Skip to content
Why is it that when someone leaves a company, they feel the need to write a 14-paragraph Oscar speech thanking “every single incredible human” they’ve ever made a coffee with?
In most instances, you’re moving to a competitor, not being launched into space.
Let’s be honest: if it was that amazing, you probably wouldn’t be leaving. And if there are people you genuinely will miss, here’s a wild idea tell them personally, like an actual human, instead of writing a public “open letter” that screams “Please endorse me for resilience.”
There’s no shame in leaving. Better role? More money? Fed up? Fine. But not every exit needs to be dressed up as some emotional pilgrimage. Personally a simple “I’ve joined X” would do me just fine. You’re not the Dalai Lama. You just changed jobs.
So, why the “grateful” stance when you’re leaving?
Here’s the blunt truth:
Most of the time, it’s not about genuine gratitude — it’s about optics.
It’s a PR move
The LinkedIn goodbye post isn’t really for your old colleagues. It’s for future employers, recruiters, clients, and your professional network. Saying “I’m so grateful” makes you look mature, well-adjusted, and drama-free — even if you left because you couldn’t stand another Monday meeting.
It avoids awkward questions
If you say how “amazing” everything was, no one asks, “What happened?” It closes the door on speculation. It’s a neat little cover story that keeps things smooth and tidy.
It’s part of the unspoken script
LinkedIn has its own weird culture developed as a job board, which is now part therapy group, part political mouth piece and sprinkled with TED Talk.
So when people leave a job, they follow the expected format:
- Say it was “an incredible journey”
- Thank everyone (even the person who made your life hell)
- End with “on to the next chapter!”
Because to not do that might make you look bitter, or worse… honest.
It’s protection
If you leave a job and badmouth it publicly, it can backfire fast. So most people go with the safe, vanilla option: “grateful and excited for what’s next.” It’s neutral. It offends no one. It hides the real story.
