The Art of Graceful Exits: How to Avoid Burning Bridges in Your Career
Today, we're diving into a topic that's crucial for long-term career success: how to avoid burning bridges with an employer when you move on to new opportunities. I've got some insider tips from our CEO, J.T. O'Donnell, that'll help you navigate these tricky waters like a pro.
You're a Business of One, and Every Job is Temporary
First things first, let's get into the right mindset. J.T. always emphasizes two key principles:
You are a business of one.
Every job is temporary.
What does this mean? It's simple—you've got to be strategic and look out for yourself. There will be times when your decisions might ruffle some feathers, but that doesn't mean you can't handle it like a boss (pun intended!).
Soften the Blow: Your Exit Strategy Playbook
When you're leaving a job, you're essentially "firing" a customer. Yep, you read that right! You're the service provider, and they're paying you. So, how do we minimize the fallout? Here are some tried-and-true tactics:
Offer More Time: Instead of the standard two weeks' notice, why not offer three weeks or even a month? Talk to your new employer and see if they're flexible with your start date. This extra time can make a huge difference for your current employer.
Create a Transition Plan: Don't just say you're leaving—show them how you're going to make the transition smooth as silk. Outline a detailed plan for handing over your responsibilities. Your soon-to-be-ex employer will appreciate the effort!
Stay Available: Even after you've left, offer to be available for quick calls or emails if anyone has questions. This shows you're committed to their success, even as you move on.
Kill 'Em With Kindness (and Sincerity)
Now, here's where your emotional intelligence comes into play. J.T. suggests showering your current employer with genuine compliments. Tell them what you've loved about working there. Explain that this new opportunity was just too good to pass up, but make it clear that you might even regret leaving such a great team.
Express your desire to stay in touch. This sincerity goes a long way in maintaining positive relationships. Remember, the business world is smaller than you think, and you never know when your paths might cross again!
Keep It Professional, Not Personal
Look, even with all these efforts, there's a chance your employer might still be a bit salty about your departure. And you know what? That's okay! That’s just how life goes sometimes.
Remember those two principles we talked about earlier? This is where they really come into play. You've got to do what's right for you because you're a business of one, and every job is temporary. If the tables were turned and they had to let you go to protect their business, they would. So, stay objective and do what you can to leave on good terms.
You're Already Winning
The fact that you're even thinking about how to maintain these relationships speaks volumes about your character. Trust me, that alone will carry a lot of weight in your professional journey.
So, there you have it! The ultimate guide to avoiding bridge-burning in your career. Remember, it's not just about the job you're leaving—it's about setting yourself up for long-term success in your career journey.
Before you go, I've got a little treat for you! We've got a ton of free resources to help you level up your career game. From our disruptive job search checklist to our resume and LinkedIn Bootcamp, and even some fun career quizzes—it's all waiting for you at the bottom of this newsletter. So go ahead, click those links, and start crushing your career goals!
Until next time, keep working it daily!
Cassidy O’Donnell
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