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Post by workingclassdog on Dec 6, 2022 17:13:02 GMT
Update:
So since I was hired virtually, I went down to the new job and met most everyone (in my department) in person. I feel SO much better and can't wait to start. I saw my new office (glad not a cube).. two windows .. in downtown Denver.. I can watch the homeless right from there, not the best area (or worst) but I am a block from Coors baseball Stadium so lots of cool stuff nearby. But nice office.. smaller than I am used to but I won't have as much 'stuff'. (right now I store office supplies and stuff like that so makes my office a bit crowded). Looks like I can just move my office decorations over there as everyone has cute offices with their personal stuff. Everything looks to be cleared out and cleaned too. Nice! Probably just need to wipe down when I get there. I am very excited as I feel like I felt right at home right away. I am on day three of cleaning out. I only take a little each day so by the time it's my last few days I won't have a thing left and everything cleaned and ready for the next person.
(rereading this.. how many times can I say 'but'? geez.. annoying?? lol)
Original:
Do you do as much as you can until the last minute, making sure the next person is somewhat setup (as much as you can do) or do you just kinda leave things where they are at and the next person can just hope for the best?
I am wrapping up things here and while in my mind I am like who cares.. but I am so anal about leaving a good impression, I am trying to make it as easy as possible for whoever ends up in my place.
Maybe it is where I am at.. but you usually get an office where it is dirty and needs cleaning and so forth.. so much yucky stuff left behind. I am cleaning every drawer, taking down anything that is unnecessary. Tossing all papers and by my last day it should be all nice and clean for the next person. I would hate for someone to come in and say ewwwwwww who was the gross girl. lol
Maybe this is just where I work because people move offices ALLL the time, I think they just don't even think about it. In my five years, I have moved four times I think.
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pinklady
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,921 
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Post by pinklady on Dec 6, 2022 17:42:31 GMT
I treat leaving a job in the same manner I was treated as an employee. If I was treated shitty, they get nothing in terms of wrapping up things from me when I leave. If they were good to me, I try to document as much as possible so the next person isn't recreating from scratch.
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Post by Bobomommy on Dec 6, 2022 17:51:34 GMT
I am a teacher and we are moved from room to room without having a say in it. I have always left my room, desk, and cabinets neat and clean when I move out of a room. However, I will retire from teaching in 2026 and I plan to take only the things that I definitely want to keep and leave everything else where it sits. The rest of the teachers can divide whatever I leave behind.
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Post by workingclassdog on Dec 6, 2022 17:59:56 GMT
I am a teacher and we are moved from room to room without having a say in it. I have always left my room, desk, and cabinets neat and clean when I move out of a room. However, I will retire from teaching in 2026 and I plan to take only the things that I definitely want to keep and leave everything else where it sits. The rest of the teachers can divide whatever I leave behind. I remember when I worked for my DD's school for about a year or so... I remember one teacher they had to let go for some reason.. but she left everything behind and apparently she was a hoarder. Don't know why the school didn't do something about it earlier.. but it was a massive undertaking to clean her room and not sure if there was really anything good left to pick from. But I do remember teachers just being giddy when things were left behind.. |
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RosieKat
Drama Llama
PeaJect #12
Posts: 5,538
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Post by RosieKat on Dec 6, 2022 18:15:41 GMT
I've always left on good terms, so I've always tried to leave it nicely. I hate when people leave mountains of crap behind for the next person.
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christinec68
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,383
Location: New York, NY
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Post by christinec68 on Dec 6, 2022 18:22:08 GMT
At this point, I'll probably be retiring from my company (unless I win lotto before then  ) and will try to leave things as buttoned up as I can. A co-worker retired earlier in the year and we hired someone to shadow her for a couple of months to get a good handle on the retirees work cycle. I would probably propose something like that and I've been working on a job manual of sorts to make it easier if someone needs to step in for me for one reason or another. |
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Post by auntkelly on Dec 6, 2022 18:43:26 GMT
I've always worked right up until the last minute.
It was always important for my own self respect. I've only had one boss I didn't get along with and when I left that job, I came in on the last weekend I was there to finish a brief I was working on. I had started it and it was important to me that I finish it. The former boss didn't even call me when the judge ruled in my client's favor on the matter. I had to hear it from a former co-worker. Even though I know the former boss probably took full credit for the brief w/ the client, it pleased me to know I had gone out on a high note.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,816
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Dec 6, 2022 18:49:28 GMT
When I left my last job a few months ago, I made sure all my processes were documented, I wrapped up all my projects and even recruited my replacement.
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Post by cmpeter on Dec 6, 2022 19:28:14 GMT
I was at my last job for 20 years. I left when they sold the division to another company and I joined the other company.
But, I would leave with things all organized and nicely transitioned to the new person. It’s what I’ve done as I’ve moved from role to role so far.
I’ve pretty much always worked from home, so I haven’t had to deal with transitioning an office.
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Post by 950nancy on Dec 6, 2022 20:04:28 GMT
I didn't even tell people I was retiring up until I had to for my pension to start the process. I think you should do whatever you can for the time you can to make it a smooth transition. It is what you get paid to do.
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oh yvonne
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,062
Jun 26, 2014 0:45:23 GMT
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Post by oh yvonne on Dec 6, 2022 20:06:26 GMT
Do you do as much as you can until the last minute, making sure the next person is somewhat setup (as much as you can do) or do you just kinda leave things where they are at and the next person can just hope for the best? I am wrapping up things here and while in my mind I am like who cares.. but I am so anal about leaving a good impression, I am trying to make it as easy as possible for whoever ends up in my place. Maybe it is where I am at.. but you usually get an office where it is dirty and needs cleaning and so forth.. so much yucky stuff left behind. I am cleaning every drawer, taking down anything that is unnecessary. Tossing all papers and by my last day it should be all nice and clean for the next person. I would hate for someone to come in and say ewwwwwww who was the gross girl. lol Maybe this is just where I work because people move offices ALLL the time, I think they just don't even think about it. In my five years, I have moved four times I think. you are leaving?! What?! Girl! I hope to bigger and better! and yeah, I'm just like you, I can't leave a mess, so good for you! and congrats! |
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Dec 6, 2022 20:44:45 GMT
I’m changing jobs in real time. Today is final at current job, tomorrow is first at new.
I am usually a high performer, very productive and take my job very very seriously. (I work in critical health care support and was in the military.) I embody the personal responsibility and accountability that comes from my skill, productivity, and efforts directly impacting patient care.
Anyway… I gave a bit over 3 weeks notice. I work from home, at customer sites. My office is company car, but I am responsible for a lot of very expensive assets.
I spent the first week literally cleaning house. Passing along any parts/tools specific to my current role. Making sure the stuff in my “trunk” is clean, and clear.
I stepped back on the number and complexity of calls I took. I focused on closing loops.
This week, I have put in a lot of effort to personally thank and check in with all my customers at so many sites.
Today, I spent a good deal of time cleaning my work PC and phone. Packing up my test equipment and hitting up the FedEx. I’ve also spent a lot of time dealing with fleet services and vehicle services for both companies. Outgoing and incoming cars to deal with. My driveway looks like a car lot. Between company cars and personal cars for 3 people, it’s quite ridiculous.
I found the 3ish weeks of my pull back gave my (much!) junior coworker the “opportunity” to swim in the deep end…. But I always took his calls and helped him to work through and navigate. I told him he has a couple more weeks I can help, but I’ll be getting ramped with my new role, and will have to taper off anything but social after a couple weeks.
Enjoy your new role!
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Post by buddysmom on Dec 6, 2022 20:53:04 GMT
I gave my two weeks notice 12+ years ago when I retired after working 20+ years for the same company.
Even the last day, I was commenting to my work buddy, I've got to get this stuff done, I have so much to do, etc. ( it was the type of company that they give you 5X as much work as any person could possibly do). She was like, "you're retiring in two hours, who cares."
But I did try to get it as updated as possible.
Oh and this really infuriates me--management said "Don't tell the client you are leaving, we will have the bigwigs do that."
Fine with me except that no one told the client and I found out that AFTER I RETIRED I was getting complaints that I was not returning phone calls.
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Post by busy on Dec 6, 2022 20:55:07 GMT
I would not look at literally cleaning the space as my responsibility when departing. I've never worked somewhere that there wasn't janitorial staff responsible for that (well, except the last 7 years I've worked remotely).
But as far as leaving the actual job in good stead - yes, I always do that. I've never had an acrimonious departure, and I care about future references, so I endeavor to pass everything off as cleanly as possible. That doesn't mean I try to accelerate completing projects that are mid-stream. I just ensure they are well documented so someone else can pick them up. If possible/appropriate, make client intros to whomever will be that client's new point person.
But generally, I operate on the if-I-get-hit-by-a-bus principle anyway. At all times, I think it's my responsibility to have my work in a state that if something unexpected happened to me and I was unavailable, colleagues would have the information necessary to continue on. Processes thoroughly documented, client knowledge where it should be, all software/tools up to date with current information, etc. I hate when companies allow a tremendous amount of "tribal knowledge" to live only in people's brains because you just never know what tomorrow holds.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,276
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Post by iowgirl on Dec 6, 2022 21:01:35 GMT
I haven't worked in the 'real world' in over 30 years.
But I can't quit the job I have now. They keep finding me, dang it. I hauled a lot of grain this fall, and have been enjoying the last few weeks of staying in my house and ignoring the world!
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Post by disneypal on Dec 6, 2022 21:02:01 GMT
Do you do as much as you can until the last minute, making sure the next person is somewhat setup (as much as you can do) This - I would hope that when I take a new job, my predecessor would do that for me so I try to do that for the person that will follow after me. |
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Post by Merge on Dec 6, 2022 21:18:29 GMT
All the schools I've worked at have required a departing teacher to leave the room in good order, with only those materials left behind that actually belong to the school and have been used in the last two years or so. Except for my current school, which was finally forced to exit the previous music teacher because she stayed long past the time she should have retired. I gather she thought that the next teacher would want 40 years of her stuff, or else she resented being exited and left it all out of spite.
If I may say so gently, retiring teachers sometimes think that the next teacher will want all their things, but most of us don't. I inherited a room packed to the gills with materials from the 80s and 90s - literally stuff that I sang when I was in elementary school in one memorable case - music on cassette tape and vinyl records, broken instruments, outdated curriculum, music that is now considered culturally insensitive, and a variety of other things that I could never use. I spent a full day hauling stuff out of there to the dumpster before I finally asked my new principal for the school to take responsibility for what they had allowed to be left behind. They ended up bringing in a part-time extra custodian to haul stuff out.
Unless it is very recently obtained, in excellent condition, and used with current curriculum, please take it with you. It's difficult enough to start a new job without first having to spend a lot of time going through someone else's stuff.
ETA: To specifically answer the OP, I've always finished the job at hand to the best of my ability. I leave behind my scope and sequence with notes about anything that was missed so the next teacher knows where to start with each grade level. I leave materials neat and tidy, clean out anything that is broken or useless, label what is in each closet and drawer. The same things I appreciate having done for me.
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Post by workingclassdog on Dec 6, 2022 21:31:54 GMT
Unfortunately with my job, it will be vacant (unless they slide someone in) for a few months. It's how this government works. I am preparing notes and will go over things with my supervisor so that at least she might be able to help the next person. I will even tell my supervisor to call/text me if they need to find something.. cause I just feel that it is right thing to do.
Not that I will care really but I am afraid that some of my work will unravel really quick which makes me sad. I worked really hard to get things in order and running smoothly. Everyone knows to come to me for certain things and now it will be a sh*t show a week after I leave.. which is out of my hands but whatever. I wish they would have a replacement for me, but that isn't how they do things.
Oh well... off to pack up more crap to take home today.. hahaha (yes I am one of those who decorates her office) I have an adorable office. A few years ago the offenders painted flowers on one of my walls and then a few pieces of artwork and a little collection of this and that makes prison feel a little better.. haha..
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Post by taylortroop on Dec 6, 2022 22:32:24 GMT
When I retired from my General Managers position about 1.5 yrs ago, I gave my supervisor 3 months notice. My position was an upper management position and I was leaving in the middle of Covid. I knew it would be difficult to recruit, hire and train someone new during Covid so I wanted to give as much notice as possible. I was able to spend a few weeks with my replacement and make sure they were well trained. All my tasks were complete and I made lists for my replacement. I forwarded all pertinent emails to them. I also committed to being available to them by phone, in person or by email whenever they had questions or problems. The transition was smooth and my efforts were appreciated.
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Post by malibou on Dec 7, 2022 0:30:16 GMT
I would not look at literally cleaning the space as my responsibility when departing. I've never worked somewhere that there wasn't janitorial staff responsible for that (well, except the last 7 years I've worked remotely). But as far as leaving the actual job in good stead - yes, I always do that. I've never had an acrimonious departure, and I care about future references, so I endeavor to pass everything off as cleanly as possible. That doesn't mean I try to accelerate completing projects that are mid-stream. I just ensure they are well documented so someone else can pick them up. If possible/appropriate, make client intros to whomever will be that client's new point person. But generally, I operate on the if-I-get-hit-by-a-bus principle anyway. At all times, I think it's my responsibility to have my work in a state that if something unexpected happened to me and I was unavailable, colleagues would have the information necessary to continue on. Processes thoroughly documented, client knowledge where it should be, all software/tools up to date with current information, etc. I hate when companies allow a tremendous amount of "tribal knowledge" to live only in people's brains because you just never know what tomorrow holds. OMG this a perfect description of my dh. He basically had 2 full-time jobs for 26 years, everything always meticulously documented. He retired from one job, but the other is busy and more streamlined than ever. 😈 |
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Post by rymeswithpurple on Dec 7, 2022 1:28:22 GMT
I was at my first big girl job for just over 3 years.
After celebrating that I was finally out of that job, I cleaned out my desk (they were moving locations, which was part of my impetus to get my ass in gear to get out of there [5 mile commute to 35 miles ... one way ... for less than $20/hour ... in the DMV]), handed in the very detailed notes I had made, helped them move to the new location. And never looked back.
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Post by scrapmaven on Dec 7, 2022 1:38:33 GMT
W/a really horrible job I was on short timer's syndrome the entire time that I gave notice. I did just enough not to screw up a reference, because it was a horrible environment w/nasty colleagues. It's all about your future references. My stance was, "don't call us and I WILL NEVER call you"!
In an opposite instance, I had a great job and when I left I gave long notice, cause I only left due to a move out of the area. I wanted to do all that I could to help transition my position and that included hiring my replacement, whom I had worked w/at another company and I knew would be great. I parted on great terms.
Don't burn a bridge, because you've been there a while and need it on your resume, but don't do anymore than necessary if it wasn't a good environment.
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Post by tyra on Dec 7, 2022 18:23:05 GMT
It depends. Typically I have left on great terms so I make sure the next person is able to step in and go, complete w/a binder of all of my processes (step by step along w/troubleshooting info). The last place I left I was being pushed out. Gave my 2 weeks then ended up with pneumonia 4 days before I left. So I just left. I wasn't concerned at all. Used my sick time remaining.
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