As you grow and evolve in your career, moving from one company to another is likely necessary to continue elevating job prospects to advance professionally. Regardless of your experience or level, the culture of your current company, or even your team dynamics…finding the right way to leave can be a challenge. We’ve got a few tips to help you figure out how to “peace out” of your current organization while maintaining the peace with fellow colleagues and leaders.
Play the Long Game
“It’s a small world” is a common saying for a very good reason – especially in the Pittsburgh region professional scene – it is quite true! As you move from role to role throughout your career, keep in mind that you will likely encounter many of the same people over and over. This can be absolutely vital to building a professional network – one that needs to be carefully grown and cultivated – but you must recognize that just as a network flourishes, it can also wither quickly. No matter how exciting your new gig might be, it is important to remain humble, and respectful, and resign without burning bridges to ensure your rapport among your organization and extended professional network remains intact. This network can be an integral piece of future advancement (think of references for you and also how you can help those in your network grow!).
Provide Plenty of Notice
Giving notice at a job can be a bittersweet thing – it’s potentially a nostalgic moment to reflect on your time at the company and also to anticipate what the future may bring. In order to effectively prepare for your departure, you should give your notice as far in advance as possible – ideally two or more weeks prior to your last day. This will allow ample time to begin transitioning projects to team members or even to help onboard a new employee to fulfill your role. In the current job market, it may be tempting to jump ship as soon as possible to embark on a new journey, but providing the respect and courtesy of a two-week notice will set everyone up for success.
Remain a Team Player
Regardless of the length of your notice, ensuring that you stay engaged with your current projects to completion or full handoff is essential to keeping the peace within your current role. Continuing to work alongside your team to finish projects, train replacements, or even download any institutional knowledge you may have will not go unnoticed. When you stay engaged until the end, you show respect to those you work with each day and continue to enhance your personal brand reputation as a professional.
From a first interview to signing on the dotted line of an offer letter, keeping your current employer and teammates in mind while setting your sights on the future can help everyone stay on course to continued success!