Whether you have worked at a job for many years or for a short period, it is important to make a good impression when you leave. Whether or not you need a reference for future work, it’s ideal for you and for those around you for you to exit your role with dignity. Acting as though you don’t care anymore can quickly damage a good reputation you have spent years building. We have all seen or heard of those who chat on the phone with pals for days before the end, have a heated exchange with the boss, or sabotage computer files. Whatever you do last is often the thing coworkers remember. Three common scenarios for leaving a job are discussed here: getting fired, dreading your job and finding a better opportunity.
Being Fired
Being fired can be abrupt, but it can be a slow process too. Your employer might not invite you to meetings or to work on new projects. Your boss might demote you by reducing your job responsibilities or require you to work in a toxic work environment (e.g., where there is harassment, discrimination or improper discipline). Constructive dismissal is when your employer makes a substantial change to your duties without your consent or demonstrates an intention to no longer be bound by the terms of the employment contract. You should be careful to ensure that you are reading the signals given correctly; your boss might not be firing you but has the right to change some of your duties in order to keep up with the demands of competing in the marketplace.
The way to find out how things are going is to take the initiative to let your boss know that you are concerned about your job and ask if he or she is satisfied with your performance or if there are areas where you need to improve. If you still believe that you will be let go shortly, then you might want to leave first before things decline further. Resigning removes a burden from your employer’s shoulders and he or she will be grateful if you leave first. If you stay positive and leave on good terms, your boss might give you a favourable reference. You might be able to agree on a departure story that is favourable to you, where you can ask for employment insurance.
Dreading Your Job
In many workplaces, there are limited opportunities for advancement, where senior staff seem entrenched in their roles, especially in small firms. The company might not be growing and jobs could be lost as a result of technological advancements or attrition. If you are bored and you’ve asked for a promotion at least twice, perhaps it’s time to move on. It’s better to start an active job search as soon as possible. It’s important not to let resent get entrenched or to slip in your performance. A lateral move elsewhere can be a great new challenge where you can thrive and meet new people.
When it’s time for your exit, it’s best to notify your direct boss first and provide reasons why you are leaving. Explain how you understand the financial/logistical reasons you weren’t promoted. Discuss with your boss how your exit will be communicated with other staff. One way to make a great exit is to say “I’ve really enjoyed working here, but I think it’s time for me to move on.” You might say that you want to “pursue new areas” or are “considering going back to school or starting up a business.” Your boss will know why you are really leaving and you manage to keep up a good appearance. Make it clear to others that you have learned a lot, have been happy working there and you respect everyone there.
Finding a Better Opportunity
If you have found a better job, it’s important not to gloat about leaving your workplace. You may be glad to go but your colleagues will resent any reminders of being left behind. Don’t slack in your final days or pack your desk during work hours, which can be distracting to others. Never speak negatively about the workplace you are leaving. A tactful comment is to say “It was time for me to make a change. I hope that I’ll be as happy there as I was here.”
Make time to go out for lunch with your coworkers before you go. Stay in touch with your colleagues; friendships that start in the office can often become good business contacts for life. If co-workers flock to you with their resumes, say that you will collect them only when you are in a position where you can hire. Your first few months at the new job will be difficult as it is, but exciting at the same time. Be sure to clean up your computer files and leave behind notes related to your work so that a newcomer can pick it up more easily. A goodbye note saying thank you and offering to stay in touch with your home email address can be mutually beneficial as well.
