INTRODUCTION
2021 is the year of the mass exodus of people leaving their jobs, especially in the United States. For example, in August, 4.3 million people quit their job. Additionally, a total of 20 million have discontinued their positions in the USA since April of this year.
This has become “The Great Resignation” and is extending to other parts of the world, such as Europe. The Global Pandemic has demonstrated that people are willing to reconsider and re-evaluate their careers and jobs.
Also, in a strong job market, employees will take advantage of better opportunities. So, if you’re one of the millions of people wondering whether you should quit your job, you might also be wondering how to quit your job – the right way.
HOW TO QUIT YOUR JOB ON GOOD TERMS
Quitting your job can involve an uncomfortable conversation with your manager or boss. You want to make sure you go about it the right way and ensure you leave on good terms.
It’s crucial for you’re career credibility and brand that you exit on the right note. You might need your current employer to be a reference for you, and you never know who they speak to in the market.
Additionally, many of your current team will also leave the organisation at some point and move to other organisations. Exiting on good terms might create opportunities for you down the track through them.
It would help if you also remembered that you might want to come back and work at your company. The fact is, you never know what the future holds, so you must leave on good terms.
HAVE YOUR RESIGNATION LETTER READY
Before you have a conversation with your manager regarding your resignation. Make sure you have your resignation letter ready. Your resignation letter will need to include the following details:
- Your manager’s name
- State the fact that it’s a resignation letter
- Your final date with the employer
- One – two sentences thanking your employer for the opportunity
- One – two sentences offerring any help as you exit the organisation
LETTING YOUR BOSS KNOW
At some point, you’re going to need to tell your boss or manager that you’re leaving your job. Whether you arrange a meeting to tell them that you’re planning on leaving or let them know that you are leaving, will depend on your relationship with them.
Most bosses and managers are reasonably supportive and will understand your reasons for moving on. If you’re seeking a new challenge, they may even work with you to find a new role within the organisation. Additionally, they may be supportive enough that they’re happy to be a referee or a reference for you.
Supportive bosses appreciate honesty, and they should be the first to hear of your resignation. As opposed to them finding out from a work colleague or another way, it will be awkward. It will also put you in a difficult position if you change your mind and want to stay.
Be mindful of when to tell your boss if they are difficult. They could potentially make the last few weeks of your time difficult and even more so if you do change your mind.
Once you’ve had the conversation with your manager, ensure you keep it confidential. They’ll want to make the best decision around when to let the team and the broader organization know of your resignation.
WHAT TO SAY TO YOUR BOSS?
The initial conversation with your boss could be uncomfortable. It’s not the time or place to air any grievances you might have. Instead, focus on speaking about the new opportunity and that you’re seeking a new challenge.
Let them know how appreciative you are of the opportunity you’ve had and how it’s benefitted you. Additionally, extend an offer to help with any transitional activities or support.
Emphasize that you want to ensure a smooth transition to help them with future success and minimize any
HOW MUCH NOTICE TO GIVE
The amount of notice you’ll need to give will be specified in your contract. It should be anywhere from two to four weeks and in some cases it can be beyond this.
If you want to give a longer period of notice you’ll need to talk that through with your boss. Alternatively, if you’re looking to leave earlier and use your accrued annual leave then you’ll also need to speak to your boss regarding this.
However, don’t expect to have this leave paid out with your final pay once you’ve finished.
FINISHING UP
Once you’ve handed in your resignation, spoken with your boss, and officially announced it within the organisation, you’ll need to see out your remaining time. In the last few weeks of your job, it’s natural not to feel as engaged as you normally would.
However, it’s more important than ever to finish on the right note and ensure your productivity is high; you’re engaged and doing what you can to help with the transition as you exit.
Catch up with your teammates and maintain those relationships for when you leave the company. The last thing you want to be remembered for is as someone who mentally checked out in the last few weeks.
By finishing strong, you’ll leave a lasting impression on the organisation and the people you worked with.
CONCLUSION (How To Quit Your Job)
You want to finish your time with your current employer on a high so that your career credibility and brand remain intact. Before you meet with your boss, have your resignation letter ready. Keep it short and sharp as there’s no need to write a novel.
Schedule a time with your manager to advise them of your resignation. Thank them for the opportunity to work for the organisation. Let them know you’ll be happy to help with anything required as you transition out of the company.
The amount of notice you need to give will be specified in your contract. Don’t anticipate being paid any annual leave you use up prior.
Maintain your high level of productivity and stay engaged with your work. It’s natural to pull back in your final weeks but maintain your focus and finish strong.
These steps will ensure you leave a lasting impression on your employer. This will only enhance your brand for the future as you exit the company
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