Every career has chapters and knowing when to close one and begin the next is just as important as landing your first job. In the UAE's dynamic market, professionals who evolve every few years remain competitive and in demand. Staying too long in the same role without growth risks stagnation, while companies often respond by increasing workload without offering advancement. The key to long-term success is knowing when to exit, and how to exit well.

Why timing matters

Career experts often recommend evaluating your role every three to five years. By this point, you should either see visible growth or prepare for a transition. Evolution is part of career maturity. Those who cling to a company or boss out of loyalty, rather than opportunities for development, often end up trapped in unfulfilling cycles.

Leaving does not mean disloyalty. It means acknowledging that growth requires movement. Companies evolve, industries transform, and so should individuals. By recognising when the time has come to move on, professionals protect their ambitions and avoid becoming victims of job loading or burnout.

The purpose of an exit interview

An exit interview is not just paperwork; it is like a graduation ceremony. It symbolises the closing of one stage and the readiness to enter the next. Just as graduates wear their gowns with pride, professionals can use exit interviews to leave with dignity and respect. The way you handle this moment shapes how you will be remembered long after you are gone. The Kubler-Ross change model, often applied to transitions, explains the emotional process of leaving. First there may be denial (“Maybe I can still make this work”), then frustration, followed by reflection, acceptance, and finally, growth. The exit interview sits at the final stage, turning acceptance into action. It is the point where you transform endings into beginnings.

How to approach the conversation

1. Be honest, but measured: Share feedback that is useful, not destructive. Highlight what you valued about the role, then address areas where improvement is possible. Avoid personal criticisms or outbursts.

2. Keep it professional: Remember that an exit interview is part of your record. Speak as though your words could be repeated to future employers. Stick to facts.

3. Focus on growth: Frame your decision around career development, not dissatisfaction. Instead of saying,“I am leaving because my manager was unfair,” say,“I am seeking new challenges to expand my skills.”

4. Leave on a high note: Thank your employer for the opportunities you received, even if the experience was not perfect. Express gratitude for colleagues, learning experiences, and the chance to contribute.

One common mistake professionals make is waiting until they decide to resign before focusing on learning. Upskilling should be continuous, even while you are still employed. Taking new courses, earning certifications, or mastering new tools ensures you remain valuable to your current employer while preparing yourself for the next step.

Equally important is timing. In the UAE, where the job market is competitive, resigning without another opportunity in hand can create unnecessary financial and emotional stress. Always secure your next role before giving notice. This demonstrates responsibility and ensures a smoother transition.

Exiting gracefully is not just about the company; it is about you. Leaving with dignity allows you to maintain relationships that may become valuable references in the future. It protects your professional reputation and gives you closure, turning the end of one role into the beginning of a stronger chapter. Moreover, exiting well reflects self-awareness. It shows you understand that career growth requires continuous movement. The professionals who thrive in the UAE are not those who remain in the same position out of comfort, but those who make strategic decisions to evolve, learn, and explore new opportunities.

Mastering the exit interview is about demonstrating maturity, gratitude, and forward-thinking.

...

MENAFN27112025000049011007ID1110407322