What do I say if/when asked why I’m leaving?

[FlyingontheGround]

It’s looking like I will soon be leaving a role I’ve been in for a couple of years to go to another job. My reasons for wanting to leave are multiple but centre mainly around how unwelcoming the rest of the team have been and the way I’ve been spoken to by my manager on a number of occasions which led me to look elsewhere. What reason do I give for leaving - both officially and if/when colleagues ask during my long notice period? I don’t want to be unprofessional.

Is it a side ways move rather up? A different area you’re interesting in? Closer to home? Better pay? Nicer offices?

If you want to be diplomatic you could say someone from the new job approached you.

Or say you’ve not felt like this job was a good fit for you.

You are leaving for an exciting new opportunity.

It’s a similar job, a little bit more money so I could give that as a reason I suppose. It’s nothing to do with that though, if I’d had more supportive colleagues I’d have stayed.

Yes, thanks for the suggestions. I’m happy just to put it back on myself and make it my fault, my inability to fit in or whatever, anything just to get out!

You really don't need to go into details, simply said that you wanted to do something new and that the job you found also will give you a higher salary.

It's an oppourtunity you couldn't turn down.

They can interpret that to a massive pay rise and company car if they like. They don't need to know it's the oppourtunity to get away from them that was so attractive!

I’d say the new job is a great opportunity and mention the positives of that. If pushed say the old team didn’t feel like the best fit for you.

Working with, and being managed by cunts has lost its novelty.

I’ve really appreciated my time here, but I’ve been offered a new opportunity that aligns better with my long-term goals and professional growth.

Opportunity for more travel and diversified work, xyz that I m interested, AI enhanced functionality, opportunity for growth.

Bla Bla Bla.

Never burn bridges even if you never go to work there again you never know if your paths will cross in your work life

money,location,hours/working patterns are good reasons

You've been offered a better opportunity elsewhere. What more does anyone else need to know?

Just fancied a change

There is nothing in it for you to be honest with them, and you shouldn't do yourself down by blaming yourself.

I think what will be hard is keeping up the pretence for so long as I’ll probably have to work at least 12 weeks. I know I can do it though.

As satisfying as it might be to say 'because you're all as empathetic and welcoming as a GUM clinic nurse in a gas mask' or 'because I'd rather run a cheesegrater over my ears then bob for apples in a piranha tank than work with you lot for another year' you have no way of knowing if you'll have to work with/for any of these people in the future. Don't burn the bridges - nice bland smile, "it's a great opportunity". Keep the fun responses as a way to relieve some stress in your own head while you're working your notice.

Don't say anything negative about yourself, but not about them either. Just say it was an offer too good to refuse.

Say anything that keeps every one happy. You should never burn any bridges, however unlikely a return or ever.meeting them again will be.

Strangely enough when I looked on similar threads, I can see I’ve responded to somebody asking the same question that I just won’t say anything and that I won’t even do an exit interview if I don’t have to! I’ve obviously been hoping for this for a while!

I’d just say you’re leaving for a new job to further develop your career. As PP has said it’s best not to burn your bridges

Just say it's time for a change

@FlyingontheGround- I would tell the truth in an exit interview near the final leaving date. It sounds like you’ve been bullied / badly treated to a point you have felt forced to leave. Why should the perpetrators get away with it? I doubt you are the first or will be the last person who has been treated this way by them. I’m so sick of the way people in professional roles who should know better and behave better constantly get way with this kind of shit…

keep it short & sweet, unless you’re wanting repercussions for those who have acted badly.

id just say I fancied a change to colleagues and if pressed in an exit interview I’d say professional opportunity.

Good luck, I hope you work as hard as they deserve for your notice period

If you've been there for a few years, it would be a natural time to move on. Just pick a few positives about the new job (pay, location, particular duties and skills). When asked, just focus on those.