10 things Sarah Palin should not do on her last day at work

July 25, 7:57 PMSF Workplace Communication ExaminerKenya McCullum

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AP Photo/The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, Robert DeBerry

Tomorrow is Sarah Palin’s last day as governor of Alaska. The last day at any job can bring up a lot of feelings—both good and bad—and it is tempting to act out on any revenge fantasies that you may have. Unless you plan on going rogue during the course of your career, there are things you generally do not want to do when you are leaving a job.

1. Don’t air your grievances. Even if you are leaving a job that you hate, don’t use your last day to tell everyone who will listen about how miserable you were—not even during your exit interview. And whatever you do, refrain from a mass broadcast of your ill will.

“I’ve worked at places where someone took the liberty of sending out an office wide or company wide e-mail publishing their grievances. That is absolutely the worst thing to do because any reasonable person is going to read the e-mail and think it is more of a reflection on the individual as opposed to the company,” said Kevin Murray, Director of Recruiting at Vistaprint. “Try to maintain the same level of professionalism leaving the company as you used getting into the company.”

2. Don’t have sticky fingers. “Don't try to take confidential information with you or steal office supplies. It isn't worth the message this sends,” said Sharon Blaivas, Founder of shakeupmyresume.com. “These behaviors will turn even a previously positive impression sour.”

3. Don’t forget that the business world is a small world. “With technology, the world is a much smaller place today and it’s easier for your reputation to follow you. Also, if you work in a niche industry, you have to keep in mind that you will probably run into your former coworkers in the future,” said Rahul D. Yodh, Partner at Link Legal Search Group. “In fact, your new employer could end up merging or acquiring your old employer and you may end up having to work with your former coworkers again. Most importantly, you may need a reference at some point in the future and it will be harder to attain if you act out on your last day at work.”

4. Don’t leave messes behind. Clean up your workspace as well as your projects before you leave a company.

5. Don’t sabotage the company. Although revenge may be sweet, this psychological sugar rush is only temporary. It’s best to leave revenge fantasies in your dreams.

“If you do something to sabotage a company, it shows no class and you’ll be remembered for it,” said Career Counselor Anne Headley. “The fun you could have in the moment by deleting or shredding files is not worth the damage to your reputation.”

Part Two: 10 things Sarah Palin should not do on her last day at work (continued)


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