The Elegant Exit:  Leaving Your Job Without Regret

Two Cups of Tea Career Consulting |   Categories: Career Coaching, Professional Development |

Leaving a job can be a stressful and emotional experience, especially if the departure was involuntary or if you have been with the company for a long time. It is critically important to handle this transition gracefully to ensure that you maintain solid industry standing, as well as your personal and professional peace. This is what is known as an "elegant exit."

As an executive coach, I am often asked to advise clients on how to make a graceful exit from their employer. Here are a few tips for leaving your job without burning bridges:

Provide ample notice: It is important to give your employer ample notice before you leave. This allows them time to find a replacement and transition your responsibilities. A standard notice period is two weeks, but it is always best to check your company's policy and consider any dangling issues you can secure prior to your departure.  Before you leave, make sure to complete any outstanding tasks and provide the company and your team with a transition memo which they can use as a reference guide to address any issues after you have left the organization. This shows that you are committed to the company and to your colleauges until the very end, and that your ultimate goal is to leave things better than they were when you arrived.

Keep in touch: Just because you are leaving the company does not mean you need to sever all ties. Keep in touch with your former employer and colleagues, especially if you enjoyed strong working relationships with them. It may seem slightly awkward at first, but the sooner you reassure for former co-workers that the change can occur without negativity, the better. Refer leads and business opportunities often and whenever it makes sense. Speak positively when asked about your departure, and do your best to preserve your former employer's brand.  

Recommend potential successors:  No one knows better than you what the role will entail, and there is probably someone within your immediate network who would do well in your former position. Take the initiative to recommend potential successors to your former employer.  Whenever it makes sense, offer to interview, introduce and mentor the new hire to ease the transition of work and professional relationships.  If possible, offer to act as a transition consultant, and invite your former employer to hire you for a short period of time to ensure continuity of business and to minimize potential market confusion.

Use the opportunity to reflect: Leaving a job can be a great opportunity to reflect on your career goals and what you want out of the next chapter in your career. Take the time to assess your strengths and think about what you want in your next role.  In addition to using the transition time as an opportunity for reflection, use the time and space to offer yourself rest and grace before jumping into your next endeavor.  If you have a moment to reset, take it.  Windows like this don't open often, so allow yourself the chance to refuel and recharge before your next act. You will appreciate having done so in the long run. 

The elegant exit is important for maintaining your relationships, reputation, and peace of mind.  Change is inevitable and shameless.  Give yourself the gift of walking away with a refined confidence that will carry you into the exciting chapters ahead.    

As always, reach out anytime if you or your organization could benefit from Two Cups of Tea in the areas of career coaching or workforce development consulting.  Allow us to design a development strategy that works for you.

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