Welcome to the Great Resignation. Some studies show that about one in four employees will consider quitting their current job in 2022. If you join that group of workers leaving for better opportunities, how do you quit your current role and leave on good terms?
It’s an important consideration. It may feel satisfying to deliver a mic-drop moment, unleashing a pent-up rant on your former boss as you head towards the door. But that’s not an ideal way to leave.
You might still need good relations with your former supervisors and coworkers. Here’s why:
- You might need recommendations: Your manager and your team members will likely provide the references you need for future job hunts. Make sure they have nice things to say.
- You want to build your professional network: You never know from which direction opportunities will come. Good relationships lead to better career prospects.
- You might return to the company some day: Think LeBron James heading back to Cleveland to win a championship. Yes, you’re leaving the organization now. But who knows where your career will take you?
- You want to preserve a good reputation in the industry: People talk. You don’t want other companies in the industry hearing that you made a sour departure at a previous employer.
Given these factors, it’s crucial that you find a soft exit. Here are four tips for quitting your job that will allow you to leave on good terms:
Four Tips For Quitting Your Job on Good Terms
Give Adequate Notice
By leaving, you’re creating a hole in your employer’s operations. It will take time to find someone to pick up your assignments. In the meantime, your coworkers will likely take on the added burden to keep things running smoothly.
Of course, none of this is your responsibility. However, you should do what you can to limit the impact. That starts by giving adequate notice before quitting.
Typically, two-week notice has become the standard for most roles. This isn’t always possible, but you should consider it a minimum when circumstances allow it. Moreover, you can consider longer-term notice or a phased departure, depending on your role and the particular situation.
Keep Performing at High Level
Remember senioritis in high school? Those last couple of weeks before graduation likely didn’t see your best academic work. Well, don’t let that pattern repeat this time.
Sure, you won’t have to face a performance report based on your final two weeks at your soon-to-be-former employer. But that doesn’t give you a green light to slack off.
Rather, do what you can to maintain your usual standards of performance. That way, your manager and your coworkers will remember you as a professional and a contributing team member. Otherwise, a lackluster showing in the final weeks might be all they recall when it comes time to ask for a reference.
Leave Your Team Better Off
The key to making a good impression? Make sure the folks around you are better off for having worked with you.
Take steps to ensure that your tenure at the company had the meaning you want it to have. At the same time, solidify connections with your team members and build those networking contacts that will be the key to everyone’s future professional development.
Participate in a Smooth Transition
Build a bridge to the post-you future of the company. Actively work to ensure a smooth transition, making sure your team is set up for success in your absence. Here are a few specific steps to take:
- Complete any pending projects, if possible
- Offer to train your replacement
- Take the exit interview seriously
- Stay in contact with your former coworkers
Need Help Finding Work At An Exceptional Company
If you’re leaving your current position, make sure your next stop is the perfect one for you. Partner with a strong recruiting firm, like Hiregy, to find the ideal situation to drive your career forward.
Contact Hiregy today to learn more.
