10 Things to Do on Your Last Day of Work

The last day of work can sneak up on you, bringing a mix of emotions, relief, pride, maybe even a bit of nervousness. After all the time and energy you’ve put into your role, walking out for the last time feels like a big moment.

When you hand in your resignation, how you spend your final day matters more than you might think. It’s not just about finishing tasks; it’s also about saying goodbye the right way. What you do on the last day of work can shape how people remember you and how you feel moving forward.

1. Start the day with a positive mindset

Your last day of work can bring a mix of emotions, excitement, nerves, maybe even a little sadness. That’s completely normal. Whether you’re moving to a new job, taking time off, or switching careers, it helps to start the day with the right attitude. Remind yourself of the reasons for your decision and focus on making your final day count.

Staying calm and positive will not only help you enjoy the day more but will also leave a lasting impression on your coworkers. Treat it like a celebration of everything you’ve done so far, rather than just an ending. A good attitude can set the tone for the rest of the day.

2. Finish any loose ends

Even on your last day of work, try your best to leave things in good shape. If there are small tasks left, do what you can to finish them. If you’ve been working on long-term projects, take time to write a clear handoff note so your team can keep things moving after you leave.

Your coworkers will appreciate it if you:

Wrap up any outstanding assignments
Organize shared files or folders
Answer final questions or emails

3. Back up personal files and clean your devices

It’s easy to forget, but before you walk away for the last time, make sure you save anything personal from your work computer. This includes documents, photos, or notes that belong to you. Just make sure you’re not taking anything that’s company-owned or confidential.

After that, take a few minutes to clear your digital footprint:

Sign out of personal accounts (email, social media, etc.)
Delete saved passwords and browser history
Remove personal files from your desktop or folders

4. Return company property

Your last day of work is the time to give back anything that belongs to your employer. That might include your laptop, phone, ID badge, parking pass, or even office keys. Make a quick list so you don’t miss anything.

If you’re unsure what to return, ask your manager or HR. Dropping everything off all at once makes things smoother and shows you’re being responsible. It’s a small act, but it reflects well on you.

5. Write a thoughtful goodbye email

Before you log off for the last time, take a few moments to write a farewell email. This message isn’t just about saying goodbye. It’s a chance to thank your coworkers, share what the experience meant to you, and offer a way to stay in touch.

Keep your email short and sincere. A good goodbye message includes:

A thank-you to the team or key people
A sentence or two about what you’ve enjoyed
Your personal contact info, if you want to stay connected

6. Say goodbye in person

Even if you’ve already sent a farewell email, try to say goodbye face to face whenever possible. It doesn’t have to be long or emotional; Just a quick chat to thank people and wish them well can go a long way. These small moments show respect and appreciation for the time you spent working together.

Focus on coworkers you worked closely with, but don’t forget others who supported you along the way. A simple “thanks for everything” or “I really enjoyed working with you” is often enough. If someone’s not around, leave a short note or message.

Taking a few minutes to say a personal goodbye adds a human touch to your last day of work and helps you leave with good memories.

7. Talk to your boss or manager one last time

Before you head out for good, check in with your boss or supervisor. A short final conversation can help end things on a positive note. Thank them for their support, even if your time together had ups and downs. It’s also a good chance to share what you learned or what you appreciated during your time there.

If you feel comfortable, you can also ask for a reference or a LinkedIn recommendation. Many managers are happy to support former employees, especially those who leave on good terms.

This one-on-one talk can help clear the air, build goodwill, and possibly keep the door open for future opportunities.

8. Clear your workspace

Before you walk out, take a few minutes to clean up your desk or workstation. Pack up your personal items, throw away anything you don’t need, and leave the space neat. It’s a simple way to show consideration for the next person who will use it.

If you’re in a shared space, double-check that you’re not leaving behind chargers, snacks, or papers. If there’s anything useful for your replacement, like a sticky note with login info or a shortcut for a common task, leave it in a visible spot.

A tidy exit shows you cared, even on your last day of work.

9. Complete HR and exit steps

Your company may have a few final steps for you to complete before you leave. These might include an exit interview, turning in forms, or reviewing final paycheck details. Try to be open and respectful during these conversations, even if you’re in a rush to finish the day.

If you’re not sure what comes next, ask questions. Some things you might want to clarify:

When you’ll receive your final paycheck
How to access benefits or retirement plans later
Who to contact if you need something after you’ve left

10. Reflect and celebrate

Once the workday is done, give yourself a moment to reflect. Think about what you’ve achieved, what you’ve learned, and how much you’ve grown. Your last day of work is more than just a deadline. It’s a milestone worth noticing.

You might want to mark the day with something simple, like grabbing coffee with a coworker or having dinner with friends or family. Taking time to celebrate helps you mentally shift from one chapter to the next.

No matter what’s ahead, ending on a high note can boost your confidence and leave you feeling proud of your journey.

Conclusion

Resigning from a job can bring many emotions, from excitement about the future to sadness about leaving behind familiar faces. Your last day of work is a chance to bring those feelings together in a positive way. By finishing strong, showing gratitude, and saying proper goodbyes, you can make the transition smoother for yourself and everyone around you.

Remember, how you handle your final day can leave a lasting impression and set the tone for what comes next.

Sara Duerr

Sara has been in the career development field for over 10 years and has a wealth of knowledge to share. She covers topics such as resume writing, job search strategies, interview techniques, career planning, and more. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Medium. She has curated our free downloadable resume templates for Word and resume templates for Google Docs.