Unfortunately, things do not always go as planned and for whatever reasons we have to move on. This certainly will be applicable at different times during our work life. And as such, we must learn how to quit a job properly. But fir many of us, we are often moving on from one job opportunity to another, which has greater compensation and benefits.
Nonetheless, the world of work is a continuous cycle, one that can come back to bite us in the future. So, when you are ready to move on to the next great opportunity, you should never burn your bridges behind you.
Leave your former coworkers and employer thinking that you did it with such class. You never know, you might be working there again in the future. And if that is not your aspiration, consider this. They could influence your career path.
After all, companies network. Prospective employers will do their checks and the vast majority of employers will even contact past supervisors to get an account of how you actually behaved and performed as an employee.
Therefore, it makes perfect sense that you leave as great of an impression, as the one that got you in the door, in the first place.
If you endeavor to know how to quit your job with class and dignity, then continue reading as we explore some of the best strategies to get this done right.
Examine the Advantages and Disadvantages of Resigning
Before, you do anything drastic or irreversible take some time and rethink your decision. Try to weigh the pros and cons and ensure that you can indeed live with your decision. Then compare your reasons to these reasons for leaving your job.
5 Bad Reasons for Quitting
According to CBS News, these are the worst reasons for packing your bags and giving up on your dreams.
- “The pay is better.”
- “You hate your direct manager.”
- “Your former boss wants you to join him/her at a new company.”
- “It is a “get rich quick” start-up.”
- “You want to quit right this very second.”
10 Good Reasons for Quitting
Remember, when you go to an interview, one of the top questions asked is “Why did you leave your last job?” To prepare adequately, ensure that you have at least three good reasons why you quit your previous job.
The Interview Guys suggest that regardless of the circumstances you should be honest and your answers valid. Here are a few reasons to quit your job.
- “Another company offered you a better deal.”
- “You didn’t like what you were doing.”
- “You have other life goals that you want to accomplish.”
- “Your old boss is no longer with the company and you don’t ‘vibe’ with your new boss.”
- “You’ve been working toward a promotion that has never come.”
- “You are overqualified and/or under-utilized.”
- “You’re a part-timer or freelancer looking for full-time opportunities.”
- “You’ve had personal issues to deal with.”
- “You’ve been laid off.”
- “You’ve been fired.”
Consider Shadowing at Your New Place of Employ
If you were lucky to receive a job offer, before you quit your old job, then take a day, or several to shadow someone there. It will work to your benefit and help you to decide whether this is a resolution that you could live with.
Yes, generally your prospective coworkers might be on their best behavior. Nonetheless, you will get an overall idea of what your responsibilities are, as well as what the general people dynamic is, in the office. There is only so much that they can hide.
Ensure that you have solid reasons and do not leave a great paying job or one, which intrinsically fulfils you because of any one factor. Consider whether that problem can be resolved, but with you still enjoying those benefits that matter to you.
The 411 on How to Hand in Your Resignation Letter
Regardless of how you feel about your employer, you main focus must be on preserving your reputation. This is even more necessary, if you are about to get the boot. So, consider this list of advice on how to hand in your resignation and bid farewell to your old company.
Deliberate Carefully
Asking yourself questions is one way to facilitate his process. It forces you to examine carefully the facts that exist, without being swayed by fantastical imaginings.
Here are seven questions to ask yourself, before you quit a job.
- “Why do you want to stay?”
- “Is your job the problem or are you ready to work in a different industry?”
- “How much of this is about your boss?”
- “How long will it take you to find another job?”
- “How much do you have in savings?”
- “Could you just be having a bad week or month?”
- “Should you negotiate for a change instead?”
Consider further the impact your decision will have on your family, your finances, your commute, your mental well-being, and even on the relationship that you have with your coworkers. Assess the changes, if any that will be made to your investments, health care benefits and pension contributions.
If after all these deliberations, you are one hundred percent certain then proceed to the next step.
Honor your Contract and Give Adequate Notice
Remember, the main objective of all your corresponding decisions, going forward, is to protect and maintain your reputation. Fostering goodwill with a past employer is important.
Hence, make sure that you hand in your resignation with sufficient time given. If it is two weeks or a month, honor your contract. The U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, have strict guidelines about employees giving adequate notice. However, in general, most employers usually require at least two weeks leave notice.
Some companies are receptive of and grateful for those employees who give a longer period.
Keep in mind the track record of your own company. Think about how they have treated past employees. You can be sure that you will get similar treatment.
Reasons to Quit Your Job without Adequate Leave
There are instances when it is simply unavoidable and you must leave with haste. If you are in this situation, then make certain and review these reasons to quit without notice.
Forbes recommends a number of reasons to quit with no notice. Here are several:
- “If you’ve found a better job and they need you to start right away.”
- “If your current manager has given you no reason to offer them the gift of two more weeks of your time.”
- “If there is nothing for you to train anyone else on, your time in the job has been miserable and you aren’t planning to include the job on your resume.”
- “If the company is laying people off and looking to save payroll dollars.”
- “If you and your manager are having a major conflict and/or your boss has started a “paper trail” in order to eventually fire you.”
- “If your manager or someone else in authority does or says something horrible to you.”
- “If you are going to work for a competitor — and your employer sees a move as an unforgivable sin.”
- “If you’ve only had the job for a month or two and there really isn’t anything for you to do for two more weeks.”
- “If your managers require or expect you to do anything illegal, unsafe or ethically wrong.”
- “Get out of any job that makes you feel unsafe. Just get out. Trust your gut!”
Remember, by law, you are only obligated to stay the period signed to on your contract. Yes, there are circumstances – as you have read above – that warrant a hasty retreat. But, there is nothing, which stipulates that you have to remain any longer than necessary.
This is especially true, even if your employer is paying you additional sums to stay longer.
Your new employer will be expecting you to start at a particular time and you do not want to muddy the waters before you begin with their company.
If you wish, to offer any further assistance, you can choose to do so via email, or after work hours.
How to Quit with Class and Dignity
Sometimes, it is not easy to break off ties with your old employer. However, it is up to you to do so on your own terms. And this is unless you are fired.
Splitting from your employer is best done by traditionally handing in a written resignation. Nowadays, this can be sent via email. Then, make sure that you have a verbal conversation with your boss. It is best if you have the conversation, while you are handing in the physical resignation letter.
It may come off as less of a surprise. But, this might not be necessary if your supervisor is prone to being rude or treating you with hostility.
Keep in mind that you do not have to share any in-depth details about where you are going and what you will be doing. Be positive, respectful and offer to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
Depending on your relationship with your boss, you can request a reference letter.
Make sure that you tie up loose ends. Follow up on your employee contributions, pension plan, compensation for unused vacation days and sick days.
On your final day, return all company property. Consider participating in an exit interview. Some employers will ask this of you.
If you follow these steps on how to quit a job, doubtless you would have left your old employer with a respectable impression of you.