The Final 30 Days: Three Things Everyone Should Do Before Leaving Their Job
You’ve just accepted the job of your dreams, or perhaps you just want to take a break and recharge before moving on to the next thing. Your two weeks (or 30 days) notice has already been submitted. What do you do now?
Here’s my personal experience and what I think could help you out when you make the decision to quit your job.
It’s a personal preference, but I think that most employees would want to leave on good terms and finish up any projects that they’ve been working on so that the next person or team that handles it will be able to ease into it.
These are the three things I think any professional in the digital industry should be doing before they leave.
Document and Organize
If you’re part of a team or leading a team, make sure that you transfer your knowledge over to the person who will be responsible for it. Start by compiling a document with the most important projects you want to be covered, this document should include links to any Wiki pages, tickets, docs, or any other info that will help a new owner to pick it up right from where you left it.
I would also try to complete any open documentation you might have and keep everything organized in one place for easy access for your team.
Specifically, if you are a product manager, I recommend preparing the next month of Sprint with user stories that your development team needs to work on. It will make them feel safe and ease the transition of you leaving.
Set Up Feedback Sessions
Personal and career growth can’t happen if you are not aware of your strengths or weaknesses. The best way to understand those qualities are by using your last weeks to have feedback sessions with your coworkers.
Start by scheduling 1:1 session with your direct manager, teammates and anyone important you’ve interacted with throughout your career.
Those feedback sessions can be a two-way conversation as you have the opportunity to step up and provide your feedback on the company, that particular person or any process you think can be improved.
Sit Back and Reflect
Use these last few weeks to take a step back and reflect on your work and relationships that you’ve built with your coworkers. Use this time to take it easy, logging off a bit earlier, or just rest so you will have a smooth transition into the next chapter of your career.
Good luck!
