How to Leave an HTM Job the Right Way

For most of us, we will change jobs multiple times in our established careers. Every five years or so, by average, you will start another endeavor. If you accept this as a statistical likelihood, then you should practice the proper etiquette when you leave.

• Give the customary 2 weeks - As much as you may want to come in and drop a mic, please avoid doing so.
• Be honest in exit interview - Honesty is not vindictive.  It is an opportunity to give constructive feedback that can help a company make beneficial changes while not burning bridges.
• Continue job excellence – Work as hard on your last day as you would your first.
• Hand off – Have great hand offs of your work load to a designee to allow a smooth transition. 
• Maintain professionalism – Even if others don’t, try to maintain your professionalism. As an HTM professional, you have had to work with difficult customers; you can be the bigger person if your boss isn’t handling his end well.
• Keep up your relationships – The HTM community is small. You will see each other at trade shows, and it is always nice to have a network of colleagues for consultations and sounding boards.

It is very important to have a professional separation when you voluntarily leave your job. In our small community, a reputation tends to follow, and it can take many years to repair a bad one. Besides, you will likely need references in another five years or so.