How You Leave REALLY Matters
When you join an organization, there’s excitement all around. Everyone is happy to have you there, eager to see what you’ll bring to the team. You dive in, ready to learn, work hard, and grow. As you put in the effort, you gain new skills, make connections, and build your future. Some stay in one place for decades, while others experience many roles over the course of their careers. Joining is filled with energy and possibility, but leaving, especially when it’s not your choice, can be much harder. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
When it’s time to move on, it can feel like a lot is out of your control. And often, that’s true. But one thing that is exclusively within your control is the way you leave a job. How you leave REALLY matters. It’s your opportunity to leave lasting value, maintain respect for the time you’ve spent, and preserve your reputation, no matter the circumstances. (Colossians 3:23)
Here are some areas to consider when leaving your job:
Transitions are about perspective!
Think of this as a new chapter, not just the end of an old one. It’s your chance to start fresh. Look back at what you’ve learned, the skills you’ve gained, and the connections you’ve made. Let those things fuel your excitement for what’s next. Keeping your head up and focusing on the future can turn a tough goodbye into a step toward something new and full of possibilities. (Isaiah 43:19)
Honor what you can honor!
Take a moment to genuinely thank the colleagues and mentors who’ve supported you. Finish your work with integrity, even if it’s tempting to coast. Wrapping things up thoughtfully and tying up loose ends shows respect for your role and the people you’ve worked with. Doing the right thing, even in your final days, leaves a positive mark that you can be proud of. (Proverbs 16:3)
You can’t control the character of others, but you can control yours!
You can’t always control how an organization, or someone within it, chooses to act, but you can control your response. If things feel unfair or someone is being unkind, take a breath and stay grounded in God. Keep your words and actions professional, no matter how others behave. That’s a reflection of your true character. It’s not always easy, but choosing to lead and live with grace speaks louder than anything else. (Ephesians 4:2, Ephesians 4:32)
It’s a small world.
You never know when someone from your past might turn up again whether as a future coworker, a client, or a connection for your next opportunity. Even if you're frustrated, don’t burn bridges. Your reputation matters and leaving on a good note means people will remember you as someone they’d want to work with again. Stay respectful, keep things professional, and remember that keeping those connections alive can make all the difference down the road. (Romans 12:18)
In the end, how you leave is a powerful reflection of who you are. Even in challenging times, you have the opportunity to leave with integrity and respect. By choosing grace and maintaining perspective, you honor your time in an organization and pave the way for future opportunities. Leave well, and you’ll carry forward a legacy of faith and character that reflects God’s presence in your life.
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Wesley King Vice President, Ministry Engagement
