you would want others to leave the work for you if the situation were reversed.
- No Disparagement—Above all, do not disparage the current manager or the organization to colleagues. You may be leaving because of an unfair or uncaring boss; however, it’s best to refrain from sharing your negative thoughts and feelings openly. Even your closest confidants at work tend to talk with others, and your disgruntlement will likely become fodder for the organization’s grapevine. You do not want your complaints to promote the grievances of others.
- Exit Interviews—If you are given an opportunity for an exit interview, think through what you want to say in an objective, fact-based way. Be honest about a new opportunity or about the need for further career development. Demonstrate accountability for any mistakes you may have made and refrain from blaming others. As appropriate, offer constructive suggestions for improvement. If you feel that you have been treated unfairly, be sure that you have the facts and are not reacting to office gossip or speculation. State your case objectively and calmly. Perceptions can vary, and sometimes it may be best to simply let go and move on. If you suspect that there have been serious violations of policy—such as sexual harassment or other ethical issues—don’t wait for an exit interview. These should be surfaced to the appropriate people immediately, so that they can be investigated and addressed.
- Review Your Benefits—If you’ve been given a severance or separation package, typically you are not permitted to share any details with co-workers; however, you can usually have an attorney review the terms. Take the time to ask questions for clarification about health care coverage, unemployment, or other benefits that you may need after you leave.
- Express Appreciation—It may be sad to say goodbye to colleagues, team members, and vendors/suppliers, that you have been used to seeing every day. Convey gratitude to anyone that had been particularly helpful to you. Share email addresses and phone numbers of those that you’d like to stay in touch with. It is likely that your paths may cross again, perhaps in some other organization or venue. You may need help with a future job search, and you can offer support to others as well.
Throughout my own career, I found that the transition from one position to another was always the hardest. I learned that the work will go on with or without me; however, the relationships were the ones that I missed the most. I cherish those friendships that have lasted for many years after leaving the job.
So when leaving a company, it’s best to take the high road. Keep in mind the words of Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Good luck.
