Leaving Your Job with Grace
3 minute read
A friend recently asked me how I managed to leave a job gracefully. It’s an interesting question because, looking back, I've always left my jobs on good terms. I stay in touch with former colleagues, would be happy to run into any of them again, and never worry about receiving a poor reference. After some thought, I realized there are key steps I take to ensure a graceful exit. Here’s my approach to leaving a job with grace, along with a personal example from my last job transition:
Share Concerns Early
If you have concerns about your role or tenure, share them with a trusted colleague in leadership. Giving the company a chance to address your concerns shows respect and can potentially resolve issues before they escalate.
Notify Your Team Promptly
Once you’ve accepted a new position, inform your team promptly and respect the notice period. This allows for a smoother transition of responsibilities. Negotiating your start date with the new employer can help avoid leaving your current team during a critical period.
Express Gratitude
Take time to thank your leadership, team members, and anyone else who supported you. Even if you didn’t directly work with certain individuals, sending a thank-you email or note to key figures like the CEO or department head is appreciated and leaves a positive impression.
Keep the Door Open
Unless the company was a poor fit, leave the door open for future opportunities. If asked about returning, be honest about your career goals while remaining open to possibilities. Keeping a positive relationship can lead to future collaborations or references. “Never say never” is a good mantra here.
Stay in Touch
Maintain connections with former colleagues. Grow your professional network by adding them to your personal board of directors or staying connected on LinkedIn. If there is someone you admire, make them an informal mentor. These relationships can be valuable for mutual support and future career opportunities.
The key to leaving any job is making peace with your decision. If you approach your departure confidently, honestly, and compassionately, you’ll leave a positive and lasting impression.
A Personal Example:
Leaving my last job was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever made. I deeply valued my role and team after nearly a decade with the company. Eventually, I realized it was time for a new chapter. When I first sensed a need for change, I engaged in open conversations with leaders about my thoughts, concerns, and aspirations. This collaborative approach allowed us to explore options together. By the time I tendered my resignation, although they were disappointed, they understood my decision.
During my off-boarding, I meticulously documented essential information, shared it with relevant colleagues, and ensured a smooth transition for my responsibilities. As my last day approached, I crafted personal emails to those who had significantly impacted my professional growth, to my direct reports, and a thank you email to the firm’s leaders. The responses were overwhelming, leaving me confident I was departing on good terms. I still keep in touch with many of them today!
Thinking of leaving your job and wanting to ensure a graceful exit? Send us an email to talk it through!
