5 Steps to Quitting Your Job

Erin Chisman, Owner

Dane County Career Counseling

We talk a lot about how to GET a job on my facebook page and group, but what about when a job just isn't working out? Today I'll talk about what I've found to be the best practices for resigning from a job.

But first, some background...

I've been an employer since 2003. Since that time I have been responsible for the interviewing, reference-checking, hiring, disciplining, and firing of hundreds of employees. I've done this in several roles for a handful of companies: as a Board President, a Sole Proprietor, a single-member LLC, and as an Executive Director. I've had employees quit professionally, as well as not-so-professionally -- everything from a nicely written letter to walking off the job in the middle of a task, with no warning.

Generally, leaving your job comes down to one or more of these reasons:

• Fear that you may be fired soon
• Life circumstances have changed -- had a baby, got married, got divorced, moved out of the area, going to school, joined the military, etc.
• A better opportunity was offered to you
• Discrepancies between the job description and the actual work
• Being asked to put in too much overtime
• Toxic work environment or boss
• Trouble with coworkers
• Not receiving adequate training
• Starting your own business

Trust me -- No matter how much you hate or love your boss, remember that you will need to list this position on your next application, and your future boss will likely have a conversation with your old boss before making a final hiring decision. (Side note: Even if you don't list this job on your next application, future employers have ways of finding out where you've worked before.) Whatever the reason(s) for your resignation, there are a few things you will want to do to ensure a smooth exit. 

1. Write a Letter of Resignation

Always, always, ALWAYS, put your intentions in writing. There are several reasons for this. First, it's important to have a paper trail. If your resignation ever comes into question, you will be glad to have a signed, dated letter to fall back on. Secondly, rather than resigning in person, sending it in writing allows your employer time to absorb before an in-person conversation. It's better for you, and for them.

There are hundreds of examples of letters of resignation which can be found with a simple Google search if you're having trouble getting started. At minimum, your letter should contain:

• date
• greeting
• statement of your planned resignation including your job title and last planned day of work
• reason for your resignation (as long as it's not fuel to the fire, keep reading below) 
• gratitude (see also below)
• your signature

Yes, GRATITUDE. Again, no matter how you feel about your boss, unless they refused to pay you or something else major, you should acknowledge that this person or company kept you employed for an amount of time and that you appreciate the opportunity and experience.

Giving the reason(s) for your resignation...be careful with this one, but do go ahead and list one if you can. "I'm relocating to the west coast in August." "I have been offered a position at another company [add name if you want] and have decided to accept." "I will be returning to school to complete my Master's degree." These are all acceptable reasons. 

Things NOT to say: "The environment here is toxic." "My rate of pay is despicable." "Cheryl has become a thorn in my side -- taking credit for my work!" "I'm done letting you guys capitalize off my skills."etc. 

2. Give at least two weeks notice -- more if possible!

Why give two weeks notice? The easy answer is because this is a common question asked during reference checks. Did the employee give at least two weeks notice of resignation? Yes. No. The answer will very likely be a determining factor in your next pursuit. 

The longer answer is that depending on your position and level of responsibility, most people will need two weeks to ensure a smooth transition to your replacement. You may have unfinished projects that need to be reassigned, clients who need a new representative, information you have stored in your computer that needs to be routed to the proper coworkers, and so on. 

There's (usually) no reason to burn bridges. Even if you are starting your own business and don't foresee needing a professional reference from this company, life takes many twists and turns. Is two weeks really worth the risk that your business might not go as planned and you may need to get a regular job again at some point?

If your position is a contracted position and you know that you will not renew your contract after it expires, there is usually no harm in notifying your employer several months in advance if possible.

Also, be aware that sometimes an employer may choose to terminate employment immediately upon receiving a letter of resignation. This might be due to the sensitive or confidential nature of your work, or for no reason at all. Just know that this is a possibility, whether it would be in your favor or not, and that even if you fear this may happen, giving notice is still recommended.

3. Meet with your employer

Once your letter of resignation is received, it is likely that your boss or supervisor will call you in for a meeting to discuss the transition. Sometimes this is more of an exit interview. No matter what it's called, go! This may be your opportunity to give some constructive feedback on ways the company could be better -- if asked. You may also find that your employer is willing to make you an offer in hopes that you might stay. Either way, go, do a lot of listening, and tactfully answer questions as they arise.

4. Tell your coworkers and clients

Once you have met with your employer, you'll likely know how (or whether) they would like you to communicate your leaving to your coworkers and clients. It is best to go along with whatever they say. Your employer may choose to notify these people themselves, or they may ask you to do so. Sometimes it's nice to send out an email or letter to coworkers and/or clients letting them know when your last day will be, as well as what you'll be doing next. But remember, get your employer's blessing before letting others know.

5. Have a good last day

Once your final day of work arrives, it's a good time to check in to assure that you've taken care of your responsibilities. Check with your boss/supervisor, and any coworkers who will be taking over your work. Leave your desk/office/mailbox/etc neat and clean, taking all your personal belongings with you. Leave any company property before you finish up. Assuming that all has gone well, enjoy the well-wishes of others, and wish them well too. This is another opportunity to express some gratitude, being sure to let others know it was nice working with them (even if it wasn't always), and that you're thankful for your time with the company, the things you've learned, and so on.



Good luck to you as you navigate the waters of transitioning from one job to another.