How to Exit a Job Gracefully

Here's a piece from CareerJournal that lists their suggestions on how to exit a job gracefully:

• Give plenty of notice.
• Write a resignation letter.
• Don't get senioritis.
• Help with the hiring process.
• Know what you're entitled to.
• Keep your mouth shut.
• Stay in touch.
• Say thank you.

I've changed jobs a few times in my career (the last being three years or so ago) and here's my take on each of these:

• I think two weeks notice is fine. It's a little short if you're the boss who's left behind and a key employee leaves, but you can't hold people back. And if you're on the leaving end, two weeks is about all you can usually handle before your desire to get on with it is too great.

• I didn't write a letter when I resigned my last job and I'd only say it's necessary in certain cases (like you feel you need to document it for some reason.) What I recommend you DON'T do is resign by letter. I've had employees come in my office, sit down, and slide me the letter without saying a word. Tacky. Instead, resign verbally and then "back it up" with a letter if you must.

• It's very, very, very hard not to check out mentally once you resign. You're still being paid, though, so do all you can to complete your assignments and transition them to the people who will now be responsible for them.

• If they want you to, help with the hiring process. In most cases, they won't want help.

• Certainly know what you're due and take full advantage of the benefits. Be sure to make plans for your 401k if you'll be moving it. Personally, I've always rolled mine over to an IRA. (whatever you do, don't cash it out.)

• Yes, yes, yes! Keep your mouth shut. There's nothing to be gained (and maybe something to be lost) by bad-mouthing the boss, the company, etc. I'm sure we've all been in jobs where we hated something, but please, just keep it to yourself. There's no need to burn bridges. Instead, take the high road. If people ask why you're leaving, simply tell them about the great opportunity at the new company.

• I can take or leave the "stay in touch" suggestion. Of course you'll have friends that you'll want to keep up with, but it's sort of like high school -- the longer you're gone, the less you (and they) keep in touch. It's just a fact of life.

• Certainly say thank you, express appreciation, and let everyone know you were thankful for the chance to work there. Even if your life was a living you-know-what, you still got paid and they helped you provide for your family. Again, there's no reason to leave in a mean-spirited fashion.

So, what do you think? Good advice by me/them or are we all wet?

For more thoughts on your career, check out these posts:

• Don't Choose the Job with the Highest Salary -- Here's a List of Other Factors to Consider

• How to Change Your Career in Middle Age

• More Thoughts on Asking for a Raise

Comments

[Mama Money]

I definitely agree with rolling over your money--don't wait to move that 401k or 403b--it will only get more difficult. Some plans require the signature of the plan administrator, and when you've moved to a different state and worked at your former job three years ago, it's more difficult to get that signature than if you had just walked down the hall when you were there.

[suze]

Keep you mouth shut! LOL - excellent advice. And advice I should really take to heart.

[plonkee]

At my company, we have to give at least a months notice - although people often have unused vacation time which they take for the last week or so.

We also need to put our resignation in writing, I guess you're right that its best done verbally with the letter as back up though.

[Tom]

One thing that I've found many people forget about is that in some states your employer is required to pay out your vacation time when you leave. They can't force you to actually take vacation, they actually have to cut you a check. Sick time usually does not get this benefit.

This of course varies state to state. In Massachusetts you get paid, though you may have to demand it. And don't let them force you to take that time off as your two weeks notice.

[fathersez]

I need to give 3 months notice.

Though my contract expires in January 09, I am mulling the possibility of throwing in my notice and walk out.

Only your posts on "no job is worse than having no job" is keeping me from doing this.....yet!