According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average young American has more than seven different employers before the age of 26; the typical 20-something changes jobs every 16 months.
Millennials are eager to succeed. But in order to move on—and up—they need to make sure they leave a job the right way. Here are 10 tips to fireproof your bridges when exiting a job, no matter what your age.
- Tell your supervisor first. You want the boss to hear the news from you, not from someone else in the organization.
- Give two weeks’ notice. Stay for the entire two weeks, or whatever the amount of time you have agreed on with the human relations department, unless the company requests that you leave sooner.
- Be modest. Don’t alienate staff members by bragging or chattering incessantly about your awesome new gig.
- Don’t insult anyone or anything. Whether it’s true or not, show that you regret leaving such wonderful people and such amazing work behind.
- Stay on top of your responsibilities. Remember that you’re accountable for your work until 5 p.m. on your last day.
- Continue to adhere to office protocol. You worked hard for that professional persona, so leave the organization with the right impression.
- Review the employee handbook or employment agreement. Understand what you’re entitled to in regard to benefits and compensation for unused sick or vacation days.
- Organize your files. Make it easy for your colleagues to find materials, so that they can transition your workload seamlessly and won’t need to call you at your new position.
- Do a great job training your replacement. Your current organization has paid your salary for a year or more. You owe it to them to leave your job in good hands.
- Don’t take anything that doesn’t belong to you. This includes office supplies and work products that were not developed by you personally.
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