Leaving a job can be difficult, especially if it is not out of choice. However, if you intend a smooth career transition and do not want to diminish your prospects, you must avoid making the following mistakes.

Histrionics: You were just told that your services are no longer required. You are tempted to abuse, scream or maybe plead to be retained. Control your emotions. Resist the urge to sulk and snap at your teammates. You want them to remember your achievements, not your breakdown.

Stealing or damaging: You may feel that you got a raw deal and were laid off for no fault of yours. Perhaps your financial dues have been withheld. Don’t seek revenge. It’s a terrible idea to damage office property or take away stuff/data that does not belong to you. Your reputation will be tarnished, leaving you unemployable. In the worst case, you could risk going to jail.

Checking out mentally: Your notice period has commenced and your last working day is fast approaching. Be a thorough professional and work with the same intensity as before. People may not remember your contributions, but if you slack off, they will remember for a long time how you let them down.

Not planning a transition: Once you leave, your colleagues will deal with the projects you leave behind. The impact of these unfinished tasks will help determine your professional reputation. So sit down with your manager and make a knowledge transfer plan for your replacement. Communicate the plan and progress with everyone concerned in person and on e-mail. Let your work speak for you after you leave

Forgetting data and equipment: Don’t forget to hand over data and equipment and get a clearance certificate or e-mail from every stakeholder, including teammates, HR, accounts, IT and vendors. Upload a copy of the certificates to your personal e-mail ID before you submit the clearance to your supervisor and HR.
Keeping claims pending: If your reimbursements, travel and medical bills are pending with your employer, make sure you pursue the matter to conclusion and get your money before you leave. Recovery will be difficult once you are outside. Where possible, sign off in advance on the date and amount of your full and final settlement.

Offering criticism: You will have an exit interview before you leave. This is not the time to show your angst or pour your heart out. Your misplaced ‘constructive criticism’ can either harm your teammates or brand you as a person who chose not to speak up while at work. Discuss only what worked for you and what was good about your team.

Withdrawing PF: Are you afraid that you may run out of cash if you don’t find another job shortly? Resist the temptation of withdrawing from your Provident Fund (PF) account. Though it is an easy way out, you will lose the savings meant for retirement. Dip into your PF only if you are retiring, or if you plan to reinvest the amount in an asset like property. If not, find ways of curtailing your expenses until your cash flow stabilizes.

Discussing your future employer: Do not share your future plans with your colleagues. Whether you are interviewing elsewhere or have job offers in hand, do not talk about them. Discussing the ‘fantastic opportunity’ at your workplace will cause resentment and negativity among colleagues. If, for some reason, the new job does not work out, you will face ridicule.

Badmouthing the employer: As you head down to the pub or catch up with your colleagues over coffee, it will be tempting to vent out against your manager or teammates. Don’t do so. Whatever you say will invariably find its way to your workplace. Also, at future job interviews, you will be asked to justify your exit. Badmouthing your last firm or manager will get you rejected for coming across as a disgruntled employee. It is best to focus on your desire for better growth opportun ..

Fudging your CV: While you craft your resume for a new role, be extra cautious in describing your present responsibilities and achievements. Most employers will run a third-party verification check. At the very least, the HR at the firm you have applied to will call your present employer for a quick reference check. A negative verification report will not only cost you your job but also tarnish your reputation in the industry. Similarly, don’t tweak your joining and relieving da ..

Holding a grudge: As you walk out for the last time, drop the grudges at the office step. Leave your ex-colleagues empowered and energized in your final conversations. Take the emotional high ground of forgiveness and gift yourself freedom and energy to propel yourself in your next role.

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