7 mistakes to avoid when laying off

1. Burn one's boats

Colleagues may forget what projects you worked on together, but they will definitely remember the feeling of working with you. And negative impressions sometimes remain for many years. Resume writing expert Tammeka Riley reminds us that we never know when we'll meet one of our "burnt bridges" next. Perhaps in the future it is this person who will have the final decision on one of the important issues for us.

Former HR coach Gregory Toll spoke about an employee who decided to quit in the middle of a presentation for a client. Of course, this employee did not warn management and, as a result, left a bad impression not only with colleagues who had to urgently save the situation, but also with the client.

Such antics rarely go unnoticed. People tend to pass information to each other, which means that other companies will find out about this case. Everyone will remember for a long time not only this act, but also the unprofessionalism of the person who committed it. Therefore, before leaving, it is worth evaluating how many people may have a bad impression of how you decided to leave.

2. Announcing your departure too early

If you're leaving for another company, it's best to wait to make sure you're being hired before you announce your resignation. desired position. Experts advise discussing all points with a new employer before leaving your current job. Remember that negotiations can break down at any moment and you will be left with nothing.

Be careful who you tell about your desire to leave. HR consultant Daniel Space gives the example of a situation where employees are reduced bonuses. This happened because the authorities were aware of the intention of the employees to quit. And this is logical: it makes no sense to encourage a subordinate who will soon leave anyway.

3. Stay longer than two weeks

Usually, a letter of resignation is submitted two weeks before leaving. This rule does not work in all companies. However, it is better to insist on such a period, unless you have a compelling professional reason to stay longer.

Sometimes we extend this period out of guilt or feeling that our department can't do it without us. But don't risk new opportunities just because you're not ready to cut off old ties.

If you still decide to stay longer than two weeks, discuss the conditions, for example additional payment or reduced working hours.

4. Work too much or too little

The last days should be spent so that colleagues do not remember you as a slob who spat at the ceiling while they sorted out difficult tasks. At the same time, it is not worth processing in the company that you are going to leave.

According to HR consultant Daniel Space, not only guilt plays a role here, but also self-esteem. The expert told how one of his employees on his penultimate day sent him reports at one in the morning. Instead of such crazy overtime, it is better to focus on spending more time with colleagues.

You also need to be honest with your boss about what projects you will have time to complete in the remaining days. Boss you can be sure that you will finish everything before leaving, and this is not always realistic. It is better to deal with this in advance.

5. Quitting at the wrong time

It is not uncommon for companies to retain all bonuses until at least the end of the month, such as the maintenance fee for a premium payroll card. That is why experts advise applying for resignation at the beginning, and not at the end of the month. And before doing this, in any case, it is worth making sure that you have received or will receive all payments and compensations available to you.

6. Don't take a break

By the time you get fired from a job that you have long dreamed of leaving, you are probably very tired and emotionally burnt out. Coming to a new company in such a state is not the best idea. Moreover, you are missing out on a great opportunity to recuperate.

If you can take a break, experts advise taking more than a week off. The first seven days, especially if the previous work was emotionally or physically demanding, is a kind of detox. You need to add as many more days to them as you need in order to gain strength and set new goals.

7. Don't be ready to leave right away

A letter of resignation submitted two weeks in advance does not guarantee this period. Sometimes your boss is overreacting or you have sensitive information, so the day you apply becomes your last working day.

There are cases when employees are literally kicked out of the company, as if it were not about leaving of their own free will, but about being fired for poor performance. There are also especially angry bosses who turn the last working days of subordinates into a real hell.

In the latter case, try to console yourself with the fact that you have very little time left to work here. After all, if your boss is ready to ruin your life just because you found a better place for professional development, then the decision to leave was the right one.