How to leave my company on good terms, when planning to join a competitor?

Question

I've held a good job over the last several years, but now I am planning to make a move and join a competitor that will allow me to become a Team Lead - in particular, I am looking to join a competitor that is based in my hometown.

How do I best leave on good terms with the management team? I have not spoken to them about it but am instead choosing to stay radio silent, at the moment. I am no longer comfortable communicating with our current Team Lead.

(Although they do know of my desire to leave soon, but mostly through secondhand sources, e.g. from social media outlets.)

Contracts often have a clause about not joining a direct competitor for some time, eg. 6 months after quitting. Have you checked yours? — Juha Untinen, Jul 30 '17 at 06:01
if you don't want to be identified, i would remove the locations you've mentioned — , Jul 30 '17 at 08:42
How much should I reveal about a new job after resigning from my current job touches on this (although I'm not sure it's a duplicate). Don't bring it up until you have a signed contract with your new employer and you're handing in your resignation. — Bernhard Barker, Jul 30 '17 at 14:33

score 5 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 30 '17 at 08:09

Staying silent is rarely going to lead to a positive relationship after you leave. Openness and honesty is a much better option:

let your boss know that the reason you are leaving is for progression and location, not from a desire to join the position as such

That should defuse resentment - but be aware they still may be upset, especially if you are a good employee. Not much you can do about that though.

How to leave my company on good terms, when planning to join a competitor?

1 Answers1