Time to Celebrate!
How do you decide when to leave a job? And how do you do this well?
At this time of year, we can often reflect on our jobs and whether they are bringing us the enjoyment and fulfilment we seek. Sometimes this can mean, we need to make a change for ourselves and perhaps our family too.
But deciding to leave a job is a big decision to make. Often it can take us a while to conclude that a new job is the only way forward either to progress in our careers and/or to find something that suits us and our lifestyles better. Once you have made the decision, there is the simple matter of ‘leaving’ your current role. How we choose to do this is down to us, but the consequences of not doing this well can be far reaching. I set out my top tips so that you can avoid falling into the trap of creating a dramatic exit that lasts in people’s memory for all the wrong reasons.
As a coach, I often get asked by clients, the best way to leave their role and transition to the next one. This is not surprising, as my clients are action oriented and are looking to progress in their careers. But there is frequently hesitation and fear about reactions and negativity that they may receive from their current supervisors, once they share that they intend to leave.
My clients are concerned about their reputation and integrity and look for some clear steps to help them move through the exit process smoothly.
From my personal experience (and noticing what others have done) I have compiled my top tips below:
1. Think about when to submit your resignation. You may have contractual obligations that provide the required timeline but providing as much notice as possible, allows your current employer to start the recruitment process right away and minimize gaps.
2. Think about what you will say to explain your departure. This may be new opportunities, different direction, growth potential. Avoid making the reasoning negative about your current employment if that is the reason you are leaving.
3. Use the opportunity of discussing your exit, to thank them for the opportunity and learning/growth you have been able to achieve under their supervision/employment.
4. If you are offered an exit interview, or questionnaire, use this constructively, to help them make improvements and adjustments. Making sweeping negative comments about individuals or situations is not helpful and will not be taken seriously. If you want to help them change, make useful suggestions and/or solutions to problems.
5. Once you have left, do not speak badly about the company, or individuals (word gets around within industries and they will hear about it.) If you have to say something, perhaps say it wasn’t the right fit for you.
Final Thoughts
In the end, you want your previous employer to recall positives about you, not negatives…you may not want to work for that company again but the current people who work there now will likely change jobs in the future, and move to a company you may also be interested in working for….so make sure the lasting impression you leave is a good one!