The ultimate checklist for your last day at a company

The ultimate checklist for your last day at a companyThe ultimate checklist for your last day at a companyTheres something nostalgic - yet bittersweet - about leaving a job that has fundamentally changed your career for the better.We often tie our identities to our careers, so when your last day at a company comes around, its possible to feel like youre losing part of who youve become.But leaving on a high notereallycomes down to staying organized in the weeks leading up to your end date.So in the spirit of my last day here as a Ladders News reporter, I wanted toshare a checklist with you that might be useful for your final day at a company.Start by making sure youre well restedThis can make all the difference, especially when you have a lot on your plate.Instead of overcompensating for exhaustion bygetting just enough sleep the night before your final day, aim toget a solid eight hours for several nights in a row.Youll enjoy feeling more alert than usual.Wear something you adoreTh is will give you the extra confidence you need to get through your last day. Itll also feel like more of an occasion.Wearing something you love can also impact how youre feeling and how well you perform at work, so why not set yourself up for success?Give yourself more than enough time to get to the officeTheres nothing worse than rushing to work before the day even begins.So give yourself the gift of time - and lots of it. Youll feel a whole lot better on your commute if delays pop up, but youre already running early. Having an external charger, water, and a snack in your bag can also be a big help.Begin clearing out your desk in advanceYour last day at a company should be all about sailing through your remaining workload and leaving on great terms with your team - not shoving books, folders, and papers into an extra bag at high speed.If you start clearing your desk the week before your last day, youll give yourself more time to tote fewer things home over a multi-day period. Thi s way, youll also be less mentally and physically weighed down on your commute, and can carry a lighter, smaller bag to work on your last day.If possible, set a goal of totally clearing out your workspace by the day before your exit.Save your workWhatever you do, save your work.After all, the internet might not actually be forever Work hosted online can evaporate into thin air, leaving you without anything to show for the time you put in at work.If you have to bring in your hard drive to save a bunch of files, do it. If youd rather save digital copies on the Google Drive linked to your personal Gmail account, do it. Youll quickly find out that PDFs are your best friend.Trust me, its worth the effort - even if you have to start well before your last few days.Make sure youve already spoken to HR about tying up loose endsMaybe you have questions about your existing 401(K) plan, or how long you have until your company insurance plan cuts off.Its super important to have HR fill you in on specifics like these before youre out the door for the last time.Also, hold onto any important documents you might need in the future.Pay attention to the feedback you get in your exit interviewWhether its good or bad, you can use it as a springboard for the next chapter in your career.As you continue to develop your strengths, really hone in on your weaknesses and see how much you grow professionally over time.Your manager might even be willing to give you a recommendation down the line, so dont burn any bridges with them at the end of your time working together.Let your colleagues know how they can reach youWhether you make your general announcement to the company via email, on Slack, or using another method, saying goodbye to your coworkers makes it clear that you appreciate the time you spent working with them.Its also a reminder that even after youre gone, youll still be someone who they can reach out to. So be sure to save the contact information of coworkers youve become close with.Celebrating with your team over an in-office treator going out for drinks with them can also help create positive, lasting memories.Hand in your work ID card and other materialsDepending on where you work, you might have to hand in your ID badge, and/or laptop if you use one. Be sure to follow any instructions you receive from your manager, or from your HR department.Wishing you the best of luck in the next stage in your career