Are you looking for your next CIO career move or maybe changing career direction? If so, you are not alone. The healthcare market is shifting and evolving, and it has spawned new IT leadership opportunities as CIOs leave for new opportunities or retire. This may be a convenient time to switch jobs, but are you prepared to exit gracefully? There are important considerations as you contemplate taking this next step in your career and life and saying farewell.
Reasons for change
The reasons for making a move are numerous. You will have your own reasons, but here are some specific reasons that I have heard recently:
- Change in management or C-Suite
- Pending merger or acquisition
- EMR implementation complete; ready for new challenge
- Desire to be closer to family, elderly parents
- Career enhancement, growth opportunity
- Laid off or contract ending
- Health reasons
- Retirement
Whatever your reasons for change, you will best be remembered if you leave your current organization with respect, dignity and hopefully a strong legacy.
Prepare to Leave
Transitioning out of your current job involves multiple steps. Think about your reputation and legacy as you prepare to leave.
- Grow and mentor successor(s) who can lead and help the organization when you are gone.
- Review benefits, bonuses and retirement plans and any other perks you may have or will leave behind.
- Give enough notice — ideally four weeks if voluntary, and at least six months if retiring.
- Ask key staff to be your business references.
- Send a farewell note, and if you like, include contact information and/or what you will be doing.
- If getting a severance, check with a labor attorney before signing.
- Refer to the organization you are leaving in positive terms.
- Update your LinkedIn profile.
- Recommend a search firm to help the organization find your replacement.
How to Say Goodbye
If you are leaving an organization, contact your friends, colleagues and network to let them know of your change, and how they can reach you. Here are some sample email farewell letters that I have received.
- Sample 1
As many of you know, I have a great passion for healthcare and technology. This is truly an unprecedented time with an endless number of possibilities to improve healthcare through the use of technology. After thoughtful reflection, I’ve decided to resign from my position at ____________ to explore a new opportunity. My last day will be __________. It’s been a wonderful experience being part of the _______ team, and I hope we can stay in touch. Thanks again for your support over the years. I can be reached on my cell at ___________, or email ______________.
- Sample 2
As some of you know, I am leaving _________ at the end of this month. It has been a quick, but productive three years. I wanted to provide my contact information for any of you who may need to get in touch with me.
My cell phone number remains the same at ______________. My personal email is _________________.
Best of luck!
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