The big day has finally arrived and what once felt like a good thing has turned into somewhat of a bittersweet departure. After all, you’ve forged several close personal and professional relationships that should last a lifetime. Despite the fact that leaving your current job removes your overbearing boss from your life, you know that the grass isn’t necessarily greener at the next position in your career. Yet, the time has come to ensure that you meet all of the obligations on the last day of work checklist.
Finalize the Transfer of Knowledge
You simply can’t leave your job for a peer, without prepping the peer in the nuances of the position. The mentoring began the moment you decided to leave the job. You learned whom the boss chose to assume your professional role and thus, you took the time and possessed the patience to groom the next person for the position. Item number one on the last day of work checklist involves tying up all the loose ends in the transition, from answering questions to leaving your email and contact phone number.
You Can’t Take Everything with You
Most of the stuff in your cubicle or office belongs to the company. Packing any of it in your satchel violates trust and it might land you at the local police precinct. On the last day of work, remove all of your personal stuff, which you identify by simply asking the question, “Did I bring this in with me to work.” Personal stuff such as photographs of the three beaming children and plaque of your alma mater go with you out the exit door. Anything related to the company you either don’t touch or pass it down to one of your coworkers.
Dot the I’s and Cross the T’s
Your last day of work checklist includes a stop at the human resources department to sign off officially on your tenure at your current job. You have to ensure that all insurance and retirement information seamlessly transfers to your next employer, or if you’re lucky, to the final resting spot during your retirement years. The two most important components of your last at work paperwork comprise COBRA insurance coverage and employee matched 401K retirement plan.
Clean the Computer Slate
After moving your projects for the next employee that takes your position, you need to remove everything non-company related from the computer. Place all of the documents that the company needs on a shared drive and email employees that matter where they can find the files. Download anything that you need for future career advancement on a USB drive. This includes positive feedback from your boss, as well as employees. Send everything personal to the trash bin, including the video game that drove your boss crazy. Finally, the last day checklist requires you to clear your browsing history. You don’t want anyone to know how many times you accessed your fantasy football team, while you were at work.
One More Interview
The exit interview doesn’t mean you have to answer the trite question “Where do you see yourself in five years” one more time. Exit interviews provide employers with candid insight into your position. Your employer wants to know how to improve the position, as well as what to expect in the coming months. Of course, your employer should have asked you the questions a long time ago, but as they say, better late than never.
The final item on your last day of work checklist is to celebrate. Coworkers might take you out for a night on the town or you decide to enjoy the moment in a quiet setting, with a close friend. Whatever you decide to do, remember that the last day of work doesn’t signal the end of anything, but the new beginning of your prosperous career.
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