thermotron former employee.. BY---By...
Being a Good Former Employee
I
am not going anywhere. If I tried to leave my job, particularly right
now, I can think of a dozen people who would hunt me down and bring me
back. So don’t take this as some kind of broad hint. I just thought
about the issue of being the former employee because I had a very funny
dream two nights ago where I went back to visit where I had worked at
and was scolded by a former boss (who I happen to like a lot) because I
was late to an event where they all dressed up in Revolutionary War
costumes (go figure, it’s a dream, o.k.?). Jo, I’m sorry, next time I
won’t be tardy!
I’ve been a former employee a few times, and I
have plenty of experience with former employees as well. The more
closely entwined you were with the operation, the harder it can be to
change roles.
One new complication is that in our
ever-connected, always-on world, moving on can be much more difficult.
In the old days, you got in your car and drove out of the parking lot,
and that, for the most part, was it. (Though even in Olde Tymes, not
everyone excelled at being a former employee, as I illustrate below.)
But now people who were in our lives before are just an email away (just
as they were when you worked there). The former place of work is often
visible right there on the Web, with frequent updates about new projects
and activities. An instant message shimmers on your computer screen,
and in the moment, it can be hard to remember that you aren’t back in
your old office, your old role, your old job.
Leaving is no
longer just a physical act, a car door slamming and a wave good-bye; now
it’s a commitment to shift your role to that of the former employee.
You have to be intentional. It’s possible that’s really easy for you;
but at least one of these tips might resonate.
(I am only
tangentially addressing the complexities of moving from a last job into
retirement. We had a former editor at MPOW who did it all just right and
moved on with a well-thought-out plan for her new role . She continues
to be my role model. But that’s a post for another day.)
So, Michael-Stephens-style, here’s my top ten list for former employees (or about-to-be-former-employees):
1.
No matter how you feel, go to the going-away party, say gracious
things, and squeal over the presents. You will appreciate how cleansing
this is. (Actually, I adore parties and presents under any
circumstances, and have many fond memories, so definitely don’t take
this point as a roman a clef. But I do speak from first-hand knowledge.)
2.
Make amends before you leave with anyone you were on the outs with. For
rationale, see #1. This, I have had to do, and it was good.
3.
Do not breeze out of there with the cop-out,
“Questions? Just call me!”
Act as if you were traveling to another planet and would be unavailable
for oh, say, a few million years; make it hard for them to need to call
you for information.
Document everything you do that isn’t obvious,
including all your passwords and usernames, expiration dates, renewal
notices, etc. Put it in a folder or binder or something else
unavoidable. They may not use it (one former place didn’t open the
binder for several months, until after emailing me they realized it
really did have information they needed). Nevertheless, it’s the right
thing to do.
4. Clean your office. Take everything that’s yours.
5. Return anything that’s theirs.
6.
Be sure to say goodbye to the people who made a difference: the
accountant.
The mailroom team. The UPS man who left little gifts at the
holidays. The volunteer who showed up even on days like Christmas Eve
and the Friday of a holiday weekend. The very young page who quietly
showed up on time, shelved the books, and didn’t make a fuss.
7. Remember you don’t work there any more. (This is a particular sticking point with some former bosses.
In
talking to other managers,
I have detected a pattern, rare but real, of
“About Schmidt” behavior, where staff have to tiptoe around former
bosses who do not quite grasp the “former” part of their new status.)
If
you still live in the area,
avoid “just stopping in,” at least for a
while.
(And if you think you can’t, interrogate your motives.) Even if
you have plenty of time on your hands, don’t offer to volunteer; it
might be hard to say no to you, and your motives may be more complicated
than you realize.
8. Watch your social interactions very
carefully.
Think before socializing with former employees. Likewise, if
you were in a significant role and you are suddenly befriended by an
employee from the former library, think through what’s going on. It
could just mean that a former employee wanted to socialize with you and
didn’t feel free to do so before, which is a benefit of moving on, but
it might not be motive-free.
Be careful about “casual” email exchanges,
which might not be as casual as they appear. Above all, bells should go
off if you are approached by staff asking you to offer your opinion on a
workplace issue.
9.
Refrain from criticizing changes that take place, even if you
vehemently disagree with these changes, even if these were changes you
fought off for years. That means don’t complain publicly, don’t complain
to former staff, and don’t complain to the former employer. You can
write that long, excoriating email full of juicy bon mots about all the
mistakes made in the current regime, but delete it before you send it.
Then move on. If you find it hard to let go, remember that great line
from Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore:
“Don’t look back, or you’ll turn
into a pillar of s–t.”10. Every once in a while, check in to say
you miss people, that the place looks great, that the new whatsis
service is inspired, that you remember the good times, that you learned a
lot and took what you learned to your new job or into retirement.
If
you’ve been a good former employer, they will be glad to hear from you,
and you’ll feel good, too.
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