Here are summarized points from the article.
1. Focus on the project. - Take a project-focused approach to your career from the very beginning. Instead of looking at your resume as a series of short-lived jobs, think of each job as its own project: a time to master X, hone Y, practice Z. Doing this will not only make you better on the job while you're still at work, but it will relieve you from any guilt you might feel as you PCS.
2. Come up with a game plan. - As soon as you have orders, start thinking about when is the right time to tell your boss. Before I left my last job, I let my boss know six months in advance -- it gave us plenty of time to plan.
3. Follow your boss's lead. - No matter how your boss reacts to your news, let her set the tone for what happens next. If your employee manual requires that you notify Human Resources or another office, let your boss know and ask what help you can be throughout the transition.
4. Write your resignation letter. - Keep it simple. Just a simple end date and a thank you will be fine. You might want to use this moment to thank your employer for the opportunities this position has afforded you and how much you have grown as an employee under their leadership.
5. Preparing your replacement. - If you know someone who is perfect for your job, do not forget to tell your boss. Be as helpful as possible to your replacement as they get acclimated to the new job.
6. Keep it positive. - As you get closer to your date of departure, you might find yourself tempted to tell off the employee who has been irking you for the last three years. Or to let your boss know exactly how stupid you think someone else is. Whenever the temptation arises, shut it down.
7. The exit interview. - In a nutshell: Keep it professional. This is not a therapy session and it is not the time to list the things that the organization is doing wrong.
8. Keep the door open. - As much as you can, be helpful to your boss and your replacement through the transition. Be willing to field calls and emails after you leave, and let your boss know how much help you can provide as things get settled.
Be sure to check out the full article at Military.com to get even more valuable details about How to Leave Your Job Gracefully.
How to Leave Your Job Gracefully
by Raleigh Duttweiler
Military.com
