Leaving With Dignity

For some this is a strange period, the feeling of deserting the ship, the feeling of not being part of the organization, not being involved as you might have been, your work being passed on to somebody else, helping a new person in your job or doing your work to understand - passing the baton, the leaving party, saying goodbyes, cleaning out your desk, that last walk out the door. It is natural to feel a little strange, particularly if you have been in a company for some time.

On the other hand, a new start beckons and you probably can't wait to get to it. You are not the sentimental type and you just cant wait to get to the goodbyes and clean out your desk.

Whichever it is it is important to leave with dignity. You should ensure that you maintain relationships, do not be tempted to have a few words with that person who set you up some months back at a meeting, do not be tempted to have a few words in the ear of your boss, do not be tempted to pass judgment on the company or on the people within it. Remember, they will all be there tomorrow and that life goes on. Many of them will remain contacts and friends into the future. You will need to give some of them a call from time to time for assistance or to help you understand some new territory. They in turn may want to contact you to check something out from your previous job. Leave all the doors open. Who knows you might even return at a later stage to a different job. Leave all the doors open.

Put everything in order within your job, ask your colleagues and boss what you can do to make the transition easier. Be approachable, friendly and helpful. Be social and be honest and open.

And don't forget to invite everybody for a drink.