So You’re Ready To Leave Your Job

Changing employers is a natural part of almost everyone’s professional life. You’re not expected to stay with one company for your entire career. But making the move from one job to the other can be incredibly nerve racking and at times uncomfortable. Here are a few tips to make the transition a bit smoother.

First and foremost make sure you are ready to leave. Some factors that may constitute resigning include, being underpaid, failing to receive promotions, having no work-life balance, not being challenged, being overstressed, bored, without friends, having a bad relationship with your boss, or being easily distracted. While individually these may not be enough to trigger a change, collectively they may signal to you that it’s time to start looking for another employer. That being said you’ll want to make sure you have another position lined up before leaving your current place of occupation unless you have a lot of financial flexibility in your life. To do this you may want to refer to my previous article “Employed But Looking” which offers some tips about how to job hunt on the sly. If however you are able to be open with your current employer about your job search, sit down with your superiors and let them know that you are looking for work elsewhere. This may be to your advantage as they can then provide you with references and will be less surprised if you end up leaving the company.

Once you’ve gotten your affairs in order, notify your current place of employment of your decision in plenty of time. To know just how much time is needed check with your employee handbook or human resources department, while two weeks is standard some companies may expect up to six. Once you have figured the time line out create a formal letter of resignation which contains the date, your intended last day of work (in accordance with company policies), and a thank you for allowing you to work there. It is also nice to offer to help out during the transition period. Make sure your resignation letter is concise and respectful, avoid any blame or finger pointing and keep it free of too much emotion other than gratitude. Give this letter to all of your direct superiors and human resources department and keep a copy for yourself. Make sure to complete any additional paperwork your human resources department requires you to fill out. It is important that you notify your supervisors of your decision to leave before discussing your resignation with coworkers as that is likely to create office gossip and paint you in a negative light to your employer.

It is crucial you finish out the last few weeks of your job. Make sure you get projects wrapped up and have notified any clients of your change. This can help to ensure that you leave a positive lasting impression with your prior place of employment. Coworkers and managers may treat you differently but that is not an excuse to slack off. Work with the same ethic you had when you started with the company. That being said they may have you pack up your stuff the day you hand in your letter so don’t rely on those last few weeks of employment.

On your last day bring thank you cards for your boss and coworkers, and be especially gracious. Do not take anything with you including client lists unless you brought them into the company as you could be sued for stealing trade secrets. You don’t want to burn any bridges as the business world is small and any ill relations are likely to come back and haunt you in the future.