Whether you’ve been at your current job for a short or long period, it’s now time to move on so you’re getting ready to give your notice. But how do you do so in a way that is respectful so you don’t burn any bridges as you walk out the door?

In a Wall Street Journal article, Sarah Stoddard of corporate communications at Glassdoor said, “. . . our last impressions are just as important in maintaining relationships that live on throughout your career. Especially if you plan to maintain similar professional circles, it’ll be key to leave your current role thoughtfully and on good terms.” It’s important to preserve your professional relationships with former bosses and co-workers.

Be sure that, before you start telling your colleagues and co-workers, you schedule a meeting, in person, with your boss. In addition to being a professional courtesy, this shows respect and prevents any rumors from circulating before you’ve had time to let him/her know what’s up.

Whether you like your boss or not, it will feel awkward to have this conversation so prepare what you’ll say ahead of time. You don’t have to sit down and write a script. Think about what you’d like to say and visualize how the conversation might progress.

While you’re not required to give an explanation for your departure, it’s a good idea to share positive feedback. Blaming others or giving reasons like “my supervisor is not supportive of my efforts” or “the work environment stresses me out,” doesn’t leave a good impression on your boss or the co-workers you’re leaving behind.

Don’t lay out a laundry list of grievances. Instead share your gratitude for the position, all you learned on the job, and/or acknowledge the valuable relationships you made. You might also offer to assist in the training of your replacement.

Keep the conversation sincere, short and simple. Some reasons for leaving may include:

* This is a good opportunity to elevate your career.
* You’re making a career move away from hospitality to a different industry.
* You’ll be caring for an ailing parent.
* Your spouse is being transferred for his/her job.
* You’ve decided to go back to school to expand your skills/talents/abilities.
* You want to improve your work/life balance.

Whatever your reason, remember to exit with grace. As Stoddard suggested, the relationships you developed in your current position may live on throughout your career. You may need to ask for a referral or letter of recommendation down the road. So don’t burn your bridges.

What about my co-workers?

After you’ve met with your boss and given your notice, then you can let your co-workers know what’s happening. If you’re close with any of them, they may already have an inkling that something was in the works.

If they ask why you’re leaving, which they probably will, keep it short and simple. Don’t banter about all the things that might have been wrong with your position. Instead, focus on your excitement about what’s next, be it a new job, new home, going back to school, etc.

Let your co-workers know you won’t leave them in the lurch. You’ll continue to be “all in” until your last day, do your part to share the status of any projects you have in the works, any follow up that needs to be done once you’re gone, etc.

While leaving a job can be a stressful time, it can also be an exciting time as you set off on a new chapter. Taking the time to think about how you’ll exit gracefully (even when your current position hasn’t been all that wonderful), provides you with the opportunity to maintain respectful professional relationships with both your boss and co-workers.