If and when you do decide to jump to new professional pond, following these tips will help preserve your relationships with your former boss and colleagues.
1. DON’T use this opportunity to finally “let your boss have it” or tell off your idea-stealing cubiclemate. The fleeting satisfaction is not worth the consequences! (See Tip #6).
2. DO give adequate notice so that your employer can have time to replace you. Two to four weeks is standard.
3. DO stay engaged and do your best until the last minute of your final day! You may think of yourself as a lame duck, but you’re still a member of the team.
4. DO leave complete, written records of your work, your contacts, your procedures, or any other details your officemates need to know.
5. DON’T disappear once you’ve resigned. Leave your new contact info so that colleagues can reach you if they need help on something you handled in the past.
6. DON’T let your former colleagues drop from your life. Update your status on professional sites like “Linked In” and keep in touch. One day, you all could be working together again!
