How to quit your job and not burn your bridges behind you

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

As you leave, remember that your working relationships with colleagues and management may come in handy in the future.

The working world is surprisingly small. When you quit, you’ll never know for sure who you’ll work with, who you’ll have to ask for a favor, or whether you’ll ever need a recommendation from your former boss. And don't forget the gossip. If you leave negative impressions of yourself, there is a risk that it will be learned outside the company.

How to quit correctly

Submit your resignation letter two weeks before leaving

Working hours may vary from company to company, but two weeks is the standard time frame. It takes an employer time to prepare for the changes, complete the paperwork and start looking for a replacement for you.

Large firms can say goodbye to you on the same day. Small business executives, on the other hand, may need a longer time frame. In this case, there is a risk of breaking down, sending the authorities to hell and just leaving.

Should not be doing that. Take a look at the situation from a leadership perspective. Moreover, it is disrespectful towards other colleagues. After all, then they will be burdened with your work.

Report leaving first to the boss, and then to everyone else

No matter how much you trust your colleagues, don't tell them about your decision. Don't post it on social media. Your manager has the right to be the first to know about this.

It is better to provide this information in person. If your boss works elsewhere, talk to him on the phone. You can only send emails if you both have no free time. But this is the worst option, which is better not to use.

Prepare for a conversation with your boss

Before breaking the news to your boss, answer a few questions.

1. Do you have a plan of action to mitigate the consequences of your departure? Offer your boss specific solutions to problems arising from the dismissal.
2. What will you do if you get a counter offer? Be prepared for what tempting terms might offer you to stay. Think in advance what kind of conditions it might be. Will you stay for a big pay raise? For an extra week of vacation? If you are satisfied with the conditions, wait until they are confirmed in writing. If not, tell your boss that you really appreciate their offer, but that you cannot refuse new opportunities in another position.
3. Are you ready to quit your job later than intended if necessary? You may be asked to stay for another week or two. Think in advance if you agree to this.
4. Are you ready to leave the same day you report your decision? Can you pack all your belongings and leave the work area right away?

Be concise, confident and smiling

Don't beat around the bush. Get down to the main thing right away. If you have a tense relationship with your boss, it can be difficult to have a good-natured conversation.

Resist the urge to express everything that has accumulated.

Behave with dignity. What if your career paths will cross again in the future?

Thank your boss for working together. You don't have to talk about your new position. It is enough just to say that there you will have responsibilities that you have long wanted to fulfill.

Find out what you are entitled to when you leave

This may include additional payments and bonuses that are spelled out in the contract. The employee must also be paid compensation for unused leave.

Write a letter of resignation

After talking to your boss, you will most likely be asked to complete a written application. Do not write anything superfluous: the application does not need to describe in detail the reasons for your departure.

Don't relax

It is easy to forget about your responsibilities after a formal letter of resignation. But there are still two weeks ahead of you. If you do not want to spoil the impression about yourself, do not relax and finish the work you have begun. After all, you will surely be remembered for these last weeks.

Do not start any new projects at this time. If you do not have time to complete something, let your colleagues know what stage the task is at. Leave hints to those who will be doing your job. Ask how you can help your colleagues.

Make everyone feel sorry for you and remember you with a smile.

Don't insult your former boss on social media

Some are posting messages on social networks about how glad they are to leave this hell and not see the tyrant boss anymore. Don't be tempted, even if it really is. Maintain your dignity. Your boss may not see this post, but other people will not have the best impression of you.

Thank your colleagues and say goodbye to them warmly

Don't lose touch with your colleagues. Report your departure via email or general chat. Have a goodbye evening. This is a great way to remember with a smile everything that you have experienced together. You may have developed friendships with some and want to meet outside of work.