THE DOS AND DON’TS OF LEAVING YOUR JOB

You’ve handed in your resignation letter and currently serving your one-month notice. Before you think it’s chill and status quo until your last day, think again – there’s actually plenty that needs to be done before you wrap up and leave.

Sure, you can do nothing but that’s not going to look good, even if you’re no longer going to be tied to the company. The industry is small so word can and will get around. Last thing you want is for your new boss to find out how irresponsible you were at your previous job. Besides, you are still on payroll until your last day which means you’re obligated to do whatever you’re tasked.

Above all, you don’t want to burn any bridges... you never know if you need a favour from your ex colleagues or even your ex boss. You also never know if you might be working closely with them on a different project.

So what are the dos and don’ts?

DO...

#1 Clean up your computer
Do this before you hand in your resignation letter as some companies (like banks) may require you to leave almost immediately when you resign. Delete personal files and email messages. Leave whatever is work related on there for the next person or your colleagues to have access to when you leave. Keep the contact info for people you want to keep in touch with after you’re gone.

#2 Get details from HR
You need to know when your last day is, if the company owes you any claims, and what your final salary will be so that everyone is on the same pag. It’s also a good idea to get the HR contact in case you need to be in touch regarding these matters after you’ve left.

#3 Help with the handover
Whether your boss has hired someone new to replace you or your colleagues will take up some parts of your work, you always need to play your part in handing over whatever you’re currently working on. Don’t leave anyone hanging without knowing what to follow up on or what needs to be done ASAP. Be professional and upfront about what’s pending.

#4 Say your proper goodbyes
You may not like your boss or some colleagues very much but you still need to be friendly up to your last day. And on that day, as much as you can’t wait to get out of the office, spend some time saying your goodbyes. Craft an email farewell message to your colleagues and let them know you’re moving on and how they can keep in touch with you in the future. Thank your boss to show your appreciation.

DON’T...

#1 Brag about your new job
Even if it is a dream job, don’t brag about it. Why make your colleagues feel bad and jealous that you’re leaving? Now’s definitely not the time to boast... keep all excitement to yourself.

#2 Be lazy
You can’t wait to move on to a new chapter of your life but that doesn’t give you the passport to be lazy and uncooperative. You still have to work as if you’ve not resigned – come in to work on time, not go over your lunch break and do whatever obligations that come your way.

#3 Get personal
There’s no point creating drama before you leave, even if you’ve been holding a grudge against your boss or a colleague. Don’t talk bad about the company either. You want to leave on good terms.

#4 Up and leave without finishing whatever you’re supposed to
The company has the right to withhold your salary if you did not complete something you’ve been tasked to or if you did not serve your notice properly. So think twice before you even consider not showing up for work or doing your part before leaving.

#5 Put anything in writing
Regardless of how much you hate your job, your boss or the company, don’t say or write it in emails. You never know who’s listening and whether it can be used against you legally.

Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash