Final Moments on the Job: Priorities Shifted
In the world of work, it's inevitable that some employees will find themselves in a position where they need to move on to new opportunities. Career expert Stefanie Bickert, from Indeed, offers valuable advice on making a professional exit from a job, ensuring a smooth transition, and emotional closure.
To begin with, give appropriate notice and prepare your resignation. Typically, two weeks' notice is required, but this can vary depending on the role or company. Prepare a formal resignation letter that is positive and clear about your intent to leave, maintaining professionalism and avoiding negative comments.
Next, have a thoughtful conversation with your employer. Schedule a private meeting to personally inform your boss of your decision, and express gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you've had. Discuss transition plans such as finishing outstanding projects, documenting your work, and offering to train a replacement or colleagues to ease the handover.
Facilitating a smooth transition is crucial. Document your tasks and responsibilities clearly to help your successor continue your work without major issues. Share contact details and offer to provide support via email or phone after you leave if appropriate. If your company offers an exit interview, use it constructively to give feedback while maintaining a positive tone, helping the organization improve without burning bridges.
Personal farewells are also important. Say goodbye personally to your coworkers and supervisors, either face-to-face or through a thoughtful farewell email or letter. Express gratitude and leave on cordial terms, keeping farewells professional yet warm — focus on the positive relationships and experiences you’ve had.
Emotional closure is essential during this process. Allow yourself to acknowledge mixed emotions; leaving can be bittersweet. Take time on your last day to reflect on what you learned, accomplishments, and relationships developed. Stay positive and forward-looking to make a stronger impression and maintain your professional network.
Additional tips include remaining calm and professional during all conversations, avoiding airing grievances or criticizing colleagues or management when resigning, and maintaining confidentiality of company information and complying with company policies until your last day.
By following these steps, you ensure a professional exit that respects your employer and colleagues, leaves your reputation intact, and provides you with emotional closure for your career transition. This approach helps safeguard future opportunities and maintains valuable connections.
Conflicts in the final phase should not be ignored, but handled calmly and factually. Deleting personal data and returning access and technology to the IT department is also recommended. Organizing personal digital files, such as cleaning up file folders and email inboxes, is advised during the last days of work.
Remember, a job change is an emotional step, and feelings of nostalgia or sadness are normal if you liked your job. Take time to reflect during the last few days of work and note down three things that helped you grow professionally and personally at the workplace, as well as one thing you learned about yourself.
[1] Stefanie Bickert, "The Art of Leaving a Job: A Career Expert's Guide to Exiting Gracefully," Indeed, 2021. [2] Stefanie Bickert, "How to Quit a Job: Tips for a Smooth Transition," Indeed, 2020. [3] Stefanie Bickert, "Leaving a Job: 5 Tips for a Successful Exit Interview," Indeed, 2019. [4] Stefanie Bickert, "The Importance of Saying Goodbye: A Professional Farewell Guide," Indeed, 2018.
Education and self-development can involve learning effective strategies for career development and job search. For instance, effectively managing the transition from one job to another is a crucial aspect of career development. This process includes preparing a formal resignation letter, discussing transition plans with your employer, facilitating a smooth handover, networking with coworkers, and ensuring emotional closure.
