Mistakes to Avoid When Leaving a Job – It’s easy to see why job dissatisfaction is so high in the U.S. Long hours, stagnant wages and unreasonable demands on the part of employers are just a few of the reasons so many populace are fed up with their respective work experiences.
Given the mounting levels of job stress and professional burnout, it’s hardly surprising to see a growing number of Americans leaving their jobs. However, while walking away from a stressful job can be extremely satisfying, it’s not a decision that should be approached lightly. So, when preparing to leave an unsatisfying job, make a point of avoiding the following mistakes.
Failing to Clean up Work Devices
You may have spent years using the same work-issued laptops, phones or tablets, but it’s important to understand that these aren’t your devices, but rather your former employer’s. As such, you’ll more than likely be required to return them before departing. After all, leaving devices that contain important company info in the hands of a non-employee is never a wise move. Additionally, attempting to keep any of these devices is liable to be regarded as theft.
Prior to leaving your job, make a point of removing any personal files from your work-issued devices. Just as your former employer doesn’t want you in possession of their confidential information, you probably don’t want them to have right of entry to your personal files. So, regardless of how personal your non-work files, take care to safely remove all of them in advance of returning the devices.
Accepting a Counteroffer at the Last Possible Second
Most businesses aren’t keen on losing employees. So, even if your employer has consistently failed to provide you with the recognition you deserve, there’s a good chance that your departure will cause them a fair amount of short-term stress. Because of this, many employers make desperate last-minute counteroffers to workers who are on their way out the door.
However, before you accept such an offer, you’ll need to think long and hard. As previously stated, counteroffers are typically made out of desperation, and should you accept, the relief of keeping you on is liable to fade very quickly – after which your boss may grow resentful of the fact that you placed them in an uncomfortable position. To make matters worse, you may come to be regarded as a flight risk. So, while a counteroffer may sound appealing in the moment, be aware that it will likely come with long-term consequences.
Burning Professional Bridges
When leaving a job you absolutely hate, the temptation to go out in a blaze of glory can be overwhelming. Telling your overbearing bosses and annoying coworkers exactly what you think of them on your way out the door is something many members of the workforce regularly fantasize about. However, while it’s easy to understand the appeal of such a fantasy, you should keep it relegated to the confines of your imagination.
Calling out people you dislike in a professional setting may bring you short-term satisfaction, but it guarantees that any future prospects with your current employer are tanked. If belongings don’t work out with your new job, you’ll never be able to return to your old one, nor will you ever be able to list any of your former bosses or coworkers as references. Whereas your “victory” will be extremely short-lived, the consequences of your behavior will be irreversible. For good measure, you should make an effort to avoid badmouthing your former employer, even after your departure.
Not Using Remaining Benefits
Prior to departing your current job, you should use any remaining sick days or vacation time. After all, you earned this paid time off, so you may as well take advantage of it. Furthermore, make sure to knock out any upcoming doctor or dentist appointments before your insurance coverage ends. Additionally, if you suffer from a disability for which your employer does not provide coverage, now would be a good time to create exploring disability insurance policies.
Failing to Secure Another Job
Unless you’re unfathomably miserable at your current job, leaving without having another job lined up can create tremendous financial issues. So, if possible, try to stay put until such time as you receive a formal offer from another employer. Should you discover that changing jobs requires continuing your education, look into the advanced degree programs offered by Daniels College of Business.
There’s little speculate as to why so many people fantasize about leaving their jobs. Whether they’re unfond of their job duties, the people with whom they work or some combination thereof, a fair number of workers wouldn’t hesitate to quit their jobs if the opportunity to do so presented itself. Still, regardless of how much pleasure you take in bidding farewell to your workplace, there are a number of mistakes you’ll need to avoid making on your way out the door.
