How to Say Goodbye

Well, it happened to me.  I knew it was coming, but it wasn’t very good timing, as other pressing issues had my attention at the time.

“Today is your last day.”  There it was.  I had prepared for this for a while.  My organization was rebuilding to keep its commitment to financial responsibility, and I wasn’t the only one whose job ended.  I had been treated very well for as long as my job was sustainable, and right through the end, but it was still scary to hear.

I had heard a few crazy stories in the past, like the woman who immediately began yelling at the leaders who had to let her go.  No good came of this, especially since my organization does hire contract workers as needed, and former employees can be eligible for this work.  In other words, there were very real bridges to be burnt by the outburst.

So when my time came, I was ready.  “Do you have any questions?”

Yes.  “Am I eligible for contract work here?”  Message sent.  I sincerely wanted to keep the door open, as I obviously needed work.  Beyond that, though, by implication I had said that I held no hard feelings and would work for this organization again if the opportunity arose.  I did not make any long speeches or tell the boss how she should have saved my job.

 

When it’s over it’s over.  You are not going to change a decision that comes down from the top by making a fuss.  But with the right approach you might just gain some leverage for the future, such as getting a good reference from the ex-employer.

What SHOULD you say?

1.       Thank the employer for the time spent at the organization and the opportunity to learn.  You obviously liked some things about the job or you would have left.

2.       Ask about the possibility of getting a recommendation letter or using the organization as a reference during your job search.

3.       Find out if you are eligible for consideration for future openings with the organization.  If you have made a good impression you may as well capitalize on it if things change.

I have been in a supervisory position in food service, customer service, and higher education.  I know what it takes to stand out as an employee or prospect, and this is the way a winner handles a setback.