How to successfully leave a job.
As we’ve seen from the recent furore surrounding The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, stepping away from a job can cause quite an uproar. Of course, the Queen and future Kings probably aren’t going to be involved in your departure, nor will it be splashed across every media outlet out there, but there is certainly a right way and a wrong way to go about it!
It’s why we’ve put together three quick tips to ease your departure:
- Go straight to your employer: Once you’ve been offered, made your decision to leave, been handed a contract of employment and signed it, we advise you to tell your employer directly. Unlike Harry and Meghan, it’s probably not best to release a statement to the entire office before you’ve told the person who hires you. Also, whilst we understand that handing your notice in can be an awkward encounter and not always possible, do try your hardest to hand your notice in, in person. At the very least, an employer deserves a phone call explaining the offer you’ve received and why you’ve decided to make the move. It’s always better and more respectful than an email or text.
- Serve your notice: A notice has been written into your contract and, as with any contract, it should be adhered to. Circumstances could mean that you’re not able to or may not need to, however, whilst you’re serving your notice still ensure that you’re involved, even if your heart isn’t in it anymore. It costs nothing to help, so do try and complete the tasks that you can complete and tie up any loose ends that you have. Tell people who you are in regular contact with that you are off to pastures new and provide them with details of your replacement or anyone else in the business that could help them in the future. And whilst we’re talking of replacements, help your employer find a ‘new you’. Share with them all that you do in your role, and the qualities that they should be looking for, and should your replacement happen to start before you leave, help teach them the ropes – you’ve got nothing to lose.
- Leave on good terms: More often than not, you will spend more time with your colleagues and employer than your own family, so be appreciative. Consider the time you’ve spent together and the opportunities you’ve been provided. Both sides should ensure that they keep the relationship a positive one – you never know what the future holds, so unless you want to slam the door shut, lock it and throw away the keys, then take the time to say a proper farewell. It costs nothing and will be appreciated. One of our employees once wrote us all leaving cards, and they still take pride of place on our desks!
Handing in your notice isn’t anyone’s favourite task, but we do hope that these tips will help you leave in the best possible way.
