Switching jobs is a natural part of one’s career life. People move jobs every day and for different reasons. But it is how you handle this move that is the topic of our discussion this week.
There have been movements in the media industry in the last few weeks, the most notable being that of Victoria Rubadiri and Olive Burrows. Rubadiri left the Royal Media Services after spending a decent number of years. Her disengagement from the group occasioned a search for her replacement. Burrows, who had worked for the Nation Media Group for several years, came in to fill Rubadiri’s place.
Many a journalist has ended up with the short end of the stick by not handling such moves properly. They may get another job that offers them better terms and in their excitement want to burn bridges with their previous employer.
Should you find yourself in this situation, it is advisable to refer to your appointment letter and refresh your memory of the conditions therein. Many organisations have a clause that one should give the employer one month’s notice in writing of intention to terminate their service. The idea is to give the employer ample time to get their replacement. During the notice period, the employee is obligated to perform all their duties.
If you ignore this clause, your employer may decline to clear you among many other options at their disposal to your detriment. And as unlikely as it may seem to you at that moment, perhaps you may want to return to the organisation that you are disengaging from. Many a journalist has moved from one media house to another or to a different outfit, only to return to their original employer. If you left in a proper manner, then that could stand you in good stead and your application may be considered favourably.
There are instances where the new organisation hires you wants you to start immediately. In this case, they have the option to pay your one month’s salary to your current employer in lieu of notice. Doing this will exempt you from serving notice.
Even if we do not know the details of Burrows’ departure from the Twin Towers, we can infer that it was cordial. During her last news bulletin, several of her colleagues bade her farewell on air and had some good words to say about their working relationship, going on to wish her the best in her next engagement. The management of NMG would not have allowed this had Burrows not followed all the laid down exit procedures.
This is to encourage those wanting to move jobs to emulate Burrows and do it right. It could also be that your new employer may be watching to see how you handle the switch. If you rubbish your current employer, what is to stop you from doing the same to them if you get a better offer than the one that they are giving you?
