I know this happens frequently because friends and family have asked me this question.
“I am leaving my job and feel I should let all the employees know what really happened.”
OK – I understand the psycological desire and emotional need to “get things off yoru chest,” or “set the record straight.”
While you think a kind goodbye email to old colleagues is harmless, it may not be. What if you allege wrongdoing or unujst treatment in the email? What if you infer someone has been acting improperly thus provoking your exit.
THESE STATEMENT COULD BE DEFAMATION. If they appear to be statements of facts (and not just opinion) you could find yourself defending a defemantion case in Virginia Courts.
Will you win? Maybe, but who wants to spend time and money on attorneys fees to find out. Please, remember, anything you say or write, could come back to haunt you!