The Final 30
“Parting is such sweet sorrow” according to some guy named Bill. He was definitely spot-on.
I recently moved on to a new gig and the process of leaving has been both a learning and emotional experience. I’d be a liar if I said no tears were shed on my last day.
My decision to leave wasn’t one of desperation per se but the right opportunity came up and I couldn’t refuse. I had a chance to work with a brand I admired as a child and in a completely different industry with some very talented people. (Yes, this section is full of clichés so I will ease off the gas.)
Having said that, while moving forward it's important to be grateful for what got you to that point. I'm thankful to have worked with some terrific people at Sears Canada. Both family and friends reflected that I’ve changed for the better since I joined. Whether it was Sears employees, vendors or partners on the agency or client side of things - there is no question that my growth was a direct result of the people I worked with.
When time came to give notice, my boss was very gracious. I only hope that I have the maturity to behave in such a way if I’m ever in that position. With the demand on talent now being what it is, I’m sure I’ll be faced with that kind of situation. I’m sure many of you have been there already.
“They have already taken their pound of flesh" one person observed. Therefore the implication was to go into cruise-control down the home stretch. I suppose that was an option as I’ve seen others do that over the years but deep down I was never impressed with that kind of behavior.
Candidly, during my last two weeks I probably worked harder than any other two week period in the past six months. What drove that behavior was a comment a colleague made to me. She said “You can work your tail off for years but people will only remember the last two weeks. The question is - how do you wish to be remembered?”
A friend of mine switched jobs as well and we discussed this over dinner recently. It was his view that you never know when you will cross paths with others in future. So it was no surprise when he said, “I saw the wrong side of 6am a few times before my last day.” He was not trying to portray himself as a martyr but simply taking care of business when people least expect it. No wonder he is so respected in the industry.
Furthermore, as much as you may be overjoyed starting a new gig, be sure not to dump on the old one or come off as excessively happy. Remember those who helped you achieve success are still there and they have earned your respect.
When walking out the door be sure to go out with dignity, humility, thankfulnees and the same drive and work ethic you started with. Just as the first 30 days in any new position are critical, so are the final 30 days at the old one.
You owe it to your company. You owe it to your colleagues. You owe it to yourself.
