Leaving With Dignity

For each of us, there comes a time in our careers when we must resign and take up a position with a new employer. It may be because we are seeking better pay or a promotion, or we are seeking a different working environment. Perhaps we don’t enjoy working for our current employer and we want to move on. Whatever the reason for resigning, you will want to do so respectfully and with dignity.

It’s in your own interest that your soon-to-be-former employer regards you as nothing but professional. In preparing to leave your current position, bear the following in mind:

• How do I want my colleagues to remember me after I’ve moved on to the new job?
• What can I do to demonstrate my professionalism in the last few weeks or days?

You should always leave a job on the best possible terms. People from the organisation you are leaving may be asked to give you a reference for future jobs. You will want them to speak highly and positively of you. 

The business world is small. People mix freely in professional and social circles.  If you have left an employer on bad terms, this is sure to come up in a conversation and may affect your career prospects. And the sad thing is, you will never know that this conversation took place. But it will have an impact on your prospects.

Here are a few thoughts to bear in mind.

My boss was very difficult to work with. Should I mention this in the exit interview?

You have nothing to gain by slighting your manager. Try to be as positive as possible. When asked about specifics, reply with a bald answer: “We are a good team, but we’ve been under a lot of pressure lately.” In this way, you defuse the situation and keep egos intact. And. No bridges are burnt.

Should I help to recruit my successor?

It is a helpful and supportive action to assist your employer with finding someone to replace you. If it is acceptable, you can assist with interviews and explain work processes. Avoid negative aspects of the job. Introduce the successful candidate to his or her new co-workers. Be as affirming as possible. Talk about the positive aspects of the work and the organisation.

How should I resign?

Let your employer know as soon as possible once you have a firm offer. Give your notice in writing. Your letter should be brief and professional and contain the date of your last working day. End your resignation letter on a positive note by commenting briefly on the valuable learning or growth opportunities in the position you are leaving

How do I deal with my immediate supervisor?

Set up a meeting with the person to whom you report directly. Your immediate supervisor always deserves the courtesy of a face-to-face meeting. During this meeting you should tell your supervisor you have decided to take another position and when you will be leaving. Now is not the time to tell your boss about all the things that are wrong and how low your salary was. Let your supervisor save face. You want your boss to be as comfortable as possible during this meeting.

What should I do during the last few days or weeks?

Continue to work as if you were staying with the organisation forever. This is the key to exiting with dignity and leaving an excellent lasting impression. Continue to work as if you were trying for the next promotion. Finish as many projects as possible, attend all meetings, and be an active participant in your work. This is not the time to let things slide. 

What about the person who will be replacing me?

Leave instructions for the next person who will be doing your job. If there are ongoing projects, or you do not complete tasks, leave detailed written instructions. Make getting into the new job as easy as possible for the next person. By doing this you are leaving the impression that you do not simply walk away from work you could not complete.

What should I do on the last day?

This will vary from company to company. At the very least you should hand back access cards, devices and other company property. Take a few minutes to say goodbye to your working colleagues and the special friends you have made. Make a special time to say goodbye to your supervisor. Thank your supervisor for supporting you. Make sure it is a positive interaction. Unless you are explicitly told to do so, do not leave before the normal closing time. Be seen to be a dedicated employee up to the last moment.

And when you move on to your new organisation, leave your baggage behind you. Don’t continually harp on “Well, at XYX we used to do it like this….” You are going to a new, exciting position as part of your unfolding career. Embrace it and focus on yourself to become a valuable contributor to your new employer.