I am very wary of explaining my justification for leaving in case the information gets back to him because it's a small enough field (in this country) and he is already better established in the field. I expect he could make my life difficult should he choose. Also, I worry that mentioning these reasons could somehow be perceived as sour grapes.
That said, I also feel compelled to be honest as he is earmarked for an even more senior position if the project is a "success" (i.e., boxes ticked) and I feel bad for those left behind who have to maintain a system that was slapped together under the leadership of a manager who couldn't care less about them.
Are you 100% honest when you resign or do you fob them off with a generic justification because the cons outweigh the pros?
PS I'm not alone in my read of the situation. At least two others are also looking to leave our relatively small team.
It's natural to want to let off steam about why you're quitting. Unless your reason for quitting is to make a point, then letting off steam is irrelevant, and should be avoided, especially if it carries risks that you already know about.
If you're going to attend the exit interview anyway, it's probably best to restrict your remarks to platitudes:
* I got a better pay offer
* You require me to do It's not your business to help your ex-employer improve the working environment; even if you offer suggestions, the chances of them taking up your suggestions is slim. Saying the wrong things could hurt you down the road, so say as little as possible. Or just pass on the exit interview.
In your own position: I would be as honest as possible in a professional, data driven way, and keep it to the point. No names. E.g. Concerns about operating and maintaining systems that didn’t fully finish the design and security review process or whatever the case may be.
Odds are nobody will ask "why you were looking for another job?" because they really don't want to know.
Anyway being honest about "a bad manager" is even worse than you anticipate because you are also criticizing the judgement of the people who hired him.
Good luck.
I wouldn't say because of XXX. I would tell them some personal reasons, like "want to develope myself..." "some personal changes happend.. and ..."
let them feel good, and especially, that one guy. You'll need some help some day, dont build a Wall.
- be tactful and professional in your explanation - avoid mentioning specific individuals or discussing negative aspects of the company or management in your explanation - focus on how the job or company no longer aligns with your career goals or values
Ultimately if you move on, just do so tactfully.