At some point in your career, you may be wondering how to quit your job the right way.
Maybe you have reached that point.
Or
Maybe you haven’t. The signs you are getting might not be the perfect signs that should make you invest your time in learning how to quit your job the right way.
But whatever the case may be, as a professional, knowing how to quit your job the perfect way will help you in maintaining a strong connection with your former employers and coworkers.
In this guide, I will be showing you the proven ways on how to quit your job the perfect way like a professional.
How to Quit Your Job the Perfect Way
Sometimes in the workplace, you might not be in good terms with your teammates, boss, or even the management. That does not mean you should quit your job. There are some undeniable signs that when continuously occurring, knowing how to quit your job immediately might be the best option to go with.
Follow the below proven steps on how to quit your job the perfect way.
#1: Decide whether it is best to quit
As I always say, it is best you decide whether you want to quit your job before making the attempt to quit. There are many factors that might prompt you to want to quit your job. But sometimes, those signs may not necessarily mean you should quit your job.
For example,
If you are feeling unfulfilled by the tasks you take, or maybe overwhelmed by your daily tasks, the best decision to take is to discuss it with your supervisor or manager to determine if they can help with a possible solution.
Or
Even if you are seriously interested in getting another job, it may be best you exercise some patience until you have officially accepted the job offer before you quit your job. Failure to this might result to an unwanted employment gap that could cost you some finances and benefits.
#2: Plan what you will say
The next step you should take on how to quit your job the perfect way is by knowing exactly what to say before you approach your boss.
No matter the relationship you have with your boss, the conversation about leaving your job will always be awkward and difficult. You don’t want to sound like someone who doesn’t know what he/she wants.
Your aim here is to be firm in your decision and prepare for questions or even objections that your boss might come up with. What if he brings up a better offer? Are you prepared to reject it? What if he or she gets emotional? How would you address him or her? There is a big possibility that your boss will be emotional, especially when you are in good relationship with him or her, or in a vital position in the company. Preparing for all these will surely boost your confidence when you finally approach your manager.
#3: Go direct to your manager
When you want to finally talk about your departure in the workplace, no one should stand in between you and your manager. Avoid telling your colleagues about your plan no matter how close you are with them before you tell your manager.
It will be insulting to her when she finds out from the office gossips that you plan quitting your job without her knowing about it. And it his might possibly cost you no potential reference or recommendation letter.
#4: Give an adequate notice
If the employment contract you signed contains how much notice you should give, it is best you abide by it. Otherwise, it is recommended you give your company two weeks’ notice before you leave.
Depending on your availability, you may be willing to stay longer than the two weeks notice you gave the company, especially when you are in no hurry to start the new job you got, or intend running your own business. But there might also be a need for you to quit before the two weeks notice. If that is the case, consider telling your manager about the urgency, and provide the company with every assistant they need to fill your gap.
#5: Write a resignation letter
Even after you have spoken in person with your manager and provided them with the time you will be leaving, it’s also wise you put the information in writing as well (an email is good, but a hard copy is better). This will help the company remember your departure date in order to work on a possible replacement.
Below are things you should include in your resignation letter
- A statement that you’re resigning
- Date of your departure
- Why you are leaving (optional)
- Thank you
- Signature
Resignation letter example
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Dear (Supervisor’s/Manager’s name)]
I’m writing to give my formal notice that I’ll be leaving my role as Office Manager for XYZ Company on [two weeks date from today].
I’ve recently received an offer to serve as an executive assistant at a small startup, and after careful consideration I’m excited to explore this new path in my career journey.
I’ve recently received an offer to work as a Senior Full Stack Web Developer at a new startup, and after reflecting on the offer, I find it a boost to reaching my long term career goal.
I’m very grateful for the opportunities I have had during my four years with the company. I started as an intern, before becoming a junior developer. I learnt a lot of technologies, faced a lot of challenges and that has played a key role in my career development.
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance during this transition. Thank you for all your guidance. I wish you all the best, and look forward to keeping in touch.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Also read – How to Write a Resignation Letter (5 Actionable Steps)
#6: Express your gratitude
Depending on how long you’ve been with the company, you may have developed strong bonds with your fellow coworkers, and even the manager. It will be very good of you to express your gravitate to your manager for the opportunity given to you, which also helped you get the new job due to the experiences you acquired in the company.
You should also greet all the coworkers you are in connection with. Thank them for helping you during your time in the company before you make your final move. You never can tell what lies in the future. Maybe you might be privileged to assist them get a job in the future or vise versa.
#7: Ask for reference
The final step on how to quit your job the perfect way, you should ask for a letter or recommendation from your manager. As time goes by, you might lose connection with your boss. Having this document with you can help you in getting a job easily in the future.
Now It’s Your Turn
That’s it on my guide on how to quit your job the perfect way.
I’d love to hear from you
Hope you found this guide helpful?
Which step(s) do you think it’s a must for you? Why?
Feel free to share your thoughts with us via the comment box below.