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How to leave your job well​

As a coach working with senior leaders, I often find myself in conversations about career transitions - especially around how to leave a job well. Whether you're contemplating a move or in the midst of one, the way you exit can have a lasting impact on your colleagues, your employer, and, perhaps most importantly, on how you feel about the experience.

Here are a few reflections on what you might want to consider to make sure you leave your role in the best way possible.

1. Tidy up your professional space

Before you go, put your house in order - both literally and metaphorically – if you can. Whilst it can be tempting to leave the files you haven’t touched for years (yes that’s been me in the past!) for someone else to sort, it’s worth taking the time to clear out your digital and physical files, ensuring everything that needs to be handed over is properly organised. Resolve any outstanding issues that only you can address. Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, in Designing Your Work Life liken this to the responsible camper’s motto: "Leave the campsite better than you found it." By making things better before you leave, you set your team up for future success.

2. Finish strong

It’s tempting to mentally check out once your resignation is confirmed, but staying engaged until you leave is key. It shows your ongoing faith and interest in the organisation and the teams around you and helps maintain your professionalism and credibility. That doesn’t mean you have to work at 100 miles an hour though! You’ll find that your workload changes in the run up to your departure, particularly if you’re in one of the top roles. So also make the most of having a slightly slower pace that gives you some time to reflect on what you’re taking away from your time there.

3. Mark the moment

From my experience of coaching many leaders as they leave their role, I know firsthand that lots of us feel uncomfortable with the idea of farewell parties, especially if you’re not one for the limelight. But endings are important – both for you and for your colleagues. They give all of you a chance to acknowledge the end of an era. If you’re in a senior leadership role, it’s unlikely you’re universally popular (no-one ever is!) but there will be many people who will have appreciated the way you’ve gone about your role and the impact you’ve had on them. So try not to shy away from celebrating your contributions and allowing others to express their appreciation. You might be surprised at how valued you are. When I’ve left organisations, I’ve often been really touched by the messages I’ve received. I’ve always kept those messages and always suggest to others that they keep them too.

4. Keep in touch - mindfully

Leave your contact details with those you genuinely want to keep in touch with, but be thoughtful about what kind of relationships you want to maintain after your departure. Whether you’re moving on to an exciting new opportunity or taking time out to reflect, relationships from your past job may still play a role in your future.

5. Embrace mixed emotions

Even if you’re eagerly anticipating your next move, leaving a job - especially after a long tenure - can stir up a range of emotions. You’re making an important transition – moving away from an identity you’ve held potentially for some time. It’s natural to feel unsettled by the move. Stay with the feelings if you can; you’ll emerge before too long with new energy and perspectives.

If you’re thinking about changing jobs and would like to talk further, book a free 30 minute call with me or sign up to my regular newsletter to receive more hints and tips on business challenges.