Whether you are unceremoniously fired and asked to leave the premises immediately or you choose to leave after a stellar run with your employer, it pays to leave on a high note.  The specific behaviors vary depending on the circumstance, but the common thread when parting company is to maintain your dignity and professionalism.  Regardless of circumstance, here are some tips:

• If you have time before leaving, take personal items from your office or space as well as documents you might have produced that can be useful to you, but are non-proprietary or confidential (from the company’s standpoint).
• Don’t be greedy or vindictive and raid the supply closet or take items that are not yours.
• Say good-bye to as many co-workers as possible and exchange contact information.
• Ask to leave a voicemail message for a week or two after your departure so that people calling in are directed how to reach you.

If you have gotten a “pink slip” honor these basics:

• If you are emotional, compose yourself.  Ask a friend to sit with you for a bit, but no crying, screaming or storming out for general viewing.
• Ask for an explanation if one is not given.  Don’t argue, accept it.  If you believe this is a wrongful termination, take it up with a lawyer once you have departed.
• If your termination was not for cause, ask about some severance in the form of cash or COBRA (benefits coverage); it always pays to ask.
• No bad-mouthing of people or the company on the way out, no matter how hurt or angry you might be.

If you have the good fortune to be leaving of your own volition, don’t get too giddy and forget to respect those you are leaving behind:

• Advise your superior/supervisor first about your intention to leave out of respect; tell others later.
• Give at least two weeks’ notice, if possible, recognizing that the company might ask you to leave earlier to  minimize disruption or access to proprietary information (in the event you are going to a competitor).
• Leave a status report of outstanding projects so that your successor can follow up on your work.
• Offer to conduct an exit interview with your superior or human resources person.  This is where you can offer constructive feedback about what you enjoyed about your time there and things they might improve upon.
• Ask those you worked with closely and regard highly if they would be a reference for you when/if the time comes.  Offer to do the same for them.