Resigning from your job isn't an easy thing to do, and however, what happens after this isn't always easy either. The time between when you hand in your resignation and finish up at your job is called a 'notice period.' Notice periods provide a chance for both the employer and employee to make arrangements when employment is terminated.

What is the general length of a notice period? Notice periods can vary from 'no notice' to a month or two months or more. Your required notice period will depend on:

• Type of employment
• How long you have been working for your employer
• The terms of your contract 
• Your industry
• The reasons for termination

The Notice Period can be a double-edged sword, good for some, and in certain situations less helpful or even a hindrance in others. While studying the subject came across an excellent article from Rishika Singh, "Don't blow up your career on your notice period," and she states seven tips to the employees on surviving your notice period without derailing your careerⁱ. The points below are briefly described to be a quick read for employees.

1. Tie up all loose ends
2. Don’t burn your bridges
3. Preserve your network
4. Exceed performance expectations
5. Show your appreciation
6. Offer to train your replacement
7. Get information on your employee benefits

Make an appointment with your boss or a benefits consultant in the Human Resources department. Secure information regarding vacation pay, health coverage continuity, retirement account implications, severance pay, if applicable, and other benefits that will extend after you leave your job.

1. Tie up all loose ends:
   • It's better to remove all your personal effects from a work computer yourself than leave it to your successor. 
   • Back up all your important information before you lose access to it. 
   • Clearing your computer of those cat memes you saved while trying to maintain a low profile is the real-life equivalent. 
2. Some questions that you must ask yourself during your notice period are: 
   • Who will oversee each of your projects and responsibilities in the future? Nothing should be overlooked, no matter how minor it may appear. 
   • What tasks will you finish before leaving the company, and how long do you expect each activity to take? Don't forget about administrative tasks like filing exit paperwork. 
   • Don't put things off till the last day - or minute. Leaving with all your ends tied up neatly demonstrates your concern for the coworkers, even if you are no longer employed there. 
3. Don't burn your bridges:
   • Yes, it may be gratifying to tell your boss that working for them is worse than having to chew on raw elaichi. While the feeling will only last a few moments, people will remember them forever. 
   • According to Stephen Viscusi, author of On the Job, “how you depart from an old job will always impact your future career.” He says in his book, "You can have a formal exit interview with HR to air your grievances. Make sure it's truly formal in nature." 
   • Don't get mad. Don't get even. Leave your hard-earned professionalism intact. 
4. Preserve your network:
   • When you let the penny drop about your resignation - depending on whether you're the MVP or public enemy number one - you will get different reactions from your coworkers. 
   • Every time you go for lunch, arrange catch-ups with your mentor and coworkers to let them know that you will be moving on soon.
   • They will wonder why you're quitting, so prepare a positive message about advancing in your career and taking on new challenges.
5. Exceed performance expectations:
   • When someone who has given their resignation is late for work or takes unscheduled leaves, it is distressing and affects the entire team's performance. 
   • How you act in the weeks leading up to the end of your notice period will impact your future references and even create an unfavorable impression of you. 
   • Maintain your professional routine as much as possible. Talk to your boss about your job expectations, and then go above and beyond in terms of scope and timeliness.
   • Complete any outstanding duties and transfer any unfinished work to make it as easy as feasible for your colleagues. 
6. Show your appreciation:
   • Take the time to express gratitude to everyone who has assisted you in becoming successful in your job. Your modesty and kindness will not go unnoticed.   
   • Apologize for all the times you may have been unpleasant and express your gratitude for their support and advice. In a nutshell, observe the niceties. You'll feel better about it. 
7. Offer to train your replacement:
   • Go out of your way to lend a helping hand if you want to leave a lasting impression.
   • It's a small world, and news travels faster than you would think. You will only benefit from the efforts you make before departing. 
   • Create a continuity guide containing notes on critical projects, daily duties, primary contacts, etc., and upload them on a drive. 
   • You can even email this guide to your manager and any relevant stakeholders, which will ensure you've left no room for doubt. 
8. Get information on your employee benefits:
   • Secure information regarding vacation pays, health coverage continuity, retirement account implications, severance pay, if applicable, and other benefits that will extend after you leave your job. 
   • You may be entitled to compensation from your company for unused vacation time, sick time, or paid time off (PTO). In most cases, unused time is paid out as a lump sum. 
   • It's a good idea first to find out what your rights are before you put in your resignation.

Reference:

ⁱ Singh, R (Dec 1st, 2021) 7 tips to surviving your notice period without derailing your career|https://tweakindia.com/work/career/dont-blow-up-your-career-on-your-notice-period/