#CareerCounsel: Surviving your notice period

However long it may be, the notice period following resignation is tricky. It’s a strange transitionary point in your life. You might feel your head and your heart are in completely different places and you might be wondering if surviving your notice period is even possible.

It doesn’t have to be like that! Yes, you’ve resigned for your own reasons and looking forward to the next step. However, there’s still ground to cover and you should cover it with aplomb! 

How should you approach your work during the notice period?

The exact same way you would if you were remaining with your employer. Nothing has changed in relation to work until you walk out the door on your final day. In fact, you should use this period to really make your final stamp on the company. You show loyalty to the very end, and that loyalty will be returned.

Be sure to demonstrate your willingness to maintain the professional relationships you have made. This is valid for ALL your soon to be former colleagues. Your professional network should never decrease in size, and keeping in touch always leaves the door open to expanding that network.

Make a comprehensive plan of what you need to do to make the transition easier for your employer. Be realistic about what you can achieve in the time frame, and honest about what might need to be handed over. Does your new job start date, or another reason for your departure, leave you some time following your notice period? If you can offer to assist with training a new starter, it would be VERY appreciated. 

The BIG no no’s

• Becoming indifferent, just because you’re departing, is a bad attitude to slip into. No matter the reason for your decision, do not hinder your professional development.
• You might feel your colleagues see you differently because they are aware of your departure. Remember they have some adapting to do as well, so be as team motivated as you always are!
• Don’t walk away without giving feedback. Let your employer know of the positive things you’re taking away with you, instead of leaving them behind without a second thought.

The digital and commerce industries are extremely close knit. Someone you meet in the future might know someone you worked with in the past. If you sour even one relationship, it could have a severe knock on effect at future networking events. You don’t want one act during a notice period to affect future career development, do you?

The benefits of a smooth notice period

Your notice period might just be to accommodate a career break. If you show that the company and its goals are still important to you, the door can be left open.

Loyalty comes into play again, and will work both ways. While your employer will be sad to see you go, they wouldn’t want to see you falter. So a glowing reference and endorsements of your skills, in return for one last period of amazing work, is invaluable to your future career.

Lastly, it will feel good to depart knowing good things were achieved, and you did all you could to help in the transitionary period. Your thoughts will always be positive looking back, and that’s what your career should be about!

Our #CareerCounsel series aims to give you the most honest, effective advice for any career milestone. Stay tuned for more!