Strategies for Maintaining Professional Relationships During Career Transitions was originally published on Ivy Exec.
When changing your career, you’ll be excited about the new growth opportunities you’re about to explore. At the same time, you may also feel nervous about leaving people behind.
No matter where your career takes you, ensure you protect your professional relationships. Find ways to connect with your network before, during, and after a career change.
🔹 Leave Your Job on a Good Note
Your coworkers and bosses will remember how you leave a job, so always give enough notice if you can. Finish your work instead of slowing down after you accept another job. Keep showing up on time, meet your deadlines, and stay positive.
If you are working on a project, help someone else take it over. Write down important details they may need to succeed.
You probably didn’t enjoy every part of your job. Still, avoid speaking badly about your manager or coworkers. Be polite even as you prepare for the career change.
Thank the peers who helped you grow and let your team know you value the time you spend with them. A short message or quick conversation can leave a positive impression. You could also inform your manager what you’ve learned from them during your time there.
Leaving with respect helps protect your reputation. People are more likely to recommend you when they remember you as reliable and kind.
🔹 Be Honest About Your Career Change
Peers will likely be curious about your decision to change careers. While you don’t need to provide them with every detail, be honest. Before discussing your move, narrow down the main reasons you’re considering the change. Some common ones include:
- Desiring more responsibilities
- Wanting to learn new skills
- Looking for a better work-life balance
- Exploring new interests
Try to give the same response when talking to different people. If you tell one coworker you’re leaving because you wanted better opportunities, but tell another person you only wanted higher pay, they’ll be confused about your goals. They might even feel like you’re hiding some things, which can affect trust.
Your story should also connect your experience with your future plans. Help people see how your previous role prepared you for your next step. Point out the transferable skills you’re looking forward to using to show them the connection between the two career paths.
Having a clear explanation for a career transition makes it easier for people to help you. When your contacts understand your goals, they’re more likely to remember you when they hear about a job. They could also introduce you to someone in your new field or share useful advice.
As you share your reasons, ensure your message is positive and focused on the future. Don’t spend time talking about problems you’ve been facing in the career you’re leaving.
🔹 Keep in Touch After You Leave
Many work friendships fade after someone changes jobs, often because of busy schedules. Staying in touch doesn’t have to take much time. A short message every few months might help you nurture relationships.
Reach out to your professional network from time to time. Ask how each person is doing and show genuine interest in their life. You can congratulate a former coworker who earned a promotion and posted it on their LinkedIn. Besides, wish them good luck before a big project to show you still care.
When you start a new job, let people know. Share your good news without making every conversation about yourself. Your former teammates will appreciate hearing from you.
You can also share helpful articles or ideas if you know someone may find them useful. Other tips include:
- Send a quick holiday or New Year’s message to people in your network
- Introduce two people who could help each other professionally
- Keep your contact details up to date
Many professionals wait until they need help to reach out to their network. If people only hear from you when you want a favor, your relationship may feel one-sided. Regular contact helps you stay connected even years later.
You don’t need to make huge changes in someone’s career. Focus on small acts of kindness, as they also make a notable difference.
If a former coworker asks a question you can answer, take a few minutes to help. Use such gestures to show people you still value them, even if you’re in different fields.
🔹 Ask Trusted Contacts for Honest Feedback
People who have worked with you can often see strengths and habits you may miss. After switching careers, seek their feedback to grow in your current path. Reach out to former coworkers or mentors who know your work well.
Ask them which skills you should keep building before your next role. Try asking open-ended questions rather than those that only require a yes-or-no answer. These will give them more room to provide useful feedback.
It’s normal to feel defensive when someone gives constructive feedback or points out a weakness that they think you should work on. Avoid becoming defensive so you don’t make the same mistakes in your next job. Note the feedback they give you and use it to improve.
You also shouldn’t overlook positive feedback. Use it to discover strengths you haven’t noticed or skills you should highlight in interviews.
After someone shares feedback, thank them for being honest. Let them know you appreciate the time they took to offer it. If their advice helps you improve or succeed in a new role, you should also follow up. They’ll enjoy knowing their advice made a difference.
Asking for feedback shows you’re willing to learn. Your professional contacts will also see you as someone who listens, grows, and takes advice seriously. Such a perception makes them more likely to share their knowledge with you in the future and offer honest guidance when you face new challenges.
Protect Your Professional Relationships Through Changes
Every job gives you a chance to meet new people while keeping valuable connections from earlier roles.
Leave each job with respect and acknowledge people who have been part of your journey. As you prepare for your next move, stay connected with people who have helped you grow.
Support your former coworkers or managers where you can. These actions may take little time, but they’ll help you build lasting trust. You might also get valuable advice to guide you on your new career journey.
