Such Sweet Sorrow 4 Ways to Leave Your Job Without Burning Bridges

Such Sweet Sorrow 4 Ways to Leave Your Job Without Burning Bridges Youre ready for a career change, but youre leid going to tell your boss until the last minute. After all, isnt the standard operating procedure of jumping ship to sneak off for lunchtime interviews? Or duck out in the middle of the night, la the Baltimore (now Indianapolis) Colts?As a COO, I can say neitzu sich situation makes for a seamless breakup.Whether you want to leave for more pay, an enticing opportunity, or the chance to be part of something disruptive, your separation doesnt have to be ugly or unproductive. In fact,a job can end so positively it might surprise you. You just have to overcome an antiquated mindset thats based on fear and misunderstanding.Your Anxieties About Leaving Could Be MisplacedIf you choose to include your employer in the choice to move on, are you concerned theyll act betrayed or try to talk you out of your decision?That may not be the case.Certainly, if youve been a contributor, your employer will be bummed. But isnt it nicer to say, Hey, this isnt working out, rather than cheat until youre ready to exit? If youre scared to give your boss the lowdown, dont be. When a team member says, Im looking at other opportunities, I dont immediately fire that person which can be illegal, depending on your state. Most of the employers I know wouldnt react so appallingly, either.Quite the contrary, in fact Most bosses will understand your modus operandi. They have likely left positions for the same reasons money, responsibility, title. Having an open, honest conversation allows you to move forward without subterfuge and with dignity.Walking Away With Your Head High and Reputation IntactHow do you make a clean break that doesnt leave a sour taste in anyones mouth? It takes a deep understanding and acceptance of the smartest ways to transition with every stakeholder in mind1. Avoid Ghosting Your Employer or Dropping a Two-Week BombDisappearin g into the mist is a huge blunder, not to mention shortsighted. Even if you hate your job, youre risking your place in the karmic employment universe. From an employers perspective, when an employee shares a two-week notice, it causes instant chaos The employee cant tee-upa successor, andthey dont leave on a positive note with peers.A PwC study showed that more than a quarter of millennials expect to have more than six employers in their lifetime. Can you afford to tick off people at every workplace? You dont necessarily have to bring your employer in on the first interview, but if youre at the third-interview stage, weigh the value of having a heart-to-heart with your boss. When employees come to me, I dont want to lose them, but Im still willing to help vet companies or polish their resumes or interviewing skills.2. Be Direct About Your PlansI really want to hear the things that employees may be reticent to share Youve lost faith in our teams leadership or you want to be at a comp any with a different work pace. It helps me understand your concerns, first and foremost, and it also provides insight into how to improve the company. Chat with your employer, even though youre not going to continue working there for long. I guarantee your boss will beokay with the discussion.Look at it like a pre-exit interview. Youre giving your employer a chance to grow and understand how to help future team members. Plus, youre showing great respect. Being candid might be uncomfortable depending on your personality, but its always better than having the reputation of a worker who has checked out.3. SetYour Peers Up for SuccessWhy be the flake who bailed on the team at the last minute by suddenly leaving? The people youre working with today may be tomorrows vice presidents or entrepreneurs. Its not worth risking their disdain because you left them holding the ball. Make sure to set peers up for success, not to pick up your leftover slack.For example, we have someone transitionin g out of her role right now. For the past month, shes worked a transition plan that we created together. She has trained successors and tied up loose ends. After her send-off, well all miss her, but she isnt leaving on terrible terms. In fact, Ill be happy to recommend her.4. NeverQuit After a Two-Week VacationThis is bad form,pure and simple. It smacks of immature behavior. You wouldnt want a colleague to do it, so dont even consider it.Everyone wants an equitable exchange. When you use up your vacation just to mess with your bosses, they feel hosed. Its terrible timing. Likewise, if you have a notoriously busy season, dont suddenly vamooseat a time when youre needed most. In other words If youre in retail, dont resign on Black Friday.You might be using your existing role as a stepping-stone thats fine. Just be sure the hard work youve put into making a good impression isnt lost when you leave. Be honest, and in the long run, you might be surprised byhow your wise actions in tough situations come back to help down the road.Tony Delmercado is the COO at Hawke Media.