Never burn the pot that once fed you. When quitting your Job, you need to do it gracefully – communicate effectively and show courtesy.
Almost a third of people who quit their job end up regretting the act. In the promise of greener pastures, most employee’s tact of quitting is nothing short of contempt to the organization that once put food on their table. Hating your boss or feeling unfulfilled is no excuse to slam the door as you exit.
After all, if you do it right, you built a healthy relationship. You get a solid recommendation for your services and can open consideration for future re-employment in a higher position with the very same company. Also, if things go south in your new pursuit, you can always come back – it all depends on the impression you made.
By all means, don’t wake up one day and quit. That’s being impulsive and unprofessional – you’re burning bridges. Read on to find out smart ways to quit your job.
Notify Your Supervisor in Person
Jumping from one ship to another is not new. Every employee desires to have a progressive career and be compensated well. Evidence suggests that 51% of employees in the U.S alone are always on the lookout for new openings in different organizations. Your case is not unique. Chances are your boss is also on the lookout for opportunities elsewhere.
Talk to your boss and inform him/her that you have a new job offer. Don’t be emotional and feel the urge to explain the nitty-gritty of why you are leaving. The best way is to state that you are looking forward to a new challenge in your career path.
Serve Notice
Talking to your supervisor is not enough. Keep it professional and follow up on the conversation with a notice. If you have an employment contract, refer to it and see the time frame stipulated for the announcement. two-week notice or even 30-day notice is appropriate as it gives both the management and you enough time to sort things out.
If your employer requires more time to fill your position and request you for more time, you can do so voluntarily. Also, in some instances, your employer can let you go before the notice period lapses if it deemed fit to allow you to take on your new role. All these factors depend on how courteous you are with management.
Finish Up Pending Projects
Because you are leaving, don’t get all lazy in the office. Don’t leave your teammate hanging, do your best to play your part and complete to fruition any task that you were handling.
Slacking off is unprofessional and may leave a wrong impression of you to your colleagues. Work hard and know that you did your best to the last minute of your service with the company. Remember, you haven’t officially left the company, and you still need to ask for a recommendation.
Also, the company where you are headed may reach out to your boss for a background check – trade carefully.
Inform Your Colleagues
It’s also good that you keep your colleagues in the loop that you’re leaving. Don’t tell them you’re going because the company doesn’t offer much. Remember, you are moving to take up a new challenge. You may come back in the future to take up a new challenge in a senior role.
A heads up is a sign you enjoyed working with each individual. Don’t let them wake up early Monday morning to the sight of an empty desk. Speculation may damage your reputation. Nothing good comes out of speculating whether you were fired or had a meltdown and resigned.
Professionally, ensure your colleagues know where you are headed and can easily reach out in case there is something that needs your attention during the transition.
Show Gratitude
Pen a letter or send an email to your colleagues showing appreciation for their support and teamwork spirit during the tenure of your employment. Don’t forget the boss, too, even if your relationship was not an admirable one. With words, you can always find a silver lining.
Don’t lie about a particular individual, or exaggerate how excellent the relationship was, focus on showing appreciation.
Finish Strong
Don’t take anything from the office that you shouldn’t take. Return any company property that you have in your possession. Ensure the property is in excellent condition as you return it. Ask for departing details such as benefits that you are entitled to receive after years of service.
You’ve heard of employees who leave and they throw a party to celebrate their achievements. You can follow suit. Even if the company won’t appreciate you, at least your colleagues will.
Wrap Up
Quitting is not easy because the future is never promised. Sometimes you need to weigh your options. You could announce you are leaving, yet you were being considered for a promotion. Take time to reflect and ensure you maintain a good rapport with your boss as well as colleagues.
