If you are thinking about leaving your federal job, you’re not alone! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost half a million federal government employees left their jobs! This includes both retirees and resignations.
If leaving is in your plans, you want to do so graciously. While it might provide a moment of satisfaction to leave in a blaze of “glory,” it is not a good idea. Here are some tips for leaving appropriately:
- Tell your supervisor that you are leaving in writing before you tell your colleagues and friends. This is just common courtesy.
- Give notice. Again, this is just common courtesy. While there is no requirement to give notice, a minimum of two weeks is considered appropriate; more if you are at a senior level. In the private sector, if you announce your resignation, you may need to leave immediately (depending upon corporate policy) but this is not typical in the federal sector).
- Don’t trash your supervisor or employer with your colleagues. Your negativity is sure to get back and you want to leave on a positive note, regardless of how you feel.
- Ask for a written reference. Always good to have. And, if you’re a LinkedIn user (which you should be), you may want to ask for a LI recommendation too.
- Go through your organization’s separation procedures. This means settling any “debts” (advance leave as an example), turning in your badge, computer, etc.
- Provide forwarding information including a phone number, address, and email. There are always details to be addressed after the fact; your former employer should be able to reach you—if nothing else, then to send your W-2.
- Organize everything for a smooth transition. Review your work relevant documents, contacts for various projects, etc., and put a transition plan together so that your supervisor and the person who replaces you has everything at their fingertips.
No matter how angry or unhappy you are, your separation is not the place to show it. The temporary satisfaction you might achieve by “flaming out” might haunt you forever. You never know when you might need your employer again in the future!
