We all need to move on to the next step in our careers at times. We might look for another job because our egos were bruised at our current gig, or we might jump ship for a better position. Best practice is to not burn bridges as we move from one company to the next.
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Regardless of any hurt feelings or anger you may have, in general, the best advice is to leave your job peacefully, graciously, and on good terms. You won’t get any benefit except a short-term catharsis from leaving in a huff. Leaving appropriately earns you a good reputation in your community and possible future connections that may come in handy.
Schedule a meeting to discuss the fact that you are quitting; don’t spring the information on your boss on the fly. When you do sit down in private, it is best to focus on the positive and avoid extraneous details. If you talk excessively about why you are leaving, you will likely come across as over-emotional and immature.
Help yourself by helping your soon-to-be ex-boss. In other words, ask what you can do to ease the transition. Depending upon your time schedule, you may be available to help train your replacement. This is a great way to leave on the best of terms. Another good way to keep your bridges intact is to be available to answer questions after you leave. Say something like, “I will have all of my reports finished and on your desk before my last day is over. This is my new work number; please feel free to call if you have any questions.”
Take the high road and be gracious. Thank your employer for the opportunity to work there and include any relevant specifics, such as “I enjoyed and was honored to be a part of the planning process; thank you for that.”
In the very end, leave graciously. Be sure to say a personal goodbye to your peers and co-workers. They will most likely appreciate your consideration and it may even come back to help you in the future
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