Barring exigent circumstances, how you resign from your job and depart from an organization matters. A lot has been written about the first 90 days of a job but not very much about the last 30 days of a job.
A 2021 Gallop analysis found that 48% of the working population is actively searching or watching for new employment opportunities. There is much movement in the workplace. A recent McKinsey survey reported that some of the top reasons for employee departures are: lack of career development, uncaring leaders, unsustainable expectations at work, insufficient compensation, lack of workplace flexibility, and a disengaged work community.
Circumstances around leaving a job can vary greatly, and sometimes exiting an organization is not always by choice. How you separate yourself from an organization or institution matters because it speaks to your professional character and reputation, which are the objective and subjective qualities that can help or hinder future employment opportunities.
Thinking about departing but would rather stay?
Understandably, you might be nervous about having a direct conversation with your manager, but if you enjoy the work and environment in your company, organization, or institution and think the reasons propelling you to leave could be discussed and resolved satisfactorily, talk to your manager. Managers don’t like to be surprised by an employee’s departure, so having an open dialogue can lead to a win, win for both parties.
If you are looking for growth and new opportunities, put a plan together so you can be prepared to articulate what the opportunity looks like in your conversation with your manager. If there are specific professional competencies that you want to build, identify what they are and try to have some examples of how you might gain experience in those competencies within the organization. A stretch assignment, project, or interim role might provide you with the growth you are looking for without having to seek it outside of your place of employment.
Six recommendations for your last 30 days.
- Make sure that you completely understand what it is you are leaving, what it is you are moving towards, and why.
- Prepare for the conversation with your manager. Points to consider for your discussion are your departure date (your employer will have guidelines, 30 days is standard for salaried positions and two weeks for hourly positions), expectations for what should be accomplished before your departure, your communication plan for internal and external stakeholders, and the announcement of your departure. A note to managers, your team members should get notice of your resignation after you tell your manager and before anyone else is informed.
- Write an official letter of resignation. It is the official document stating your intent to leave and will become part of your personnel file in the human resource office of your employer.
- Put together a transition plan. Your transition plan is the roadmap you are leaving for your manager and the person who moves into your position. Some essential elements are any key responsibilities that will need immediate attention, the status of open projects, your communication plan, and any “how-to” or “who-to-go-to” information that will be required by the next person who moves into your role.
- Never underestimate the value of a thank you note. You have built relationships in your workplace and have friends, mentors, or colleagues you admire, and your departure will impact them. A more personal goodbye, such as a handwritten note or email, signals that you value your relationship with them and are grateful for the connection.
- Many employers have an exit interview process. Always take the time to participate in an exit interview because it will provide valuable feedback to the organization. If an exit interview is not offered, you can always request one with your human resources office.
Yes, departing from a job takes time, effort, and work. However, the way you leave matters. You have a professional brand, and if possible, you should not squander the capital you have worked so hard to build.
