In the movies, you may have seen how an actor announces “I quit” while packing their things. Well, it’s certainly no way to quit a job!
Some people may stop showing to work. They just simply ghost the company and the co-workers without any notice. No matter how tempting it is to leave a job you hate, focus on being respectful.
You put a status on social media and say you are quitting your job! Your LinkedIn profile shows a new job status without informing anyone at your current job. You are sending a text message to your boss and saying you quit! You may opt to tell your colleagues that you plan on quitting and the news spread like wildfire.
If all that sounds like you then you are in the right place! You need to know how to resign from a job, and what you should do before you decide to quit.
What to do before you quit your job
There are certain questions to keep in mind when resigning from a job:
- Do you have a solid job offer?
- What will you do if your employer offers a promotion?
- What will you do if the employer asks you to leave immediately?
How to resign from a job
1. Resign in person
Break the news to your boss first and then share it with your coworkers.
Have a separate meeting with the boss to discuss your decision. You can send an email saying that you want 15 minutes to discuss something important. Don’t disclose the topic yet. Tell your boss face-to-face about quitting your position.
Your boss may offer you a promotion or an increase in salary. It’s possible that it may change your mind, but you have to see what works best for you. Give your boss the confidence that you will do everything possible to make the workload transition easy for the new team member. Prepare a transition plan for the new person. You never know when you will need a good reference. So, it’s better to be in the good books of your employer.
2. Give two weeks notice
Gather information from your employee handbook on the process for terminating employment. It can tell you about the policy on resignation notice. Plus, you will know if you are entitled to any benefits and what to do with your sick leaves. A two weeks notice can let your employer find a suitable replacement.
Let your boss know about your plans before quitting. Scheduling a meeting before you put anything in writing shows that you respect your manager.
3. Leave on good terms
Say goodbye to the office staff and stay in touch with your colleagues. It makes your network strong and is the best way to get jobs in the future. Starting a new job is scary too, but leaving with gratitude can have a lasting impression on the company even if you have left for a cause.
You never know who or what may cross your career paths. It can be your ex-boss or your co-workers. Never badmouth your current organization or say anything bad about the company. In fact, remember that it was a place that was supporting you in your tough time. It’s not worth carrying the negative feelings of your current job to the new place. You need to start from a positive mindset.
4. Submit an official resignation letter
The company will keep your resignation letter on file so it has to be short and straight. Mention in the letter when is your expected last day on the job. Leave your feedback for the exit interview and don’t put your emotions in the letter of resignation.
Never put your negative emotions in the resignation letter. It’s ideal to write a resignation letter that’s to the point. You need not give explanations of your departure. There is also no need to advise the company what to do next when you leave! The resignation letter is addressed to your direct supervisor. Always write a formal resignation letter. Check the letter samples if you are not sure what to include.
5. Clean up your computer data and office belongings
Make things easy for the next person. Remove all your personal belongings from your desk and clean your computer. When you talk to your boss about leaving your job, you never know what the outcome will be! It’s better to be proactive and take the initiative.
Clear your desk so that you gather all the important stuff before leaving. Delete the company’s data from the computer.
6. Express gratitude
It’s ideal to thank your boss for the mentorship and opportunities they gave you. Expect your boss to show a range of emotions. It’s possible that you may not like your boss, but show some grace.
There could be a number of reasons causing you to leave your job but take it as a learning. Leaving your bosses on a positive note even when they gave you a tough time can be remarkable! It will set an example for others and prevent you from burning bridges. Those positive relationships could turn into opportunities in the future.
7. Return your company computer and belongings
When leaving your job, you have to be firm about your decision. It doesn’t have to be something that you decided at the spur of the moment. It’s possible that you may have a heated argument with the boss and you want to quit, but it may not be in your favor. Find out what’s the standard practice in such a situation.
It’s possible that your employer may want you to leave immediately. In that scenario, keep the company’s laptop, phone, or any other belonging ready to hand over.
When should you announce your resignation?
It’s best to resign on Friday as it can give some time to your employer to process the whole idea especially if you are the key person of this company.
Plus, when you quit on Friday after lunch you have a few hours left to leave the office. However, quitting early in the morning means facing your boss and coworkers all day!
Final Words
Resigning from your job while maintaining positive relationships with your boss and co-workers may sound like art, but it’s just being wise. Never burn your bridges. There is a right and wrong of doing things and the same applies to quitting your job. Be professional even if you can't wait to get out the door.
