How to Change Jobs with Grace (and Why it Matters)

How to Change Jobs with Grace (and Why it Matters)

When we’re burned out, discontented, and just plain ready to move on from a job for any number of reasons, it can feel challenging to muster the motivation to leave with grace.

Here’s why it’s important to do it anyway.

-- It’s a small world --

I’m continually amazed at how interwoven work relationships are. Our career reputation is one of our most powerful assets, and making sure it aligns with our best selves requires care and attention. If you leave in a blaze of glory, word of the wreckage will spread like the wildfire that caused it.

-- It puts an enormous strain on your team --

If your reason for leaving is poor upper management, unresponsive HR, or dissatisfaction with the company at large, leaving your responsibilities in chaos (with little or no notice) really just hurts your team. Their workload will likely increase to cover what you left, adding stress for them and your relationships with them.

-- It’s not about them --

It’s about your way of operating in the world. Acting inconsiderately just because someone else does puts us in a reactive mode, giving our power away instead of proactively deciding how we show up. Pros do good work when no one else is looking because they care deeply about the quality of their work and their contributions. They invest effort and care because they are committed to making a positive impact. The same goes when it’s time to leave. Give as generous a notice as you can, tie up loose ends to the best of your ability, and communicate status of projects to team members and clients as needed before you go.

-- It sets you up for greater success --

When you leave with grace and care, you radiate professionalism and confidence. You incorporate any lessons available to be learned into your life and move on to the next challenge, unburdened by resentment, blame, or bitterness. You’ll need this productive energy and enthusiasm for future interviewing, networking, and cultivating success in your next chapter.

-- Caveat --

the above assumes your company operates with a modicum of professionalism and integrity. If you discover that you are working for an intentionally malevolent and contemptible corporation like Uber (certainly in the bad old days but maybe still?), you may just need to cut and run for your own sanity, bringing all your good will, best effort, and professionalism with you. If asked to describe your choice to leave, a simple: “The company was not aligned with my skills, values, and expertise, so I decided to join an organization where everyone works to achieve excellence as a cohesive team.”

That reply is gracious given the circumstances, and you will have freed yourself to join a healthier team in the future, and will have a better idea of what to ask and look for in your future interviews.

Wishing you all the best in your career transitions, when and wherever they may be.