So you want or have found a new and better job abroad? Who wouldn’t want to live abroad it’s the dream. . . better weather, new people, exciting new culture, the possibilities are endless.

But before you go, you want to leave your current one in a trail of smoke as you do?

I’m sure we’ve all been there at some point and it would feel great but how many of you are willing to admit that it came back to bite you in the posterior?

However tempting it is to tell your boss ‘what he can do with his horrible job’, tell annoying colleagues ‘where to go’ you never know what could happen in the future, your jobs abroad, may come to an end and you might have to come home.

But think about it, that ignorant boss, could be a great reference, those annoying colleagues, might be invaluable contacts for the future. Don’t disregard them so easily because you may find that you’ve cut off your nose to spite your face. You may be moving abroad to an exciting new land, BUT you might have to come home again, so think twice about how you say goodbye.

Many people say they hate goodbyes, and I bet they haven’t had to work with an over bearing, inflexible boss and lazy snobs of co-workers. If they did, the topic of goodbyes would be under an entirely different subject altogether.

Honestly there’s nothing wrong with feeling relieved/pleased that you are now free from the clutches of that job you couldn’t wait to leave.

So if you do happen to have people in work/life that you would love to see the back of, celebrate the fact quietly . . . . . just in case.

How to avoid burning your bridges at work before moving abroad:

Obviously give the allotted notice: now this can differ in organisations for example . . . 

      - If your contract states how much notice you should give, abide by it. 

      - If you are paid on a monthly basis you would need to give 1 months notice.

              - on a fort nightly basis, you give 2 weeks notice.

              - on a weekly bais, you give 1 weeks notice.

Giving notice doesn’t insult your current employer. This shows a potential employer you are respectful and considerate.

• When asked ‘why?’ you choose to leave, always give a positive answer. This wasn’t your opportunity to verbally bash your current job.  I would recommend ‘career growth’ or ‘career opportunities’. Never negative, remember you still need a reference.
• Thank you notes – Doesn’t cost you anything, but it is most certainly remembered.
• Offer to help find and train your replacement. Your future employer will see that you didn’t leave your boss in the lurch.
• Say a warm goodbye and thank you to both your employer and colleagues before leaving and moving abroad.

Above all else:  Whatever you do don’t complain about your employer or celebrate the fact that you are out of there publicly, especially via social media, you are just asking for trouble.

So to sum up: Build bridges, don’t burn them.

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