Many professionals have had this moment when they want to say, “I quit,” and leave the office immediately.
There might be many reasons why you feel like that about your current job. However, it is essential to quit any job professionally and without drama. Your current employer will remain in your work history, and a bad situation might impact your future employment. So, there is no reason to take such risks.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to quit a job in the right way and ensure a smooth transition to a new one.
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First of all, it is essential to be confident in your decision. Please do not make any drastic changes until you are entirely sure you are ready for it.
Write down your frustrations and reasons before you burn bridges. It will also help you formulate a resignation letter and communicate appropriately with your boss and co-workers.
Potential reasons to leave a job could be:
For these reasons, you can plan how to approach this situation and leave a job on good terms.
When you’ve made up your mind on it, work on your letter of resignation. Make it short, professional, and neutral. But also be ready to name your reasons in personal communication to add to the formal resignation letter.
How much notice is appropriate? Well, it depends on your contract. If there are no specific requirements, 14 days is an international standard you can never go wrong with.
Before you send the letter, make sure to talk to your supervisor directly. Do not discuss your decision with colleagues or clients before that – it is very unprofessional. Your manager or boss should be the first to learn the news.
Schedule a meeting and tell them you want to talk directly before submitting two weeks’ notice. Leaving a job on good terms is always better even if your contract doesn’t specify such a notice period. Two weeks is a reasonable time for the employer to find a replacement and train them in some capacity.
When talking to your manager, remain firm in your decision. But also try to communicate on a positive note. It is not the time to make negative comments on others. Even if your experience in the current position was awful, try to spin it around so that you both remain civil.
The best advice here is to come prepared for the meeting. Be respectful and keep your talking points and good reasons for leaving. When speaking, keep a neutral tone and professional manner.
For example, you can say that you resign because:
Be honest and explain why you resign while balancing it with respect to your employer and co-workers. Your personal circumstances have changed, and what was perfect two years ago is no longer working for you.
After talking to your manager, you can officially submit your resignation.
After receiving your notice, your last weeks of this job start. It is an excellent opportunity to make a positive last impression with colleagues, clients, and managers.
There is always a temptation to slack a bit for most people in such a situation. But try to resist it. After all, your boss might be your future recommendation for a new position. Or a potential employer can contact your previous company to learn more about you.
Remain productive and respectful. After settling things with your boss, talk to your team and colleagues. Let them know about your leaving, and try to be optimistic about it. Be prepared that not everyone might support you; it is okay. Everyone is entitled to their opinions until they are civil.
Before leaving on good terms, ensure you’ve returned any company property you might have received previously. Arrange your projects and tasks professionally so it will be easier for a new person to step in.
If the company manages to find a replacement during your notice period, help them in their transition. Explain their new job or even train your replacement in everything:
Support them as though you want to be supported in your new job.
On the last day, you can gather with colleagues and then have some snacks or baked goods to say goodbye and leave no loose ends. However, it is not obligatory. If you never want to see them again, you can skip this and just say goodbye with a letter to everyone in the office.
Afterward, you can take your belongings and go freely to a new job!
Many people start looking for a new job immediately after resigning. It is a wise decision, as the sooner you start, the more chances you have to make a smooth transition.
Whether you are looking for a higher salary, better benefits, or new career opportunities – have your goal in mind. By doing so, you can make sure that a new boss or company is the right fit for you.
Update your LinkedIn profile and research hiring companies. Also, update your resume and add any relevant new skills, projects, and experiences.
Start looking for openings online and applying to them. Alternatively, visit professional events and networking events to find a potential new employer. When going on interviews, do not speak negatively about your previous position. It leaves a wrong impression.
Instead, use the same positive reasons for leaving you used when resigning.
Job transitions can be stressful, but sometimes, they are necessary. If you feel unfulfilled and unsatisfied with your current job, it might be time to consider looking for a better opportunity. The key is to remain polite and professional during the transition.
