by John G Thomas

Created on: April 27, 2009

When an individual makes the tough decision to leave their current employer it is important to remain professional and to carry on with your job to the best of your ability up until the time you leave.

As an employee it can be a stressful decision to leave your job, as you may not have financial security until you find that new exciting employment opportunity. It is important to remember that it can be just as stressful for the employer to lose a valued staff member. Finding a suitable replacement and training that individual to the standard needed to perform your job will take money and somebody else's time to train them.

This does not mean that you should feel guilty about leaving as every individual has the right to leave there job and find another one. After all who wants to be stuck working in a job they do not like?

Handing your notice in the correct way is important to a graceful departure. Your employer will expect a letter in writing. It is usually polite to state when you will be leaving and maybe even a reason. If stating a reason keep it professional and well mannered and offer further explanation in a face to face meeting. It is also nice to maybe thank your employer for the time you have worked there. Leaving on good terms and in the correct way will make the situation much less awkward.

Acting gracefully while working your notice period of usually a month or two weeks is in your benefit as a good reference can make all the difference when looking for that new perfect job. It is vital to give your employer adequate notice as they can start to look for your replacement.
If you have worked hard for your company you deserve a good reference and it would be a real shame to ruin that during your final few weeks. It may be difficult if you are really unhappy at work and feel like jumping about and possibly slacking' off as you will be leaving soon but this really is cutting of your nose despite your face. It would be a shame to have all that hard work tarnished by a few final weeks. So, keep that smile and be polite and act as you normally would.

Acting gracefully now could mean that in the future you may be able to return to your current employer or you may even end up working under the same manager somewhere else, as managerial positions tend to change. The business world is a small one and rumours about any unprofessional behaviour and bad attitude in your notice period will go against you in the long run as employers can may know each other and ask about your previous employment.

To recap;

Make sure that you give your employer adequate notice.

Hand in your notice in writing and arrange a face-to-face meeting with your employer.

Keep your written notice polite and professional.

Try to keep up your usual standard of work and remain professional with other employees you may work with. A bad vibe can spread like wildfire between employees and they may resent the fact that you are leaving.

Acting gracefully while working your period of notice means that you will not be burning any bridges and can leave with a positive working relationship intact and get the good reference you deserve. You can leave knowing you did your best and it will most certainly benefit you in the long run.

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