Got a new job?  Congratulations!  But don’t throw caution to the wind just yet.  It has taken a long time to create your strong reputation at the office, and unless you want to erase everything you’ve accomplished since you started, your departure must be as strategic and deliberate as your arrival.  Some tips for leaving your current job in the best possible way:

• Tell your supervisor first: you want him to hear the news from you, not from someone else in your department.
• Give two weeks notice: stay for the full period unless the company requests that you leave sooner.
• Be modest: don’t alienate your colleagues by bragging or chattering incessantly about your awesome new gig.
• Don’t insult anyone or anything: whether it’s true or not, show that you regret leaving such wonderful people behind.
• Stay on top of your responsibilities: remember that you’re accountable for your work until 5PM on your last day.
• Continue to adhere to office protocol: you worked hard for that corporate persona, so leave them with a lasting impression of professionalism.
• Review the employee handbook: understand what you’re entitled to regarding benefits and compensation for unused sick or vacation days.
• Organize your files: make it easy for your colleagues to find materials so that they can transition your workload seamlessly and won’t need to call you at your new job.
• Do a great job training your replacement: these people paid your salary for a year or more, you owe it to them to leave your job in good hands.
• Don’t take anything that doesn’t belong to you: this includes office supplies and work product that was not developed by you personally.