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Tip #96: “Grab Files”
Technically, anything you did at work belongs to your employer and you’re not allowed to keep a copy, but they usually can’t stop you. Files can be loaded on a pen drive or uploaded to sites like Dropbox. At the least, you might want work-related bookmarks from a browser, not to company sites, but online resources you consult. The reason for grabbing files is not to reinvent the wheel at other jobs. Whether it’s code or documentation, you might regret not being able to leverage previous achievements, and having to start over. Employers offended by this should remember that staff may have brought files and knowledge from previous jobs when starting, and that they benefited from staff not starting from scratch.
Tip #97: “Visit Favorite Nearby Locations”
Saying goodbye is hard, even to great restaurants and dive bars near this job. You might visit them again, but maybe not. Visit one last time and get your favorite items, and bring a work friend if that’s what you usually do. It may be your last outing together. They may even get the check.
Tip #98: “Network”
If you haven’t already, right before leaving a job is a good time to get email addresses, phone numbers, and connect with people on LinkedIn. For the first two, strive for personal info because work ones do you no good when they leave the company, too. That’s why LinkedIn is the best choice. You don’t even have to ask, so much as find them there and ask to connect.
Tip #99: “Reconnect with Past Team Members”
Sometimes you change teams at work and it can be good to make the rounds and catch up with people, especially before they know that you are leaving. Catching up is almost always appreciated, partly because everyone loves a good excuse to stop working for a minute. There is no real downside to doing this and it can also remind you why you liked working there, if you ever did, before you became unhappy enough to leave. Leaving on good terms is always good.
Tip #100: “Bury the Hatchet”
If there’s tension between you and someone else, you may want to smooth it over before you are gone and it’s too late. This can be as simple as being friendly rather than actually addressing the source of tension. Don’t be surprised if an overture is met with surprise, indifference, or a brush off. At the least, you tried and get to own the high road. You can always ignore the subject, person, and tension, which is the easy way out, so taking a chance when you are leaving anyway gives an opportunity to grow as a person with little risk if it doesn’t pan out.