How To Leave Your Current Job: It’s not always easy to submit your resignation. Even if you despise your work, submitting your resignation isn’t always simple.
Even if you dislike your employer and can’t wait to start your new job—even if you’re about to be fired—it might be tough to leave gracefully.
It’s much more difficult if you enjoy your job but have decided it’s time for a change. Learn how to quit with dignity, no matter what the circumstances are.
It is critical to leave your employment on a professional and favorable note. Here’s how to go about it:
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1. Provide Prompt Notice
When you know you’re going, meet with your supervisor to provide your official notice. (And, certainly, inform your boss before informing anybody else!) Although two weeks is normal (unless your contract states different), it’s a kind gesture to provide additional time if you know the exact day you’ll be departing sooner.
Most of the time, your manager will appreciate that you are giving yourself enough time to complete your work.
Caution:
If you’ve witnessed your firm escort employees out the door as soon as they deliver their resignation, don’t provide more than two weeks’ notice. In this instance, it’s better to prepare ahead of time by closing off loose ends (for example, downloading necessary data) before making your announcement.
2. Maintain Your Cool
Unless you’ve just won the Powerball, there’s a strong chance you’ll have a long working life ahead of you. That implies you’ll cross paths with many of the folks you work with again at some time.
So, no matter how excited you are about your new work, you won’t be able to express it. For starters, no one loves a bragger (particularly if they’re also trying to get out of there).
Second, you will almost certainly need to utilize your present firm as a reference in the future. Do you really want your boss to remember you doing the Moonwalk down the corridor out of pure glee on your last week? Most likely not.
Read Also: How To Deal With A Difficult Boss.
3. Make Contact With Your Coworkers.
That being said, once you’ve informed your employer, you should notify all of your coworkers, both to prepare them for the transition and to remain in touch with them after you leave.
It is normal to send a mass goodbye email—one to clients and one to coworkers—informing them of where you will be going and providing your pertinent contact information.
You don’t have to tell everyone your home address or birthdate, but having a personal email account or LinkedIn page where you can be contacted is a terrific way to convey that you’re not cutting relationships even if you’re leaving.
4. Finish Up
Whatever task you are working on, make sure they are completed. Even if finishing whatever is now on your plate involves more hours than you want to spend on your present work, it is your obligation to not leave any loose ends (or, if it truly cannot be tied up in two weeks, to give precise instructions).
Not only for the sake of the person who will be replacing you but also for the purpose of your professional reputation, it is crucial to leave a position on a high and pleasant note. Nothing says “thank you” and “accountability” like a job well done—and completed.
Read Also: How to Fire Your Boss in 4 Steps.
5. Volunteer To Train Your Replacement.
Nothing a supervisor despises more than the hiring process—except having to teach that new employee. And, to be honest, she probably doesn’t understand your situation as well as you do. So, if you can assist with this phase of your exit, you’ll be gaining points all around.
Offer to assist your supervisor in screening candidates, sitting in on interviews, working with the new employee, or creating a job training manual. It will go a long way toward leaving a favorable impression on her when you leave.
6. Inquire About An Exit Interview.
Even if your company’s policy does not require a departure interview, request one from your supervisor regardless.
Then, use that time to express your thanks for the experiences you’ve had, discuss what you’ve learned, and provide feedback to the person who will take your place. It will demonstrate that you not only take your job seriously but that you are thankful for the opportunity.
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7. Give Yourself a Pat On The Back.
You may take a pause and celebrate yourself after you’re settled into your new work and remain on good terms with all parties concerned. You accomplished your goal! Just remember to thank your former employer if they were kind enough to send you out with a farewell party and cupcakes. They will remember you warmly if you show thanks, courtesy, and professionalism (whether or not you can say the same for them).
8. Request a Reference.
During your last days on the job, inquire for recommendations from your bosses or coworkers. Individuals in your present job may accept your offer of becoming a reference if you finish relationships on a positive note.
Ask nicely and begin the conversation by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to work with them. A reference from a direct boss is a vital asset to any job application, especially if it is backed by a letter of recommendation.
9. Maintain Contact
Even if you are unable to obtain references, maintain contact with all of your coworkers. Continue networking with people after you leave, since they may become key contacts later on.
If you wish to work for the same firm again, having your prior manager advocate for you is a terrific approach to reclaiming your position. Furthermore, when your coworkers advance in their jobs, they may be able to give you better chances.
Read Also: 11 Best Tips for Career Preparation.
10. Thank Everyone With Whom You Worked
Even if you say it in your letter, convey your appreciation for the chance to your boss in person. A thanks remark is more meaningful when said personally to the individual rather than read from an email or written letter. Express the same sentiments to coworkers.