It all started on a sunny Monday morning at DoB Ltd, a moderately chaotic company known for tight deadlines, endless meetings that could’ve been emails, and an HR lady who guarded leave forms like state secrets.
Kobby, the mild-mannered data analyst, had been with the company for three years. He wasn’t flashy, he never missed deadlines, and he wore the same grey trousers so often that they practically had their ID badge.
One day, Kobby submitted a simple leave request: “10 working days. Rest and personal reasons.”
HR approved it, albeit reluctantly and just like that, Kobby vanished.
10 working days passed.
Then 15.
Then 21.
No email.
No call.
Rumours began to swirl like Ghanaian jollof in a pot:
- “He’s gone to Canada.”
- “He won the lottery.”
- “He’s on spiritual retreat in Aburi.”
- “He got poached by a startup that serves smoothies on Monday mornings.”
After two months of silence, HR finally archived his personnel file and sighed, “He’s not dead. He’s just… employed elsewhere.”
They posted his role online again, with a fresh title: “Data Analyst, Must be committed, not just available.”
And then… like a scene out of a telenovela, three months later, Kobby casually popped up on LinkedIn, posting a selfie with the caption:
“Grateful for growth. New role, new energy. Sometimes, you don’t leave a job… the job leaves you.”
Moral of the Story
Employees rarely ghost out of nowhere. Behind every disappearing act is a backstory. Lack of recognition, zero growth, micromanagement, or just an office culture that treats people like machines.
Companies, listen before they leave. Speak value before they vanish. Respect is the new currency spend it wisely.
Because if Kobby the Vanisher taught us anything, it’s this:
If you don’t tickle your people where it matters, someone else will. 😉
But did Kobby do the right thing, abandoning his role without proper resignation?
A BIG NO!
Are you planning to leave your current job?
Remember that how you exit can speak louder than how you entered.
A hasty or emotional goodbye can burn bridges you might need later. But a diplomatic resignation keeps your reputation intact, relationships warm, and opportunities open.
Here are 5 reasons you must resign with grace and tact, even if you can’t wait to hand in that letter.
- Protecting Professional Reputation
Word travels fast in industries, and how you exit often becomes part of your professional story. A respectful resignation leaves doors open and keeps your name untarnished. - Maintaining Future References
You never know when you’ll need a recommendation from your current employer. A graceful exit makes it more likely they’ll speak positively about you down the line. - Preserving Relationships & Networks
Colleagues and managers you leave behind could become valuable contacts, collaborators, or even employers in the future. Diplomacy ensures you part on friendly terms. - Avoiding Bridge-Burning Consequences
A hasty or hostile exit can cause lasting resentment and close off future opportunities within that organization or its wider network. - Keeping Control of the Narrative
By handling your resignation professionally, you reduce the risk of others misrepresenting your reasons for leaving and ensure your departure is seen in the best possible light.
Here are also 5 practical tips for resigning diplomatically so you leave on good terms and protect your professional brand.
- Give Adequate Notice
Follow the notice period in your contract (often two to four weeks). It shows respect for your employer’s need to transition your responsibilities. - Speak to Your Manager First
Before telling colleagues or posting on LinkedIn, have a private, respectful conversation with your immediate supervisor. Surprises can cause unnecessary tension. - Express Gratitude (Even if You’re Ready to Leave)
Highlight specific things you learned or appreciated during your time there. It softens the exit and leaves a positive final impression. - Offer a Smooth Handover
Document processes, train your replacement, and tie up loose ends. It signals maturity and professionalism. - Avoid Burning Bridges in Your Exit Interview
Be honest but constructive. Focus on your growth and next steps rather than attacking the company or individuals.
This is the office buzz! Work, culture and everything in between.
Remember to share this with that colleague who needs to read this.
