Letting go of what was once your dream job may feel like the end of the world. However, your career is a long journey, full of unexpected turns. Leaving one job, whether you’re chomping at the bit to get out of there or if you’ve been let go, doesn’t define your professional life. The key is to keep your eye on long-term goals and press on in a manner true to your character. There’s more to a professional departure than your goals, though. Here are 5 non-negotiables when it comes to leaving on good terms.
Stay composed and professional throughout your departure. Regardless of the circumstances, your reputation matters. By exiting gracefully, you keep relationships intact and leave the door open for potential opportunities moving forward. This is especially true in small, mission-driven industries where your paths may cross again.
Refrain from bad-mouthing your employer, colleagues, or the situation. Instead, if you feel there are important comments to voice, practice constructive communication. Speak positively about your future goals, which allows you to move forward with optimism and helps you build bridges instead of burning them. If you speak out in bitterness now, you may regret the stain you left later on when your heart settles. In wisdom, discern what taste you want to leave in the air when you leave, and consider how your respect and positivity will protect your future.
However fluffy self-care may sound, any time you can find to collect yourself will help lead you to personal and professional recovery. Understand that leaving a job that’s long since ceased to serve you can emotionally drain you. It's essential to prioritize your mental health and attitude during this transition. Give yourself the liberty to recharge, whether through exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. A well-balanced mindset will help you approach your next steps with clarity and confidence.
Highlight the positive experiences and skills you've gained from your job to others as you close your time at this job. Expressing gratitude, whether in person or through a farewell email, helps you and your coworkers focus on the value that came from your time there. It also leaves a lasting positive impression on those who got to work with you.
Use this time to reflect on what you’ve learned both personally and professionally through your time with this organization. Consider the skills you've developed, the challenges you've overcome, the impact you’ve made, and how you can apply these lessons to future roles.
When you begin searching for your next position, be prepared to speak about your departure in a way that highlights your resilience and growth. Frame it as an opportunity for reinvention, emphasizing what you've learned from the experience and how you're prepared to contribute to your next role. Speak in a positive tone that demonstrates your gratitude and healthy excitement for a new opportunity. At that moment, interviewers are looking for your self-awareness, likability, and authenticity—all core traits that can make you a star candidate to join their team. To learn more about presenting yourself as a marketable candidate and valuable asset to any team, check out CEO William Vanderbloemen’s newest book, Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders From the Rest.
Leaving a job is the beginning of something new. Celebrate the opportunities that lie ahead by setting new career goals, learning new skills, or exploring industries and roles that you may not have considered before. By maintaining a positive and forward-looking attitude, you can navigate job transitions with resilience and grace, positioning yourself for success in your next role, and keeping all bridges unburned.
For a more personalized approach to career development, consider partnering with an expert through Vander Coaching. Challenge yourself in your most trying circumstances to refine your character and skills. Keep pushing forward to advance your career and make a greater impact in your field.