How To Leave Your Job Gracefully

We all get fed up at work one time or another. However, when it comes to leaving your place of employment, there's a wrong and right way to do it says my next guest Daryl Pigat from Robert Half International.

• Give Ample Notice
Two weeks is usually the standard notice for departure, but check your employee handbook to see if your employer has different expectations. If you need to leave sooner, or would like to offer more transition time, tell your employer up front. However, don't be surprised if you are asked to leave the day you tender your resignation - and are escorted from the building. Many companies today, for security reasons, will cut ties immediately with a resigning employee. So, if your employer decides not to accept your offer to work another two weeks, don't be offended. Just make sure that before you resign, you are prepared to leave right away, if asked to do so

• Be Ready For A Counteroffer
If a counteroffer is made to you, don't immediately dismiss it. After all, if your employer thinks enough of you to ask you to stay, you should at least give the offer polite consideration. Even if you know you don't want to accept it, tell your supervisor you will consider the counteroffer for a specified amount of time, such as 24 hours - but meanwhile, keep your proposed departure date firm. And if you are seriously tempted by the offer, think hard about why you are leaving the company in the first place. If the counteroffer won't resolve those issues for you, it's probably best to move on, instead of accepting it and then leaving a short time later.

• Don't 'Check Out' Prematurely
Once you have declared your intention to leave, remain an active and engaged employee. You don't want to be viewed as a clock-puncher biding your time until the last paycheck. Wrap up as many projects as you can. Create a progress report to leave behind for your supervisor and coworkers that shows where you are with each task. Also, consider putting together a brief guide to help your replacement transition smoothly into the position. This information can include details about where files are located as well as phone numbers and e-mails for relevant contacts.

• Keep Things Positive
On your last day, take the time to say goodbye to your colleagues and supervisors. Smile, shake hands, and say "thank you" to those who gave you support and guidance. Provide your contact information, and let people know it's all right to get in touch with you if they have questions about the work you leave behind. Also, clean your office. By helping to prepare for the arrival of the next employee, you demonstrate that you are responsible and conscientious.

For more on Robert Half International, visit www.rhi.com.