Deciding whether or not to write a farewell post when leaving a company can be tricky. On the one hand, it’s a nice way to let your network know about your career move and thank your coworkers. On the other hand, it risks coming across as self-promotional or burning bridges. Here’s a comprehensive look at the pros and cons to help you make an informed choice.
The Purpose of a Goodbye Post
A farewell post on LinkedIn serves a few main purposes:
- Announcing your departure and new opportunity
- Thanking colleagues, clients, and connections
- Reflecting on accomplishments and learnings
- Maintaining relationships as you transition out
Done thoughtfully, a goodbye post allows you to celebrate successes, express gratitude, and pave the way for your next chapter. It’s a chance to control the narrative around your transition and remind your network of your capabilities.
Pros of Writing a Goodbye Post
Here are some potential benefits of writing a farewell post on LinkedIn:
Announcing Your Move
A goodbye post enables you to share your career update on your terms. You can frame the narrative around why you’re leaving, what you accomplished, and what you’re excited to do next. It allows you to get ahead of the news and put a positive spin on it.
Thanking Colleagues, Clients, and Connections
A farewell post is a place to express appreciation for those you worked with. You can call out colleagues, managers, mentors, clients, and others who helped you succeed and grow. This leaves people feeling valued.
Showcasing Achievements
A goodbye post lets you highlight projects you completed, campaigns you led, and goals you hit. This reminds people of your skills, experience, and work ethic. It’s a subtle way to reiterate your capabilities.
Maintaining Relationships
A thoughtful goodbye post keeps you top of mind as you change jobs. It shows you value your connections and relationships. People will appreciate the gesture to stay in touch.
Personal Branding
A well-written goodbye post presents you in a positive light. It casts you as a consummate professional who is community-oriented, appreciative, and accomplished. This boosts your brand as you make a career transition.
Cons of Writing a Goodbye Post
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
Perceived as Self-Promotional
If not handled carefully, a goodbye post can come across as an ego boost or shameless self-promotion. You want to avoid seeming like you’re showboating.
Tension with the Company
Airings grievances or revealing sensitive information about your departure could damage relationships with your past employer. Remain gracious.
Burning Bridges
Similarly, negativity or venting frustration about colleagues, managers, or the company culture can irreparably burn bridges. Take the high road.
Violating Company Policies
Some organizations have rules about announcing departures or discussing work projects. Make sure you’re not violating any policies.
Sharing Proprietary Information
Likewise, revealing confidential strategies, financials, or upcoming launches crosses a line. Don’t share anything proprietary.
Misaligned Expectations
If colleagues see a glowing goodbye post that misaligns with your true sentiments, it could ring false. Authenticity is key.
Other Priorities
Composing a lengthy farewell post also takes significant time and energy. You may prefer to focus on your transition.
Keys to Writing a Good Goodbye Post
If you decide to write a LinkedIn goodbye post, here are some tips:
Keep it Positive
Focus on the positives – what you accomplished, gratitude for coworkers, excitement about the future. Negativity rarely comes across well.
Don’t Overshare
While authenticity is important, don’t share proprietary information or grievances. Keep it classy.
Express Gratitude
Thank colleagues, clients, and connections who helped you grow. People want to feel appreciated.
Highlight Achievements
Note your proudest accomplishments and projects. Remind people of what you’re capable of.
Announce What’s Next
Briefly share what’s next for you – new job, business venture, etc. But don’t make it all about your promotion.
Keep it Short
Aim for succinctness. You want people to read and engage with the post.
Proofread Carefully
Grammatical or typo errors undermine your professionalism. Double check before posting.
Alternatives to a Goodbye Post
If a farewell post on LinkedIn doesn’t feel quite right, you have other options for announcing your departure:
- Email colleagues and key connections directly
- Host a farewell lunch or happy hour
- Send customized notes to close partners
- Connect with former coworkers on LinkedIn without a post
- Simply update your LinkedIn profile and job status
You can still celebrate relationships and announce your transition without a public post.
Weighing the Decision
Ultimately, whether to publish a goodbye post is a personal choice. Consider how it aligns with your brand, relationships, and goals. A few key questions to ask yourself:
- What’s my primary motivation – is it mostly self-promotional?
- How might it impact my reputation and relationships?
- Do I have time to thoughtfully compose it?
- Is my new employer okay with it?
- Does my former employer restrict announcements?
Trust your instincts. There’s no right or wrong answer. With care and wisdom, a goodbye post can be meaningful. Without it, you can still transition gracefully. Do what feels right for you.