So I decided to retire and yesterday was my last official day.  Having a year to plan really helped.  So here’s my lessons learned for when you leave.

1. Once your replacement is hired, help with transition, but be respectful about handing over the torch. I moved out of my office into a smaller one once I was no longer in my role.  I got quieter in meetings. You can’t have two quarterbacks on the field.
2. Work on those things you are best suited to do, but not on future commitments. I was comfortable finishing up some work I had already started, but not on working on next year’s budget because I wasn’t going to be here.
3. Be authentic in how you say goodbye.  I knew I wasn’t going to send out a big email blast or have a party. Instead, I wrote notes to people who were really special to me, and had small dinners to say good bye.  I had lunches with my mentors to thank them for all their support.  I felt like I said goodbye the way I wanted to.

Is it easy leaving? No. But sometimes you know when a chapter is finished. Time for the next one!