Tips on Breaking Up with Your Current Employer
So the dream role with that firm you have been after forever has finally come to fruition! It is time to let your current employer know that you are moving on. Lots of people dread the confrontation of resigning, but we think you can do it with class. This way there is a positive outcome for you and your employer.
We have all heard epic resignation stories. These include bringing in a cake emblazoned with “I Quit” or giving your people leader a dramatic earful about everything that is wrong with their personality.
We suggest the softly, softly approach – regardless of your reasons for leaving.
This is why:
1. The Bad Penny
Melbourne is a relatively small town and you never know when you are likely to run into former colleagues or managers. They may turn up one day employed at your new firm. You might find yourself facing them on the other side of the court room or negotiation table. Keep things on a professional and respectful footing and you will maintain a good working relationship.
2. Their Investment in You
Regardless of your reasons for leaving, whether it be for further opportunities, career development or due to personality conflicts, your current firm has invested in your career. They have most likely spent a great deal in developing you into someone the other firm wants to hire!
This is how we suggest you go about resigning in a manner that will ensure goodwill continues.
3. Be Ethical
Review your current employment contract and ensure you are across the terms and conditions. This should cover the following at a minimum:
- The required notice periods,
- Any applicable restraint of trade clauses,
- Any non-compete clauses,
- Whether you are required to take gardening leave if you go to a direct competitor
- Any restrictions relating to poaching clients or colleagues.
Ensure you read the fine print and ensure you do not take with you (or download from any company device) any confidential client information. Nothing kills a potential future working relationship between an employer and an employee than being taken to court!
If employment contract law is outside your area of expertise, get some legal advice prior to resigning. This will ensure you are across your rights and responsibilities to your current employer. It will also ensure you are across any restrictions on new employment.
4. Resign Professionally and in Writing.
Your resignation letter should include some expression of regret for leaving. You should thank them for the opportunities they have provided you.
5. Ensure your direct People Leader Knows First
Office grapevines are notorious for spreading gossip about people leaving. Book a meeting with your people leader so that they are the first to know. This will ensure they can get thinking about succession planning or recruitment. Once this is done, then you can tell the colleagues that you are close to so that they hear it from you in person. Discuss with your people leader how they would like to manage the communication of your departure with your clients and colleagues.
6. Be Professional during Your Notice Period and Handover
If you are required to attend the office during your notice period, it is good practice to finish off those projects or tasks that you have on your plate. Prepare your client files and matters for the next person handling their cases in a way you would want them handed to you.
7. Don’t Be Publicly Critical of the Employer you are Departing.
Now is not the time to post to Facebook how terrible they are and how happy you are that you are leaving. Keep any animosity to yourself and walk away with class.
We think it is important not to burn bridges as the legal industry in Australia is so interconnected. Breaking up with your current employer doesn’t need to be nasty. You never know when you need the goodwill of the people you are leaving behind! A great outcome would ensure they continue to be a supporter of your career.
