As Pope Benedict steps down from his duties as head of the Catholic Church, everyone caught themselves wondering – how does a Pope give a two-week notice, and to whom does he give it to?
It’s not often we see the leader of a city-state stepping down from their position prematurely, much less a Pope. Every day, thousands of employees around the world leave their positions for a myriad of reasons – ranging from dissatisfaction or lack of appreciation to higher pay elsewhere, giving a two-week notice or quitting point-blank.
Leaving your position before the ’90s was not as common as it is today. Employees were deemed loyal if they stuck with the company from the day one until retirement.
Nowadays, it’s very common to start looking for other job opportunities after staying with a company for just three to five years.
As we leave our jobs, a question comes to mind: What’s the best, and most appropriate way to leave? You have the standard two-week notice, a going-away present for your boss, or perhaps even a thank you card to the entire department, but what else does it take?
When leaving your position of employment, leaving with grace is more important than ever. In a world where stories and reviews of bad work ethic can go viral, maintaining your reputation is integral in a networking world that continues to get smaller, and smaller. Word can ruin quicker than fire at industry mixers or parties, and you don’t want to be classified as unprofessional, and certainly not immature.
Give a three weeks notice
On average, it takes five weeks to hire a new candidate, and it’s easier on your manager and your department to have a longer time to hire your replacement in advance. Stand out, show kindness and understanding, and give a three-week note before heading out.
Offer to train your replacement
At my company, Smashing Resumes, one of the hardest parts of the hiring process is the training. It could take anywhere from two to four weeks to get a new hire properly adjusted and up to speed, siphoning away valuable resources and time to accommodate.
You know your position best, and possibly even better than management. Make the transition a bit simpler, and offer to do the training while you’re still there or, create a quick handbook or tutorial video for the new hire.
Solidify Ties
During your last couple of weeks, mend fences with all you’ve crossed and reinforce relationships with those you’ve trusted. Add everyone on LinkedIn, give your colleagues extra attention, and shake everyone’s hand before you leave.
In a world as small as ours, it pays to have a strong network of people who have seen you perform, and perform well. When you’re searching for a job, pitching a business idea, or looking for industry contacts, you’ll be grateful for a large network of industry contacts.
Always Be Connecting
Surviving in the concrete jungle is much, much easier when you have friends to survive with.
At the end of the day, it comes down to good karma. Treat others with respect, show class even when the situation dictates otherwise, and keep calm with even those who are at odds with you.
We may not all be the Pope, but a time will come when something better comes along. Leaving a job may be the start of a new chapter, but leaving it kindly is just the right thing to do.
Smashing Resumes 