Switching Job? Make a Good Exit – Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post #1099

Switching Job? Make a Good Exit – Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post #1099

Dear Colleagues! This is Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post #1099 for Pharma Veterans. Pharma Veterans Blogs are published by Asrar Qureshi on its dedicated site https://pharmaveterans.com. Please email to pharmaveterans2017@gmail.com  for publishing your contributions here.

Credit: Felicity Tai

Credit: Mikhail Nilov

Preamble

Recently, a junior colleague left unhappily. His performance had been under discussion with him for some time, but no improvement was seen. He was offered to work during the notice period so that he could find a job more easily. However, he chose to leave suddenly and did not even say goodbye. He just disappeared. It did not matter for the organization, but it certainly mattered for him and his future.

In today’s dynamic career landscape, switching jobs has become a common part of professional growth. Whether you're seeking a new challenge, better compensation, or a healthier work environment, moving on is often a necessary step. However, the way you exit your current role can leave a lasting impression on your career. A gracious, professional departure not only preserves important relationships but also enhances your reputation and opens doors for future opportunities.

Here are some suggestions for making a good exit while switching jobs, ensuring you leave on the best possible terms.

Make a Thoughtful Decision

Before announcing your departure, be absolutely certain about your decision. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering not just salary or title but culture, growth opportunities, and long-term career goals. Resigning impulsively or without a clear plan can damage relationships and your professional brand. 

In the Pharma industry, it is common practice that when a senior executive switches job, he tries to carry several people of his team with him to the new place. He does it for his own selfish reasons because he wants to show his performance early. Please do not fall into this trap unless you are sure of your own benefit.

A worse variation is where people negotiate hard at the new place, get an offer, show to the present employer, and threat them that they should be given a raise otherwise they would leave. Mostly, they get the raise, but it leaves a bad taste with the present and prospective employers. 

Therefore, once you're sure, only then proceed further.

Inform Your Manager First

Always inform your direct supervisor before telling your colleagues. No matter how close you are to your peers, professional etiquette dictates that leadership hears the news directly from you.

Request a private meeting with your manager. Be respectful, clear, and appreciative. Thank them for the opportunities provided and explain your decision without complaining or criticizing.

In most cases, your manager will persuade you to stay on. Handle this situation carefully and stand your ground. Do not disclose the news till your manager agrees to let you go. I have observed people that they first tell their colleagues and then inform the manager. This is a bad practice.

Provide Ample Notice

Typically, one month notice is standard, but depending on your role and responsibilities, offering more time might be appropriate. Senior-level positions or specialized roles may require a longer handover period.

Be flexible, if possible, but also protect your own timeline if you have a start date at your new organization. Offering extra time demonstrates goodwill and commitment to professionalism.

Another usual variation is where the employee resigns with one month notice but comes back next day or even same day and requests to be released early. It is an undesirable practice. The usual excuse is that the new employer is insisting on joining early. It is also your responsibility to convince new employer to let you complete your notice period. You will earn positive impression with both employers.

Prepare a Transition Plan

Don't leave your team scrambling after your departure. Offer to help create a detailed transition plan, including:

• Status updates on current projects

• Lists of key contacts and stakeholders

• Documentation of essential processes and procedures

• Orientation sessions for your successor or interim replacement

Being proactive about knowledge transfer shows maturity and leadership, and it leaves your colleagues with a positive final impression.

Stay Positive and Gracious

During your remaining time, maintain a positive attitude. Resist the temptation to "check out" mentally or emotionally. Continue to perform at a high level and support your team.

Even if you're leaving due to dissatisfaction, avoid negative conversations, complaints, or gossip. How you behave during your final days will be remembered long after you leave.

Gratitude goes a long way. Take time to thank your manager, peers, and anyone else who supported your growth. A simple handwritten note or a personal email can make a lasting impact.

Lastly, never boast about the raise in salary or benefits that you expect to receive at the new place.

Handle the Exit Interview Diplomatically

If your company conducts exit interviews, approach them thoughtfully. Be honest but constructive. Frame any criticisms carefully—focus on systemic issues rather than personal grievances and offer suggestions for improvement if appropriate.

Avoid burning bridges. Remember, the HR team may document your feedback, and your comments could influence your reputation.

Maintain Professionalism Until the End

Finish your assignments, tidy up your workspace, and organize your digital files for easy access. Leave detailed instructions if needed and be available to answer follow-up questions even after you leave, within reason.

Professionalism isn't about grand gestures; it's about consistency, reliability, and respect for your colleagues and the organization.

Stay Connected

Your professional network is one of your most valuable assets. Before you leave, connect with colleagues on LinkedIn and other platforms. Express your desire to stay in touch and offer your support for their careers as well.

After your departure, don't vanish. Send periodic check-ins, congratulate former colleagues on their achievements, and nurture those professional relationships.

You never know when paths might cross again—a former coworker might become a future client, partner, or even boss.

Reflect and Learn

Every job experience, good or bad, offers lessons. After you leave, take time to reflect:

- What did you learn about yourself and your career aspirations?

- What leadership traits or cultural elements will you seek or avoid in the future?

- How can you grow from this experience?

This reflection will make you wiser and more intentional in your next role.

Sum Up

Switching jobs is more than just changing where you work—it's an opportunity to redefine your professional journey. Exiting gracefully demonstrates character, emotional intelligence, and professionalism. It ensures that you leave behind respect, goodwill, and open doors.

Remember: how you leave is as important as what you achieved while you were there. A pleasant exit speaks volumes about who you are and sets the stage for a positive, empowering new beginning.

Concluded.

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For most blogs, I research from several sources which are open to public. Their links are mentioned under references. There is no intent to infringe upon anyone’s copyrights. If, any claim is lodged, it will be acknowledged and recognized duly.