Okay. So you’ve already decided to leave your job and sent in your formal resignation letter. You might be thinking all that’s left to do is to wait for that final day at work and you’re home free!– Wrong!
Your last few weeks will actually feel like there’s not enough time to get everything done before you leave. You’ll be doing so much that you’re sure to forget a few things before turning in your work laptop–from tying up loose ends on your deliverables, training your replacement, fixing your exit clearance, and so much more. I’ve been there, and it was not easy!
So, I’ve come up with some things you can do to help ensure that you have a smooth exit from the office. These will help you transition efficiently so you can spend less time worrying about work and focus more on your future ventures.
Map Out A Plan
It always helps to make a transition plan. It’s not exciting, but it’s an important step in making sure that you are able to get everything done before leaving. You don’t have to be an expert at planning, just make sure to include the basics which includes:
- Who will hold your next projects and tasks after you leave?
- The dates of each of the project you will be leaving to the new owners
- The specific tasks you need to complete before leaving the company (this includes your exit clearance)
This will not only benefit you but your manager as well, it will also ensure that you have enough time to get everything done. Making a transition plan will help you set realistic goals and make sure that all your work will be accounted for.
Source: Unsplash, Rawpixel
Have an Exit Interview
Not all companies require one but get one, regardless. It is always good to have an exit interview with your manager. This is a good opportunity to share some constructive feedback, and receive feedback in return as well.
Keep in touch with your colleagues
Don’t forget to keep in touch with your colleagues after you leave the office. If you’ve been working in that company for a few years, many of your co-workers might have become good friends of yours. It’s good to reconnect and talk with them and hear about how is life back in the office.
Archive
Once you leave a company, you lose access to everything work related: emails, documents, professional development materials, training certifications, performance reviews and so on. So make sure you set aside enough time to archive everything that you think is important to you. The most important files I archived the last time i left a job was my training records, online training certifications, and annual performance ratings.
Another thing to take into consideration is to take a look at your passwords. Update all accounts that are linked to your work email address like your insurance plans and other subscriptions to ensure that you will not get locked out of an important systems after leaving.
Plan a Vacation
You deserve some time off! Plan one before diving into full time work once more. Vacation doesn’t always mean breaking the bank and travelling to distant destinations. If your type of vacation is sitting back on your couch and playing your favorite video games then go ahead–anything that relaxes you.
These are just some tips that will help you exit in the most efficient way possible. Hope it helps!
