Leaving a Job? Don’t Undervalue the Exit

The end of the first half of the year is when a lot of professionals start making moves. Opportunities come knocking, new offers are accepted, and people shift into what’s next. But in the middle of all that momentum, excitement, and sometimes drama, one critical thing often gets overlooked: how you leave a job is just as important as how you start.

At ON Point, we’ve seen every type of transition—some filled with joy and gratitude, others clouded by frustration and disappointment. But no matter the reason, one truth holds: how you leave matters. It directly impacts your relationships, your reputation, and your long-term leadership brand.

It’s easy to mentally check out once a new job is lined up—but how you finish is a direct reflection of who you are. Are you showing up with presence and professionalism until the very last day? Are you communicating your departure with clarity and respect? Are you transferring knowledge and projects in a way others can execute? Are you walking away in a manner that protects the trust you’ve built? Are you leaving the position, team, and organization better than you found it?

Leadership doesn’t end when you resign. In fact, your exit is one of the most visible, and consequential, leadership moments you’ll ever have.

People don’t just remember the results you achieved—they remember how you carried yourself. The tone you set. The way you made them feel. And in a world where careers are long and circles are small, your reputation travels with you.

If you're stepping into something new this year, CONGRATULATIONS – make sure you focus just as much on how you leave your current role as you do on how you start your new one. It all matters.