At some point in your career, you may decide to step down from a role. Whether you’re leaving your job because you’ve accepted a job with another employer, moving out of town, starting your own business, or for other reasons, deciding how to quit your job can be challenging.
When you quit your job, it’s important to do it as gracefully and professionally as possible. If you can, notify your employer in good time, write a formal letter of resignation, and be prepared to move on before handing in your resignation.
If you skip these steps, you run the risk of alienating your former colleagues. This could set you back later when you try to return to your old job or get a new position in a company in your industry.
Table of contents
Why is it difficult to quit a job?
The decision to quit a job is not an easy one for most people. What can be even more difficult? Find out exactly how to quit a job.
Whether it’s to pursue a new career opportunity, to take care of a loved one, or simply to remove yourself from a toxic work environment, quitting your job can bring a multitude of emotions.
These emotions make it difficult to figure out the best way to actually quit and get out.
Submitting a resignation is not always easy. Even if you hate your job, handing in your resignation isn’t always easy.
Even if you hate your job, despise your boss, and can’t wait to start that new job—even if you’re about to be fired—it can be difficult to tactfully quit.
It’s even harder when you love your job but have decided it’s time for a change. Learn how to quit class, no matter the circumstances.
Following these given steps below is the right way to properly quit a job without making enemies:
1. Start by deciding if the time is right
Taking the time to think carefully about why, when, and how you should leave your job can help ensure you make the best decision possible, find new opportunities, and exit your current role with dignity.
Even if you’re feeling frustrated, take the time to carefully weigh the pros and cons of leaving your role.
If you are feeling unfulfilled in your responsibilities or feel overwhelmed by your workload, consider discussing this with your line manager to see if they can help alleviate the problem.
If you are actively looking for another job, it may be best to wait until you have officially accepted another job offer before resigning from your current position.
Failure to do so could result in an unplanned employment gap that could affect your finances, insurance coverage, and other benefits.
Once you’ve decided you’re ready to quit, be sure to keep the conversation polite and professional.
Employers recognize that employees sometimes seek out new ventures, and by acting professionally, you can cultivate good relationships and sustain a relationship that can lead to future opportunities.
2. Give at least two weeks’ notice in advance
Two weeks’ notice is the usual notice period that you must give your employer before you leave. However, if you have signed an employment contract, make sure that you comply with all the rules regarding the notice period.
Depending on your availability, you may be willing to stay longer than the usual two weeks – especially if your new job is several weeks away or you are transitioning into self-employment.
Regardless of the notice period you set, you should inform your employer as soon as possible and include this information in your letter of termination.
3. Write a letter of resignation
Write a short resignation letter. Make sure you include the following:
- A statement that you are canceling
- The effective date of your cancellation
- Why you are going (optional)
- Thank you (optional)
- Signature
4. Provide feedback on why you are leaving
While you don’t have to share your reason for leaving a job, it can be helpful for your manager and other leaders to understand. The best way to do this is to talk to your HR manager.
In some cases, an HR representative may schedule an exit interview to ask about your experience with the company and the reasons for your decision to leave the company, as well as feedback on company policies, culture, and performance.
Prepare in advance what you will say in this meeting so that you can provide constructive feedback.
Remember that the goal is to maintain positive relationships with former employers, so be honest yet professional.
Even if your HR team doesn’t schedule an exit interview, you should consider reaching out to a member of the team to discuss your feedback and reasons for leaving.
If your decision to leave the company stems from concerns with specific employees, Human Resources can work to address the issue.
5. Schedule a meeting with a Human Resources representative
Instead of emailing your resignation to your boss or letting them know you’re leaving HR, schedule an in-person interview.
Depending on your relationship with your manager, this could be an excellent opportunity to thank them for the opportunities they have given you and to work together on a plan for completing the final projects before you leave.
While scheduling an in-person meeting is good etiquette, remember that it is not required.
If you don’t have a positive relationship with your manager or are concerned about how they will react, the first thing you should do is speak to Human Resources.
Regardless of how you notify your colleagues, make sure you write, print, and sign an official resignation letter.
Most organizations require this document as part of the exit process, so having this document complete ensures a smoother experience.
6. Wrap up and transition work
After you notify your employer of your termination, you probably have two weeks (or more) in your role before officially leaving.
During this time, you’ll want to complete ongoing projects and work with your manager to determine who should take on the work that you can’t complete on your notice period.
Document your daily efforts, where you’ve stored important files, how you use different devices, and other information critical to your position. This will ensure that whoever replaces you has a smooth transition.
If you leave your current employer for a job with a competitor, be prepared that you may be asked to return your equipment and resign on the same day that you resign.
This is a common practice to prevent employees from sharing company data with a competitor.
7. Show gratitude for the opportunity
In some cases, a job can be more than just a way for you to make money.
Depending on how long you’ve been with an organization, you may have formed strong bonds with your peers and leaders, developed new skills, worked your way up to a senior position, assumed greater responsibility, and grown as a professional.
Your experiences from your current job likely helped you earn your new opportunity, so it’s important to show your gratitude.
Take the time to personally thank colleagues and managers with whom you have worked closely. Not only is this proper etiquette, but it can also help you grow your network.
You never know when you might be able to help a former colleague find a new job and vice versa.
Conclusion
Almost everyone makes the decision to quit a job at some point in their career. By preparing ahead of time, writing your resignation letter, and planning your last days or weeks with the company, you ensure a friendly farewell and a smooth transition for everyone involved.
References
- Good Reasons for Leaving a Job (On Application) – WikiJob
- Reasons for Leaving – Corporate Finance Institute
- The Best (and Worst) Reasons for Leaving a Job – Thebalancecareers
- Reasons for leaving a job: what you should and shouldn’t say|betterup
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