Building Bridges Instead of Burning Bridges

Leaving a job in higher education can feel like closing a chapter in your career. Whether you are moving to a new institution, getting a promotion, or pursuing other opportunities - how you leave matters! Burning bridges with colleagues, supervisors, or the institution itself can create lasting challenges for your career. Maintaining professional relationships when you leave higher education opens doors for future collaborations, references, and personal growth. Let me point out why I think that is essential to part on good terms.

Why Leaving on Good Terms Matters

Higher education is a community built on collaboration, trust, and shared goals. Faculty, staff, and administrators often work closely over many years. When you leave, your professional reputation follows you. In my world of optometric education, that professional reputation is everything!

• Future References and Recommendations

Academic careers often rely on strong references. Former supervisors and colleagues can provide valuable recommendations for jobs, grants, or fellowships. Burning bridges may close these doors. I have now been retired for almost three years, but on a monthly basis, I get requests from former students and colleagues to serve as a reference.

• Networking Opportunities

The higher education community is very interconnected. You may encounter former colleagues at conferences, workshops, or collaborative projects. Positive relationships make these encounters comfortable and productive.

• Potential for Return or Collaboration

Sometimes, professionals return to previous institutions or work with former colleagues on research or teaching initiatives. Leaving on good terms keeps these options open.

• Personal and Professional Growth

Maintaining respect and goodwill fosters a positive mindset. It also reflects your professionalism and integrity, qualities that benefit your career long-term. We've all heard the saying, "It's a small world" in different contexts, but in higher education it is very true!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Leaving

Many professionals unintentionally damage relationships during their departure. I'd recommend things:

• Leaving Abruptly Without Notice

Giving adequate notice shows respect for your employer and allows time for transition planning. Also, it shows your care for your students. Never leave in the middle of a course. It is your responsiblity as an educator to make sure that your students get the best courses possible.

• Speaking Negatively About the Institution or Colleagues

Venting frustrations publicly or privately can harm your reputation and relationships.

• Failing to Complete Responsibilities

Leaving projects unfinished or neglecting handover duties creates extra work for others and damages trust. Be sure to let your supervisor know about all projects that you were working on for the betterment of the institution. Don't leave them hanging.

• Ignoring Exit Procedures

Skipping exit interviews or neglecting administrative tasks can leave a poor impression. Fulfill your college or university's procedures...like everyone else.

Taking deliberate actions can help you leave on a positive note. Be sure to inform your supervisor and relevant colleagues about your decision in person. Be honest but tactful about your reasons for leaving. Express gratitude for the opportunities you had and the partnerships that you formed. Standard notice periods vary but aim to give at least four weeks at the end of the next semester/quarter. This allows your supervisors to plan for your departure and find replacements if needed. Make sure that you finish projects or tasks where possible. If not, prepare detailed handover notes to guide whoever takes over your responsibilities. Always offer to train your replacement or provide support during the handover period. This gesture shows commitment and respect. Share your personal email or new email address with colleagues you want to keep in touch with. This keeps communication channels open.

The Long-Term Benefits of Maintaining Bridges

Hopefully you can see the benefits here. Keep in mind how small the higher education community really is as you depart. The effort you put into leaving gracefully pays off over time. It may manifest as invitations to collaborate on research, for guest lectures, letters of recommendation for future roles, or more. But most importantly, it maintains your reputation as a respectful and reliable educator and professional.