Short Timers: Making The Best of Your Last Days
Short Timers - a term most commonly used in the military to describe someone coming to the close of their tour. But for the rest of us, a short timer is (according to UrbanDictionary.com) someone who “after turning in [their] resignation, [they] end up not giving a damn about [their] job during the remaining two weeks…”
A short timer is leaving this job and sees nothing ahead but the change. It can be a great feeling…the anticipation of change, of doing something new and, hopefully, more fulfilling. But being a short timer means the potential for problems. If we mishandle our departure, it can have some nasty effects.
Once you’ve given notice you want to remember the golden rule of effective short timing: Do no harm to your reputation. You’ve worked hard for a good reputation. And even if that reputation was tarnished before you leave, you can do some mending by leaving on a positive note. So here are some strong recommendations (rules, if I could enforce them) for your final days on the job:
- Do not tell your employer “how you really feel”. In other words, don’t take this time to tell your boss what a jerk she is or how terrible the company treats it’s employees. This is not the time to start complaining. They really won’t listen (hey, your just a disgruntled short timer), and it will only make you feel better for an hour or so. But you risk breaking the golden rule, and you don’t want your future employer or customers hearing about your unpleasant departure. Take the advice of my mother, don’t burn any bridges. So, what do you say if asked why you are leaving? Say something general like, “I’m looking for a change” or “it’s a good opportunity for me.”
- Do your best work during those final days. Work off the motivation that you will soon be on that new job or running that new business. Don’t start dragging; instead, kick it up a notch. Organize your workspace, complete all unfinished projects, and prepare notes and instructions for those who will fill in behind you. The added benefit is that this hard work will be better recognized BECAUSE you are a short timer. The boss will never expect it. Surprise him!
- Don’t make any commitments to your employer beyond your scheduled work. Many short timers, with all good intentions, make promises to train their replacement or come back and help out for a while. But reality kicks in when they are in the new job and find no time or motivation to keep these self-made obligations. So, avoid making any promises and focus on being the best employee while you are at work. Don’t try to ease the pain of your departure with any such promises.
What would you add to the list of short timer recommendations?
2 Responses to “Short Timers: Making The Best of Your Last Days”
By Shadoglare on Feb 3, 2008 | Reply
I’ve also learned that constructive criticism will be interpreted into #1 as well. Before I left my last company I emailed my supervisor in a very professional tone a few ideas that I thought would help improve things in the workplace (especially considering this company has one of the highest turn-around rates I’ve ever witnessed in my life). From what I hear through the grapevine even this was taken as an attack and the management team went off on it for weeks. Nice. So, yeah, don’t say anything about the job at all, helpful other otherwise. “It’s not you, it’s me.”
By Coryan on Feb 3, 2008 | Reply
Shadoglare, I couldn’t agree more. When you are leaving a job, your employer views ANY feedback, advice, or criticism (no matter how well-meaning) differently. You said it best, “So, yeah, don’t say anything about the job at all, helpful other otherwise.”