7 Tips for Smoothly Switching Employers
Is your job no longer bringing you joy or presenting you with new challenges? Does the idea of knowing you have to return to your position on Monday create a sense of dread that regularly ruins your Sunday afternoons?
When you've concluded that it's finally time to move on, there's the moment when it becomes necessary to break the news to your boss and colleagues. Like the chickenpox, changing employers can be drastically different for everyone: ranging from a small annoyance to a full-on horror show that can have long-lasting effects on the soul and body.
To help ensure the process is as painless as possible, check out these seven helpful tips for smoothly changing employers.
1. Decide for yourself what's best for you
First, it's important to know your reason to quit is legitimate. This is a big decision for you and everyone else involved, so it should never be based on small or petty things. At the same time, it's also critical to trust your instincts rather than letting others decide for you. It's up to you to understand why you're unhappy in your current position. Never let statements from colleagues, like, "you can't complain about this job, you're lucky to have it," stand in your way.
2. Don't rage-quit
Rage-quitting never helps things, especially when you're changing jobs. Although it may seem to offer a momentary sense of satisfaction, burning bridges with past employers will only give you a bad reputation within the startup community. Leaving your job while maintaining a good relationship with your former-employer is always the healthiest and most beneficial way forward.
3. Let bygones be bygones
This third tip is related to the second one. Whatever happened at your past company and whatever feelings you may have towards your previous employer, learn just to let it go. The worst place to talk about your bad experience in your earlier job is your new job interview. These complaints are never a good idea because they send a message to your prospective employer that you might complain about them as well.
4. Quite the job, don't get stuck in it
If you decide to leave, be very careful of higher-salary or other benefits they may offer to change your mind. Money alone is usually not enough to alter the reasons why you dislike the job (more times than not; the notion of quitting will quickly return). If you know your reasons for leaving are valid—stick with your gut.
5. Give yourself and others time to adapt
James had had enough of. In the middle of yet another boring meeting, he got up and excused himself to the restroom. Instead, James walked to the elevator, said goodbye to the receptionist, and headed straight for the New York Central Station. By the time his colleagues realized what had happened, Jame's train had already left the station.
Although this sounds like the beginning of a novel, it is actually the true story of James Altucher, a man who later founded more than 20 successful companies and is now a best-selling author.
Who wouldn't want to start their new future in such an epic way?
Although James doesn't regret his decision, he does admit that it was quite unethical to leave his company in such an unthoughtful manner.
When quitting or leaving a job, make sure your colleagues understand why and respect them enough to give them time to adapt. Help co-workers with taking over your agenda and mitigate the effects of your departure the best you can. It's good to remember; these people are not only colleagues—but friends.
6. Terminating your employment
Here are some things to consider before quitting your job:
Termination of employment during a probationary period
During the probationary period, leaving a job is quite easy. If you realize the job's not a good fit, inform your superior (preferably in person) of your honest feelings and intentions (rather than making up a story that you're moving or have a sick cat). If you can, let them know that you are willing to stay until the company finds a replacement. Unless otherwise agreed, the employment shall terminate no earlier than the day on which you notified your employer in writing of your decision.
Immediate termination of employment
In this case, your options are limited to two reasons. First, if you do not receive your wage (or part thereof) for 15 days or more. Second, if your physician determines that you're unfit to continue working.
Termination of employment by mutual agreement
If your superior agrees, it most cases, you can leave your job in a week or so. This option is especially useful if you are starting a new career right away. However, ensure that the agreement is in writing; a handshake is not enough.
Resignation
If everything else fails, you have to provide notice of resignation. In this scenario, you will have to observe a notice period starting from the beginning of the next calendar month, which is at least two months (unless you agreed to a more extended period when you started). In all cases, you should observe the period. Be aware; if you decide to leave before this period, it could have nasty consequences as the employer is entitled to recover any damages which incur as a result of your absence.
7. Make it to the finish line
Although knowing you're leaving a job is a bit like studying for an exam you've already passed—try your best to work with the same effort as before the notice period. Your colleagues may resent the fact that you're leaving, or that you "couldn't care less," but don't let that distract you. Doing your job to the best of your abilities during this period will only reflect positively on your career in the future.