Q: I’ve sold my business, and my family and I have decided to move to another country. Unfortunately, it’s time for me to exit my Forum. It’s difficult for me to imagine life without my Forum. I greatly value and appreciate my Forum mates and want to leave in the most positive way possible. Do you have any advice for me?
– Anonymous
A: Leaving your Forum is a difficult thing to do. The bonds that we form can be quite deep and meaningful, and it’s a good idea to put time and thought into how you’ll say goodbye.
Here are some recommended steps to gracefully say goodbye to your Forum that will help prevent any hard feelings or negativity about your departure:
1. Contact your Moderator to discuss your situation confidentially.
2. Tell the Forum at an in-person meeting. Ideally, this will be done at least a month or two prior to your leaving, rather than walking into your last meeting and leaving the rest of the Forum feeling blindsided.
3. Your last meeting will depend on you and the rest of your Forum. Sometimes, an outgoing member only attends the beginning of the meeting, says their goodbyes, and leaves. In other Forums, the departing member gives a final presentation to talk about what’s next in their life.
Keep in mind that leaving your Forum doesn’t have to mean losing the relationships you’ve built with your fellow members. Some Forums like to have an annual reunion where the current and past members get together for a social outing, and thanks to cell phones and social media, it’s easy to stay in touch.
Feel free to read our blog about saying goodbye to a Forum member. Although it’s more of a process guide for the Forum Moderator to navigate a member’s departure, it also includes guidance for a smooth exit, as well as ideas for your last meeting and keeping in touch with the Forum throughout the years to come.
Thanks for the great question, and good luck with your post-Forum endeavors!