During the 80’s and 90’s it was the norm to stay with a company for fifteen years or more. Millennials are finding that particular “career scenario” just doesn’t apply in this day and age. More and more, people are finding themselves hitting a plateau in their jobs and looking for challenges in new work environments. It is the way of the working world these days and bosses get it. That doesn’t mean you should leave your current job having burned every bridge you built. WorkSource explains three ways you can leave your current job in good standing.
Help Find the Next You
The biggest challenge for a boss, of a top worker leaving, is trying to find their replacement—in this case you! Bosses want to keep project momentum and contracts moving forward. If you know someone looking for work or have a colleague who would fit the bill, make the recommendation to your boss; you could even personally hand him/her your colleague’s resume. Surveys have shown that the recommended colleague is hired over 80% of the time—provided you have been in good standing with your bosses and they respect your work ethic. If they don’t want to lose you and you are championing someone who can do the work as good as you or better, chances are your boss will take a serious look at them, and have even more respect for you for helping fill the gap.
You Might Have a New Job, But You Haven’t Left You Old One Yet
Just because you have put in your notice and will be moving on to greener pastures does not grant you the right 8to slack off at work. This isn’t “Bernie’s Summer Vacation,” where you can sit back and do nothing before you go. Remember, you will still need your current managers and colleagues as references for at least the next three to five years. Putting in a 100% right up until the day you leave shows your boss how much the job meant to you and how much you’ve respected your position. That goes a long way in a boss’s mind and carries a lot of weight moving forward.
Give Your Boss Closure
While an exit interview is a good thing, closing out any current or “waiting in the wings” projects is even better. Finish as many assignments or projects as you can before you leave, so that the next person who steps into your shoes can do so seamlessly, and get up to speed rather quickly. Notify any current contracts you may have or clients you may work directly with. If any steps need to be taken on projects that can’t be finished before you leave, type out a document outlining what still needs to be done, what has already been done, and who the lead contact will be temporarily.
Remember, how you leave your current job determines how strong or bridle the bridge may be. It’s up to you to do the best you can while you can, and depart with integrity. Doing so will reward you in the long run!
WorkSource, a WRC-certified premier staffing agency, makes quality and service our mission. We can help you get ready to leave one career and prepare you for the next. Contact our team at WorkSource today to find out how we can help you.