How to Say Goodbye (with an emphasis on the "Good")

Clearly there are good ways ... bad ways ... and down right wrong ways to leave an employer.  The bad and wrong ways are better understood (with only a fair amount of common sense of course).  The good ways ... well, that takes a little delving into.

According to Psychology Today, leaving a job under your own terms can involve a whole host of emotions from telling your boss to "shove it", to leaving with hesitation with fear of the unknown.

Author Pamela Weitraub gives five rules to follow that can provide you with peace of mind now and more importantly, for the future:

1) Give Plenty of Notice
The standard is two weeks but other arrangement can be made.  The purpose?  To ease the transition before departure.  The last thing you need (especially if you ever want a good recommendation) is to say "See Ya!  Wouldn't Wanna Be Ya!" and then needing a much needed favor in the future!

2) Help Your Employer
Assist your employer by making sure everything is in order, possibly help find a replacement, and if time permits, become involved in the training of your replacement.

3) Stay Involved
Leave the Lame Duck status for others.  You are still employed with the company ... so work like it!  Until it's your last day, each day at work should be no different from the first.

4) Leave Complete, Written Records
Make sure your work is aware of your business contacts, your processes, your procedures and any other details that your colleagues need to know.

5) Stay Accessible
Don't fall off the face of the globe!  There may be a time when your former employer may require your assistance for any last questions.  Help where you can.

6) Don't Let Colleagues Disappear From Your Life
You never know when you may need former contacts for future ventures.  The best way to get ahead is networking, so don't lose your network!

A great way to bond closer relationships with work colleagues is through better communication!  Use Ask! at your next company event!