Career Corner: A peaceful transition

Listen to this article

Leaving your current employer for a new career opportunity is a big decision. In the process of moving on, there may be opportunities to share your dissatisfaction with your current employment. To this, my advice is to be careful.

On the way out, many companies complete an exit interview. And, many employees enjoy using this time to vent their long-held frustrations. It may feel therapeutic, but you should not take this route if you can avoid it.

If you’re like most employees, you have at least tried to resolve the differences at your current company before seeking something new. You probably shared, on more than one occasion, what you felt might help you to be more successful. For whatever reason, your request wasn’t possible. It may be because the company wasn’t listening. But, it may have been something larger. For example, to fulfill your request, a larger change to the corporate culture may have been necessary. And, sometimes, that’s just not possible.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying your request wasn’t valid or reasonable. But, if it wasn’t possible while you were working there, it isn’t going to be possible after you’ve left, certainly not from one conversation with human resources on your way out the door. The other point is, people may have been doing their best. We rarely have all of the information, or know exactly what was going on behind the scenes.

Chances are good that you built positive relationships when you were at your company. You want to maintain those if you can. And, you may need your boss in the future as a reference. You cannot tear up your relationship and hope for a glowing review later.

It can be frustrating when an opportunity didn’t work out the way you would have liked. But, focus on the positive and focus on the future. Be happy that you found a new beginning. It is understandable that you might feel frustrated with your old company. Rather than complain in an exit interview, call a friend. It will do you far more good.

And, try to leave things as you found them. When you end a relationship, it doesn’t help to tear each other down. The same is true in business. Thank the company for the experience and move forward.

Angela Copeland, a career expert and founder of Copeland Coaching, can be reached at copelandcoaching.com.