Top 5 Things to Remember When Leaving Your Job
Leaving the right way can make all the difference
Whether by layoff, termination, or decision to explore greener pastures, leaving a job is a stressful and emotional time. Making the right decisions and avoiding career damaging mistakes are critical. Having represented the rights of well over eight hundred clients we have seen how powerful a little knowledge is and unfortunately how devastating ignorance can be. Presented below are the five critical steps you can take to protect your future. .
Request a copy of your personnel file
Before your departure from the company, pay a visit to the human resources department and request a copy of your personnel file. This file should include performance reviews, awards, contractual agreements and other items that may be beneficial to you in your future job search. If your employer refuses to provide this information, remind them that you have a legal right to any documents that you have signed. It is also wise to keep a copy of all company policies, employee manuals, and other data that is non-proprietary. This information is critical in the event of a dispute involving your rights to unpaid overtime or for wrongful termination, etc.
Collect recommendations and references
Prior to your departure, request a written letter of recommendation from your immediate supervisor or other higher ranking individual. Also obtain the name and number of a person in the company who prospective employers may contact for a positive reference. Remember that anyone who has witnessed your work and thinks you do a good job can serve as a reference, including supervisors, managers, colleagues, co-workers, and subordinates. Be sure to obtain their personal contact information including home address, phone number, and email so you can reach them in the event that that they leave the company. If you offer to serve as a reference for them and provide your contact information, they may be more willing to reciprocate.
Keep in mind that even individuals outside of your company may serve as references. Perhaps the most important word to remember is “network.” Take a few minutes to call or email people in your industry with whom you’ve established a good working relationship. As Laura T. Coffey points out, the more contacts you have in the industry, the better your chance of finding work quickly.
Protect your benefit plans
Obtain a copy of your employer’s health insurance policy and find out what it covers. It is possible that you may continue coverage under your existing plan for a few months pursuant to COBRA, but this is likely to be costly. It is wise to look into the cost of personal health insurance and shop around for the best price. Also access your retirement plan. You may be able to take your pension as a lump sum or transfer your money to an individual retirement account (IRA).
Remove all personal items
If you anticipate leaving your job, begin removing all personal items from your office. At the time of termination, you may be escorted off the premises without time to pack your belongings. Someone may do this for you later, but this is not guaranteed. Don’t forget to check your computer. If you have created any personal files or installed software, copy and delete them. Be careful not to take anything that may be considered proprietary, such as customer lists, proposals, financial reports, etc. You certainly don’t want to begin your job search with accusations of theft or violation of contract.
Evaluate your severance package and release
Although employers are not required to offer severance benefits, they may do so in order to smooth things over with exiting employees. Severance benefits may include up to six months salary, extended health insurance coverage, payment for accrued sick days, and outplacement services, among others. However, these benefits do not come cheap. Employers will usually condition payment on the employee’s signature of a release that waives all claims against the employer. Promises of non-disclosure and non-competition are often common. You should never sign such a release without first talking to a labor law attorney. . If you are owed any past wages for unpaid overtime or for any other reason you could easily lose those rights which could be substantial. These contracts are drafted for the sole benefit of the employer and are legally significant. Therefore, it is important that you have a labor law attorney review the release before signing. A knowledgeable labor law attorney will protect your rights and may be able to negotiate more favorable terms.
If you have any questions or concerns about your employment rights upon leaving an employer, do not hesitate to an experienced California labor law attorney. Some attorneys will review your situation without charge, in which case you can have peace of mind and protect your rights without any cost to you.
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