Commentary

Don't Just Quit On Me, Millennials

by Matt Straz , September 9, 2013

Millennials, those born after 1980, expect to change jobs at least every three years. That means that every few years — unless you’ve been fired — you will need to resign. This is especially true in media and advertising, where change is constant and new opportunities come along frequently.

Since you may need to resign more than dozen times during your career, it’s important to do it right. Here’s how:

Do it in person. If you care at all about the person who hired you, or your manager, then let them know in person that you plan to leave. Believe it or not, I have seen Millennials resign from their job via email. This disrespects the manager who will need to tell her boss. Put on your big-boy pants and deliver the news in person.

Don’t burn bridges. Resign with dignity, even if there were things you did not like about your current job. The high road is always the best one to take in business. If there is an exit interview, be honest but fair.

Give some notice. Companies today are stretched thin. If you are a junior employee, give two weeks’ notice. If you are senior, offer to stay on for another month. The company you are moving to should not pressure you to start immediately. If they do, you should ask yourself what kind of company you are joining.

Train your replacement. When you leave, someone else is going to get stuck doing your job. Offer to teach her everything you know. If you want to be really thoughtful, give her your personal email address in case she has any questions after you’re gone.

Keep putting in the effort. Even after you’ve given notice, you still need to do a good job. Sure, take a long lunch on your last day, but otherwise keep putting in the effort. Don’t undo months or years of hard work by checking out early.

Don’t have a party. It’s great to have a going-away party for someone who’s meant a lot to the organization over a long period of time. But if you’ve only been at a company for a year or two, don’t expect or encourage a going-away bash. On your last day, say your goodbyes, trade contact info with people you’re close to, and then get out.

If you’ve done it right, people will think fondly of you long after you’re gone.

4 comments about "Don't Just Quit On Me, Millennials".

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Phillip Djwa from Agentic Communications Inc., September 9, 2013 at 12:52 p.m.
Nice, appreciate you stating this as it's truly something that you would think is obvious, but my experience is that if we have these expectations, let's make them explicit. I'll be referencing this post in the future, thanks!
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Andrew Eklund from Ciceron, September 9, 2013 at 1:15 p.m.

With all due respect, I think the premise of the article is entirely off. Why should Millennials assume they need to resign every three years? Why shouldn't employers -- agencies, etc. -- be on the hook to create companies that want to foster great working environments where all people can stay and want to stay for a long time? I have plenty of Millennials working for me, and most of them stay for a very long time.

Paula Lynn from Who Else Unlimited, September 9, 2013 at 5:57 p.m.

Take care of your financial security including any kind of retirement funds. And don't be surprised with an escort out the door sooner than you plan even under the best of circumstances. And be careful and sure. The grass is not always greener.

Matt Straz from Namely, September 10, 2013 at 8:47 a.m.

Thanks, Phillip.

Agree that is the ideal scenario, Andrew. Congrats!