Written by Vaclav Koranda

How to Leave a Job Without Burning Bridges (Plus a Free Handover Plan Template)

Leaving a job can be a significant life transition, and it’s important to handle it with care to maintain positive relationships and your professional reputation. Here are some strategies to help you leave your job without burning bridges:

Plan Your Exit Strategically

Before you hand in your resignation, make sure you have a clear plan in place. This includes securing a new job or saving up for a sufficient financial cushion while managing your debt and long-term financial commitments. You have to consider that finding a new job may take six months or more, so planning your exit ensures a smoother transition for both you and your dependants without disruption.

Read more: When to Move On: Signs It’s Time to Quit Your Job

Speed Up Your Departure

Have you already found a new job and the new employer wants you to start sooner? Or do you not feel comfortable in your current job and want to leave as soon as possible? Then you should remember that providing sufficient notice is crucial to a graceful exit. It shows respect for your employer and allows them time to find a replacement. Imagine if your employer would like to fire you without proper notice—how would you feel?

While the standard notice period can vary from country to country, it is usually mentioned in your employment contract or company policy. Therefore, study these documents carefully before you resign. There are some ways to shorten it and expedite your departure though: In some cases, you may buy out a part of your notice period, and then try to convince your future employer to cover the cost. Even if you don’t have such an option, you may still try to negotiate an early exit, especially if your boss already has a suitable replacement and you can convince him that you can do a proper and speedy handover (see below).

You should consider that not honouring your notice period or even disappearing from one day to the next is a sure way to get blacklisted by your current employer. Are you sure you want to never come back? You might get no (or bad) references, and it may even impact your future career—people change jobs, and you never know when you will meet your former colleagues in another company again.

Resign Professionally

As you prepare to embark on an exciting new chapter, it’s crucial to handle your resignation from your current role with care. A well-managed resignation not only protects your professional reputation but also avoids potential legal and tax implications. I often get asked how to resign properly—whether you should speak directly to your boss, send an SMS, or choose another method. My advice is to always resign formally, in line with the laws and regulations of your jurisdiction.

A Free Resignation Template: To ensure you’re on the safe side and to make the process easier, I’ve designed a resignation template that you can download here. You can use it for delivering your resignation in both written letter format and via email.

Read more: How to Resign Properly (Including a Free Template)

Ensure a Proper Handover

A smooth handover can make a big difference. Offer to help train your replacement, complete outstanding projects, and provide detailed documentation of your responsibilities. This demonstrates your commitment to a seamless transition and leaves a positive legacy.

Express your willingness to assist in the future if needed. Let your employer know that you’re available to answer questions or provide support even after you’ve left. This can help you negotiate a faster exit and keeps the door open for potential future collaborations.

Not every company has a formalized handover process. One thing that can massively help you showcase your professionalism and impress your boss is a structured handover plan. You can start by downloading my free template, which I designed to help you outline key responsibilities, provide updates on ongoing projects, and share all the necessary information with your successor. This template ensures a fast, seamless handover process and leaves a positive impression.

Download here: GYDJ Free Handover Plan Template

Leave on a High Note

It is important to continue to work diligently and professionally until your last day. Avoid slacking off or speaking negatively about the company or your colleagues. Your behavior during this period will be remembered and can impact future references. I have seen instances where people regarded as high performers completely ruined their reputation by stupid behaviour during their notice period.

If possible, try to finish on a positive note by achieving a significant milestone or completing an important project. Leaving on a high note can leave a great impression and ensure that your contributions are remembered.

Don’t forget to stay in touch with former colleagues and supervisors through LinkedIn or other professional networks. Building and maintaining a professional network is essential. This can help you maintain valuable connections and open doors for future opportunities.

Read more: The Power of Networking

How to explain the reason to your next employer

By following these strategies, you can leave your job gracefully, maintain positive relationships, and preserve your professional reputation. Remember, the way you exit a job can have a lasting impact on your career, so handle it with care and professionalism.

Good luck!

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Do you need my personal assistance? Simply send me your resume and a link to your LinkedIn profile at vaclav@getyourdreamjob.co and I will come back to you!

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