That project you’ve been working on has been stalled...again. You’ve been waiting for a computer upgrade for ages. And the higher ups decided to change their mind about everything the day of deployment. You feel underpaid, undervalued and overworked.
That’s it…time to quit!
Easy, right? Not so fast.
Resigning from your job should be done as tactfully as accepting one. After all, you’ve invested so much time and worked hard to build these relationships. Quitting the wrong way could sour your relationships that could come in handy years from now.
Whether you’re quitting your job to finally launch your own startup or you simply found a better opportunity for your personal growth (and more innovative tools), resigning with grace can only help you in the long run.
She should be the first ears to hear your official resignation. If she hears from the watercooler, the more awkward and tense things will be.
After you’ve told your boss, hammer out the details about how long you’ll be sticking around to transfer work. It also helps to confirm that it’s okay for you to tell your coworkers. Telling your team on your boss' terms offers them a bit of peace of mind and control over morale.
Sara Sutton Fell, CEO and cofounder of FlexJobs, told Yahoo! that it's best to break the news on a Friday to allow a couple days for everyone to regroup and avoid too much awkwardness.
Always start off your resignation with a genuine compliment. This will go a long way in making this whole process as painless and easy as possible.
“The biggest mistake I have seen is when people are sneaky, deceptive, or say negative things and gossip. It just leaves everyone wondering about your integrity,” says Stephanie Lindquist, CEO of the Love Your Job project.
At the very least, keep it neutral. If asked more details about why you're leaving and where you're going next, offer a courtesy response at the very least . "I'm pursuing my passion a different field," or "I'm moving to an area closer to my family."
The general rule of thumb is two weeks. It should be enough time to transfer work and responsibility. Senior level folks should give a little more notice in order for folks to get their ducks in row and find a replacement.
If, under extreme circumstances, you can’t give enough notice, try and have a one-on-one in-person conversation with your boss.
Explain your gratitude for this opportunity. Give a solid reason for your departure. Then, offer to train and transfer all of your work as smoothly as possible. Coming prepared with a game plan is always a good idea.
It’s always easy to blame any missing docs or mistakes on the last guy in this position. Cover your bases.
“Don't leave colleagues confused. Write a detailed memo outlining your current assignments. Leave orderly and organized,” says Chere B. Estrin President and Co-Founding Member, Organization of Legal Professionals.
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