December 26, 2023
According to a recent LinkedIn survey, 70% of Gen Z and millennial workers are considering leaving their jobs. Whether you’re feeling undervalued in your current role or you’re simply ready for a change, it’s no secret that leaving a job is a big decision.
There are endless resources to inform a decision to leave, but what isn’t talked about enough is how to leave a job well. Moving on to the next phase of your career should be an exciting change — not one tainted by burned bridges or regrets.
If you’re looking to leave a job confidently and professionally, here are a few tips to help:
While the standard is two weeks, giving your employer as much notice as possible before leaving could go a long way in having a smooth transition. Be sure to also read through your employment contract, as it may designate a required length of notice. Depending on your situation, giving several weeks’ notice can help ease the change for everyone and give you some time before jumping into another role. Of course, always be prepared for the possibility that announcing a resignation may mean being asked to leave immediately — you know your employer, so consider your timeline carefully.
More often than not, your employer will ask for an exit interview where they ask questions about your experience with the company. While you are not required to state your reason for leaving, sharing your honest and constructive feedback with leadership can help them improve and can help you gain closure. Preparing beforehand is the key here — know what you want to say and why so that you’re ready to communicate it confidently. Important note: This is not the time to air grievances in a bitter tone. Aim to be respectful and truthful at the same time, so you both leave the conversation feeling good.
After resigning, it can be tempting to lose motivation and let deadlines or projects slip. Use this time to end on a high note, wrapping up any outstanding projects or working with management to delegate any task you can’t complete. Take note of tips and tricks like where files are located, key information you’ve learned about clients, and how to navigate software to make things smoother for the person taking over your job. Not only will they deeply appreciate the help, but you’ll also be able to leave without any worries.
Use your resignation letter, exit interview, and the time before your departure to show how grateful you are for the experience. However you feel about the organization, chances are you learned something new, gained valuable skills, or formed meaningful bonds with coworkers (And if you’re lucky, all of the above!). Take the time to share your gratitude with your managers and coworkers: It can make a difference in maintaining your network afterward and help you part ways on a high note.
Written by Molly Menning
