How to Leave a Job on Good Terms

Congratulations! You've completed your job search and are ready to make a move to greener pastures. You're probably eager to leave your current job behind, but it's almost always best to leave on good terms. You never know when you might want to collaborate or where else your reputation may spread, and positive professional referrals can be of great value. You may even want to come back one day – according to the BBC, a study of LinkedIn job histories in 2021 showed that 4.3% of hires in the US were candidates who were returning to a company they'd previously left.

Need some help with the process of leaving on good terms? Read on to learn how.

Give Appropriate Notice

In truth, you're probably under no obligation to give your current employer any warning before moving on. At-will employment laws in force across many states and industries mean that your place of work can let you go at any time, and most of them won't give you the courtesy of advance notice if they decide to let you go. If you want to do the same and aren't under a contract that mandates otherwise, you're most likely within your rights to leave immediately.

But if you want to leave on good terms, it's polite to give your employer reasonable time to begin looking for your replacement. A two-week notice period is traditional and makes a good starting point. Depending on your industry, other convenient stopping points may exist that you'll be appreciated for choosing if you can. For example, if you work in academia you might try to leave between semesters or at the end of the school year, or if you work in finance you might try to wrap up at the end of a fiscal quarter.

You may not always be able to accommodate both your current and new employer, but your efforts to do so to the extent that you're able will be appreciated.

Leave your Projects in a Good Place

Similarly to your time frame for leaving, the state in which you leave your work projects will influence how fondly you're remembered. Try to finish or tie off your assignments and leave good notes and instructions for the people taking over your responsibilities.

If you wish, you could leave your contact information so you can assist anyone navigating technical information. If this will take much time, consider arranging a consulting fee.

Focus on the Positive

When management or your coworkers find out you're leaving, they'll probably ask why. At your discretion, there's nothing wrong with discussing both the good and the bad about your current work in private conversations and exit interviews. That said, if you want to leave on a positive note, it's a good idea to focus on your positive reasons for leaving.

Emphasize the appeal of your new job and the opportunities it provides to move forward on your career path when asked for your reasons for moving on. Always express gratitude for what your current position has done for you, and if applicable, express at least a little regret for leaving.

Your lack of ire will help others remember you in a good light and leave the door open for good relations in the future. Showing that the move is one of growth for you in your career also showcases your own increasing professional value.

Reaffirm Connections

On your way out, it's a good time to reaffirm personal and professional connections with the people you work with. Leave with a polite goodbye, and make sure you have up-to-date contact information for one another.

If you can, make a point of spending a little extra time with your co-workers (especially those you like and respect). Once they know you're leaving, you may find that some of them will open up about their own employment situations and needs. These can be fruitful networking moments for both parties.

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