Departure in the Workplace

On 31st July 2024, I thought to end my Senior Lecturer (on contract) position at Department of Science for Technology in Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura after serving for 20 months. It was a wonderful experience in my academic journey as I learned a lot of things.

You have the freedom to leave your job due to various reasons. You can leave if you have accepted a better opportunity from another employer, planned to change demographic location, health issues, higher education opportunities or any other reason which I have not mentioned here. Yet, deciding on how to quit and how to deliver the news in a professional way is always challenging. Honestly, you need to maintain a positive working relationship with your employer even after you left.

Hence, this month I would like to talk about departure in the workplace.

First of all, departure in the workplace can be in different forms such as retirement, resignation, dismissal, end of contract etc. It is a slow process that you need to put your time and effort to run smoothly.

Initially, you need consider when, why and how you should depart the workplace. Of course, you need to find new opportunities. Then prioritize your needs and desires. In my case, I wanted to focus on my post-doc research work, education consultancy firm that I established few years back while balancing my kids’ education needs along with visiting lecturing opportunities.

Then it is customary to give one month notice in an official way. After you have notified, it is your job to finish the standing projects and keep in touch with the person who is replaced for yourself. In addition, documents transferring to relevant parties, share information and keeping back ups are essential for smooth transition. Even there can be certain rules, regulations and policies if you are leaving your current employer for a position with the competitor.

In my career, I have given more than what I can as an academic irrespective of the time that I have served in that particular workplace. I maintain strong bonds with academic staff, non-academic staff and students even after I leave while expanding my network. Because being a lecturer has more gravity than an income method to me.

In each workplace, you can develop new skills with greater responsibilities. Finally, you can evolve as a better employee. Your current job experience directly influences to find your new opportunities as well. That is why it important to show your gratitude in an open manner when you leave.

Leaving the workplace is not an easy task. You should be able to leave the workplace with a calm mindset. How you will be remembered in your workplace should be on the positive side is my view. This will allow you to feel relaxed about your decision and be excited about your new move in career.

I am a person who does not like to say good bye to anyone. I bid my farewell to workplaces with happy memories. I think that I will see them all again someday while keeping my head high with my smile. What is your story?

(This article originally appeared in Probe - August 2024)