How To Quit Your Job And Leave With Grace

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Leaving a job is never easy. However long you’ve been in it, having the guts to speak to your boss and tell them you’re leaving is bound to fill you with dread and anxiety. We all want to be happy in our role and do something that fulfills our potential. But, if you’re not content with what you do, it may be time t move on to bigger and better things.

Once you’ve decided that it’s time to quit, how you go about the situation matters. You want to handle proceedings carefully, otherwise, you could leave on bad terms and find you don’t get a reference from your previous employer. It’s never recommended to burn bridges with your boss or co-workers, so to keep things smooth and amicable, here are some tips on how to leave your job with grace and your professionalism in check.

Talk to Your Boss in Person

We get it. The thought of telling your boss you’re leaving in person may send your stress and anxiety to new heights. But, it’s something you’ve just got to do. Although HR will ask for a formal letter of resignation, speaking to your employer in person before announcing the wider team is important.

Once you build up the courage to do this, ensure the conversation stays professional, positive, and constructive. Whatever kind of relationship you have with your boss, they’ll appreciate you coming to them in person. Also, you may find you need a recommendation from them going forward, so it’s always best to address this issue face-to-face. Your boss may arrange an exit interview, which will be your last chance to give feedback and discuss your time at the job. If you wish to air any grievances, ensure you do so in a constructive manner.

Write a Resignation Email

Before leaving your position, standard protocol requires you to write a resignation email. Planning what you’re going to write in advance is advised. You should note down the reason for leaving the business if you are comfortable doing so, but make sure to thank your boss for the opportunity. A little bit of gratitude can go a long way and keep you on good terms in the future.

If it’s your first time leaving a role, we appreciate you may not have the first clue about how to write a resignation email. Placement can help with this. They have a guide on what a resignation email is, and how to write one. Their expertise is in career coaching. You can use their services to help you pass more job interviews and enter your dream role.

Don’t Slack

Once the news is out there that you’re leaving, we understand if you’re staring at your calendar and counting down the days. Whether you’ve got a new role to step into or you’re taking a much-needed break, make sure to fulfill your obligations before you go. Now is not the time to sit back and slack. Remember, you are still at work and have duties to carry out.

If you’ve always been praised for working hard and going above and beyond, your employer will instantly notice if you’re coasting through the last leg without doing much work. Your final weeks will leave a lasting impression, so try and make it a good one!

Deciding to quit a job is something you should never take lightly. However you feel about your role, it’s essential you hold your head up high, remain polite and professional, and follow protocol before leaving the office for good.

Provide Plenty of Notice

For any role, it’s standard procedure to provide at least two weeks’ notice to your employer before heading out the door. However, the amount of notice you give will differ depending on how long you’ve been with the company. Make sure you read your employee handbook for clarification. Even if you only have to give two weeks’ notice, a month’s notice will be more appreciated by your employer. This gives them more time to find someone to fill your position.

If you have decided to leave your current role to go into another, you will need to arrange an appropriate start date with your new boss. If they want you to begin sooner than your two-week notice period, you should question this. You don’t want to leave your former employer in the lurch, regardless of what has gone on in the past. Should you need a reference from them in the future, don’t expect to get one if you rushed out the door!

Whether you enjoy your job or can’t wait to get out of there, leaving your role on good terms will benefit you in the long run. Whatever the future holds for you, good luck on your journey and as long as you follow the above, we’re sure you’ll flourish in your career endeavors.

 

Jeff Campbell
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