inluminent

So, it’s public knowledge that I’m leaving my current employer. My last day is this Friday.

I’d like to document a little about the experience, to preserve it and to help others that might be in the same situation someday.

Let me be very clear. I’m happy I’m leaving. I have been so pissed off at my employer in the past I was ready to just walk out if one more stupid thing happened. I’ve got a pile of infinitely dumb memos from our ‘corporate idiots’ that I’m half tempted to fax over to internalmemos.com someday. This company is a little bitty one man operation that’s grown over the years to employ as many as 130 people in the not-so-recent past. That being said, I think it’s seen its hey-day and will decline in the future… with or without me… the key fact being that they’ll do it without me.

So, my lessons for all of you leaving a job for a new one:

1. It doesn’t matter what you think of the company you’re leaving as a whole, leave on good terms if possible.

Don’t do anything to piss them off, or make them vengeful… you just don’t need the baggage. In fact, do your best work possible during the last two weeks of your employment term. Make them remember how good you were, and think of how much they wish you were there. It’ll only help your references and it’s just the right thing to do.

2. Teach someone as much as you can about your job before you leave.

This will save you countless phone calls and emails in the future. It’ll also help you gain some sense of peace-of-mind in your own transition. If there is no one to teach, write as much of it down. Use Word and take screenshots if your job involves software (especially if no one else is familiar with it). Make it look good and print it out for your boss. Even if you’re not asked to.

3. Don’t act like ‘the lucky guy that’s getting to leave’ around your co-workers.

It’s unprofessional and doesn’t accomplish anything. Save that for the last night after work at a bar with your friends (I’ll be doing that by the way). I’d even say act remorseful about leaving when talking with your co-workers if they’re stupid enough to think that your leaving is a bad thing for you. Play it up. You never know when you might need them again, as part of your network of ‘friends.’

4. If you know who you’ll be working with at your new job, email them.

Tell them how excited you are about starting, if it’s true. Ask if there’s anything you can do before getting there to prepare yourself. If there’s a relocation involved ask for tips about the new town. Get to know them from a distance… it can only help on that first day.

5. Clean up behind yourself.

Do everything you can to remove all the porn from your desktop computer, if there is any. Delete stuff that shouldn’t have been on your computer. Clean out the drawers of your desk. Organize your files, even writing a guide to them if you have time. Make it look like you gave a shit on your last day.

There, 5 simple steps that’ll help you leave your job on good terms I hope, and will save you the hassle of answering too many questions from your old boss after you’ve left.

Hope they help you!