Business Etiquette Goodbye Message
Table of Contents
It is painful to lose a job. Whether it is due to a merger, layoffs, poor sales, or a personality conflict, so many emotions rage: worry, stress, and resentment.
How to write a goodbye message if you have lost your job
Sadly, there is an uptick now in forced time off. This article addresses the challenging business etiquette quandary of how to professionally write a goodbye message if you have lost your job.
Don't get snide, even if you're mad
There is a hilarious layoff scene in the movie "Broadcast News:"
Manager: Now, if there's anything I can do for you...
Employee: Well, I certainly hope you'll die soon.
As much as this scathing retort might temporarily improve our mood, it will not help us find new and better work.
An example of a goodbye message when you've lost your job
Instead, respond professionally to the notification, close out all work responsibilities fully, and foster connection with all contacts. Here is an example of a good message notifying colleagues you are leaving:
Hi Carmen, (If you are friendly enough for a personal message notifying the recipient of your departure, use the more personal salutation "Hi" followed by a comma. More on business letter and email salutations.)
Tomorrow, July 29, will be my last day at Acme Company. I'm departing to new adventures. I don't yet know what they'll be, but I'm sure they will be wonderful. (Without overtly stating so, it's clear this person did not leave for another position. Yet, there is absolutely no bitterness. If you know what you will be doing, state it here..."I will be taking time off to care for my infant son." or "I am entering an MBA program at Rutgers.")
It has been a joy to work with you during my time here. You are so energetic and positive, and I sincerely hope we stay in touch and find future opportunities to work together. (State something truthful and specific about this particular recipient, so it feels sincere and targeted, not a mass email. Also indicate your desire to stay in touch.)
Gerry Malvers (gmalvers@acme.com) and Suresh Patel (spatel@acme.com) will be your new contacts for procurement. Feel free to contact them with any questions regarding your accounting services in the future. I have given them your contact information and briefed them on the work you've done so well for Acme. (Provide clear information about how your recipient will connect with your company or department, and any relevant information they need.)
I wish you great success, and hope we get to work with each other again! I look forward to your updates on LinkedIn. (This assumes you are already connected on LinkedIn. If not, tell them you will be sending them a connection request or provide your own contact information on this networks. If you do not yet use LinkedIn, let this be a reminder to establish your presence on these social networks before you need it. This is important - you have honed good relationships, so stay connected with them. If you do not use LinkedIn, provide your personal email address instead.)
Best regards,
Jeanine
