One of the constants in our business is the loss of jobs. When the day comes, whether it’s involuntary or voluntary, It’s important to leave the same way you came in, with a smile. As it’s been said, “How you leave is just as important as how you arrive.”

Rush To Calmness …
It’s natural to feel anger, frustration, or disappointment, but fight the urge to lose your cool. Your main objective should be to prepare yourself for your next opportunity. Avoid calling out others or creating a scene by posting negative or painful things on social media. Even if there might be some merit to what you have to say, it’s not worth it. It’s best to just move on, unless there are legal matters related to your dismissal that require your attention. In such cases, handle the necessary business professionally.

Don’t Be A Jackass …
I emphasize this because I’ve witnessed or heard about situations where people have shared things that shouldn’t be out there for everyone to hear or see. It only serves to fuel gossip and potentially harm others unintentionally. Instead, it’s much easier and classier to gracefully move on. You never know who’s watching, there might be someone who admired how you left the company and someday becomes instrumental in you getting hired elsewhere.

I Get It …
Having experienced both sides of the employment equation, leaving and having to let people go, I can empathize with the challenges of leaving. When faced with a job loss, it can feel like your world has been turned upside down. The uncertainty and mixed emotions can be overwhelming. If you are dealing with or just dealt with these issues, I hope what I have to say will help.

Voluntarily Exiting …

• Before giving notice, make a copy of any non-proprietary information you might have stored on the company computer.
• Quietly remove all items you wish to keep over a couple of weekends (loading a box during a workday will get stares and start rumors).
• Air personalities: make a list of any monies owed from personal appearances or endorsements (AD agencies are slow on station payment and talent fees are included with whatever the company is owed).
• Sit down with your immediate supervisor and give your 2-week notice.
• Coordinate a goodbye inner-office memo with management to the staff. (Email is too impersonal).
• Remain gracious right through your departure day.
• Check on any leftover vacation time which can be converted to cash.
• If there is an employee stock plan, 401K, a stock portfolio of any sort, bonuses owed, and health/dental insurance –make sure to get with HR or the Business Manager for a smooth transition to your new place of employment.
• Be prepared to be dismissed immediately once you give notice (and don’t take it personally, it is a business decision).

Non-Voluntary (Fired or laid off)

• Immediately attempt to make copies of non-proprietary files you need (Should be part of your daily routine right now).
• Air personalities: before signing off on anything make a list of any monies owed from personal appearances, endorsements, and vacation days transferable to cash. (AD agencies are slow on station payment and talent fees are included with whatever the company is owed).
• If there is an employee stock plan, 401K, a stock portfolio of any sort, bonuses owed, and health/dental insurance –make sure to get with HR or the Business Manager to understand your plan of action. COBRA might be an option on health insurance.
• Go to the unemployment office and file the very next business day or as soon as possible.
• If you’re planning on moving: Unless your funds are in a national bank (i.e., Bank of America, Wells Fargo), do not tell the bank you’re leaving the area. Because if you do, the money in your account will be frozen for an entire banking cycle and all your checks have cleared.

It’s Over ..But It’s Not Over …
Regardless of the circumstances, it’s never easy leaving a job. Hopefully it’s a memory that makes you smile whenever you think about the place. Whenever I’ve faced job loss (like now, as our time at All Access soon draws to a close), the little voice in my head repeats a couple of lines from the Star Trek monologue prior to each episode, “Explore Strange New Worlds, To Seek Out New Life.” That’s exactly what you’re faced with as you head towards your next opportunity. And I’m following my own advice, smiling as I ponder the connections I’ve made through this publication and looking forward to my future opportunities.