Emptying Out the Summer Mailbag
Steve Adubato, Ph.D.We have received lots of feedback from last week’s column on how to leave a job with class and dignity, unlike former JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater. Here’s a sampling from our end of summer mailbag: (Since all of these people recently left their job, they asked that their names not be published.)
“I resigned from my job a few weeks ago upon realizing that my potential for growth was limited. I wrote a formal letter of resignation and then spoke with my supervisor. Once the announcement was ‘out there’ that I was leaving, I posted on LinkedIn that I resigned from my position. I do not have another position lined up, so am actively networking to find a job. Do you suggest also posting on Facebook or other social media forums that I am looking or is that unprofessional?”
It can’t hurt, however, from my experience the best and most productive way to communicate that you are available to work is much more personal. I suggest you get on the phone and set up some face-to-face coffee meetings. It doesn’t have to be lunch, which often is a big ask for someone with a busy schedule. People need to see you and be reminded of why you are potentially an asset to them. Face-to-face communication remains the best, most effective, way to get the introductions you need that could potentially lead to a new professional opportunity.
“Since we are in a double recession, I believe that things like work abuse will get worse before it gets better. Those in power have the ability to treat people fairly or not. I recently left a contractor job after being expected to work unpaid weekends. I took the high road when I gave my two-weeks notice, even though I wanted to tell him exactly how I felt about the abuse. It was hard to move on without confronting him, but I’m glad I chose to remain professional.”
You took the “high road”, which is always a good road to take no matter how you felt personally. I also agree that certain employers are communicating very directly with their employees that they expect some pretty unreasonable things and if you don’t like it, you can leave. That’s rude, nasty and unprofessional, but it’s a fact of life in these difficult economic days. I understand the temptation to blow up, but rarely does it pay off as you attempt to stay in the game and get another job. Keep your eye on that prize and it will help you continue to communicate in a professional and dignified fashion in spite of how your employer may act.
“I left a job that I loved after an opportunity presented itself. I was transparent with my director from the start, and after accepting the job, I told her before sharing the news with co-workers. I negotiated a start date of a month later so that I could have adequate time to train my replacement. It was a priority for me to leave my job in decency and order. I’m just wondering how long I should make myself available to my coworkers after I leave if they have questions?”
You’ve done it by the book, and for that you should be commended. But, don’t let yourself be taken advantage of. I would send an e-mail to your former colleagues that says something like; “I look forward to continuing to be helpful in this transition for the next few weeks. However, after BLANK date (put a specific date one month from when you left), unless it is an absolute emergency, I will no longer be available as I will be moving into a new position. I wish all of you the best.”
Steve Adubato coaches and speaks on communication and leadership and is author of the new book "What Were They Thinking? Crisis Communication: The Good, the Bad and the Totally Clueless" (Rutgers University Press). Write to him at The Star-Ledger, 1 Star-Ledger Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102, visit his Web site at www.stand-deliver.com, or e-mail him at sadubato@aol.com.
