Yes, we all fantasize about the exit interview where we can scold everyone for being so damagingly stupid by undervaluing you: for not paying you more, for not listening more closely to your ideas, for not giving you a health plan that covers your bi-weekly deep tissue massage. (Note to employers: It pays for itself in increased …um productivity.) But, as with everything you do for your career, you have to keep your eyes on the prize: you want to do what’s best for you. So you must decide if you want to ignite those bridges behind you (so that you can more clearly see your future!) or do you prefer a more diplomatic approach, knowing that maintaining good relations will help you if you need something in the future, and most people do even if it’s just finding work for a friend.

But my constructive criticism will help.

This might be true, but it it might not. Companies say they want feedback from everyone, but more often that’s really something that’s said because it sounds good. Typically companies get criticism from certain channels and find it too difficult to parse the criticism they get from others (removing individual bias). Yes, it’s complicated. But if you feel like you’re willing to risk an awkward interview that might fray diplomatic ties for the good of the company then go for it. Hats off for continuing to put the good of the company above you.

It’s time to enjoy a frank conversation.

So now we go back to the fantasy. The enjoyment of finally letting all the pent up frustration out. Ahh. Well that unfortunately will only ever be a fantasy. You won’t feel better, and people won’t respect you more for having given them a piece of your mind! So that would be a lose-lose outcome.

The truth is you probably want your old workmates to do well after you leave. And they want you to do well in your new job. So the best exit is a graceful one. You don’t want to be remembered for your exit, but for the good work you did while there. So, we recommend marking this corporate formality with a nice conversation and well wishes all around.

About NextGen

NextGen is the brainchild of longtime telecom professionals with nearly 50 years of experience and millions of dollars in Telecom Recruiting Services. We focus on establishing long term relationships with our clients and candidates so we can recruit the best and the brightest in the telecom industry. This ‘quality over quantity’ approach is at the heart of everything we do and has resulted in successful job placements at Fortune 1000 firms worldwide.