Are you leaving your current job but don't want to burn your bridges with your employer?

It's always a good idea, whatever situation you are in with your current company, to leave on good terms and do everything calmly and professionally as possible. Some of us would love to walk in and say, "I quit!" and walk out, but we all know this is not how you handle the situation. It can be challenging and nerve-racking to approach your employer about this, so take some steps to prepare yourself.

This might be your first time quitting a job, or you might have experience with it; regardless, every employer is different and responds differently. We all know it's part in parcel of life. The trouble is that people spend a lot of time preparing for and strategizing about their first impressions and rarely give much thought to their last ones. Quitting your job for any reason — whether it's because you're miserable or you're embarking on a new opportunity — "requires sensitivity and planning," 

Tell your Boss

Firstly, once you have decided you are leaving, tell your boss immediately; want you don't want to happen is your boss finding out from someone else. Make sure you understand where you stand, is your boss announcing your departure in a meeting, or will it be up to you to do that? Make sure you know all of this before leaving the office. Remember and be thankful for their time and guidance throughout your time with the company show gratitude towards them.

Flexibility 

You must be flexible; depending on what your contract says about exiting the business, ensure you honour it. It could be 2 weeks or even a month. This all depends on your position within the company, and you may need to stay longer and help train your replacement; again, try and be respectful about this. Although we suggest no longer than 3 months, once you announce you are leaving, people may start seeing you as not part of the team, and you might get excluded from team events and meetings; you don't want to be hanging about for too long.

Be Transparent 

If you've already built good relationships with your team, the best thing to be is transparent about your plans and where you are going next. They will want to know what company you are moving to and what you will be doing, so to keep those relationships in tack, be honest; they will find out when you update your LinkedIn. It is always good to stay meaningful connections not only with your boss but with your colleagues. 

Be consistent

When telling your boss you are leaving, ensure you are telling everyone else the same story. It stops any gossiping and clears up any miscommunication throughout the business. Have one story; that way, no one can say they heard something different. You want to ensure they are all on the same page, especially your boss.

Manage your time

When leaving a company, you may be working on various projects or assignments; make sure you give yourself time to complete these and try not to leave your boss in a difficult situation where they are stressed. Leave with an empty desk is always a good idea; this way, you're not leaving behind any loose ends or letting other people do your work for you. You always want to leave any business on a positive note.