Click here for a full transcript of the episode.

In this episode of The JoyPowered® Workspace Podcast, hosts JoDee Curtis and Susan White discuss how to leave a job professionally and preserve the relationships and reputation you’ve built along the way. Drawing on their own career experiences and some memorable quitting stories, they explore what can go wrong when employees leave without notice, avoid important conversations, or let frustration shape their exit.

The conversation offers practical guidance for making a departure, from deciding whether you’re ready to leave and giving appropriate notice to communicating directly with your boss, preparing a transition plan, and expressing gratitude. JoDee and Susan also discuss the pros and cons of helping hire your replacement.

Key Takeaways

• Think carefully before giving notice. Make sure you’re ready to leave before resigning. A job opportunity can fall through, and your employer may choose to honor your resignation even if your plans change.
• Give your employer appropriate notice. When possible, providing at least two weeks’ notice gives your organization time to prepare for the transition and helps you leave on professional terms.
• Have the conversation directly. Tell your boss you’re leaving through a personal conversation whenever possible, then follow up with a written resignation. Avoid letting your manager discover the news through an email, text, coworker, or LinkedIn announcement.
• Be thoughtful when sharing feedback. An exit conversation can be an opportunity to offer helpful feedback. Stay balanced by sharing what you valued along with constructive suggestions that might improve the workplace for those who remain.
• Make the transition easier. Document your responsibilities, projects, deadlines, important contacts, and file locations so others can confidently pick up where you left off.
• Leave with gratitude. Thank the people who supported you, stay connected with colleagues when appropriate, and recognize what you learned from the experience. Maintaining those relationships can benefit your professional network for years to come.
• Be cautious about hiring your own replacement. Your knowledge of the role can make you a valuable part of the recruiting process, but the incoming employee also needs to build a strong relationship with their new manager. Allowing the manager or leadership team to make the final selection can help create that connection.

Quote of the Episode

“How you exit a company for any reason, good or bad, it really does leave an imprint on that company and your personal brand and reputation.” – Susan White

Mentioned in this episode:

• Purple Ink
• Susan Tinder White Consulting
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary
• How To Quit a Job in a Professional Manner – Indeed, updated July 2026
• Information about A.A. groups
• Why You Should Avoid Lying on Resumes – Monster, updated July 2026
• JoyPowered® on LinkedIn
• JoyPowered® on Instagram
• Email JoyPowered®

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