[ibudiallo]

This sounds great in theory. Up until my last job, this is the philosophy I lived by. When I leave, I want that the only thing they miss is my personality. But it is never the case.

When you announce you are leaving, you turn from employee to liability. Especially when your departure comes as a surprise. I always felt the need to document everything, interview prospective replacement, even extend my notice to three weeks. But many times I see all my efforts thrown out the window the second I leave. It's not that what I leave behind is not valuable, it becomes the work of a quitter.

Once my position was replaced by an intern, another time my position had been completely eliminated.

When I leave again, I'll give good smiles and nod politely until my two weeks notice expire and I'll move on.

Edit: Also a great reminder, when your employer wants you to leave, you usually have to clear your desk immediately.