The Graceful Exit: What you need to do after your resignation?

2 min read

According to singer Taylor Dane “Saying goodbye is not an easy thing.” It’s also true when you resign from the company you work for several months or years. Besides missing the close ties you build with your colleagues, it’s also not easy to enjoy a graceful exit. What are rules and etiquette you should do after submitting your resignation and transferring to your next company?

Given the fact that one of the main reasons of your resignation is someone or something you don’t like in the company, burning bridges is definitely a bad move. As much as possible practice professionalism because you’ll never know what lies ahead. Furthermore, a good recommendation means positive connection and reputation. Who knows your soon-to-be ex-boss will be your business partner someday.

Check the items you need to surrender. Surrender the items that belong to the company. Don’t left negative remarks that taint your image if you really want to start anew. In addition to that, bringing stuff from your old place will only clutter your new desk and remind of random moments in the past that affect your concentration. Photo frames, quotes and other things with sentimental value are special of course.
Check your contract. The two weeks or one month notice before your last day is usually stipulated in the contract. Apart from that, there’s also a rule that don’t allow you to transfer to a company that’s similar to the nature of business of you current firm. Isn’t hassling for you and your soon-to-be boss, if both of you face lawsuit because of it?
Work as if you’re not living the company. Your final days in the office would be emotional if you allow it. Instead of slacking off, just continue to do your tasks and help your replacement to learn your job. Working as if not living in the company may counter the negative vibes around you.
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Prepare for your exit interview. If you just attend in your exit interview without preparation, there’s a possibility that you’ll be emotional and say words you’ll regret later. However if you come prepared, you can be direct in sharing your thoughts sounds good at that because you practice how deliver your message. According to Forbes’ report, venting out your frustrations during your exit interview leaves unwanted notes about you and irrelevant anyway for the HR officers. They’re main purpose for the interview is to document your file.
Vacate your work station slowly. Apart from it’s hard to carry and transport all your personal stuff in one day, it looks dramatic for everyone. Vacating your work station slowly doesn’t mean it’s all about material things, it’s also about smooth transition. You can check what you need to do like sending emails for you friends, copy your files in your portable hard drive, and saying thank you to your boss.