How to Quit Your Job - Resigning

How to Quit Your Job - ResigningHow to Quit Your Job - ResigningTurning in your resignation isnt always easy, even if you hate your job or boss or cant wait to start a new position. Even if you are about to be fired, it can be difficult to resign tactfully. If you are considering resigning from a job, here are some important points to think through before you turn in your resignation. First of all, be sure that you really do want to quit. Here are the top warning signs that its time to look for a new job. Also, heres a list of good (and bad) reasons for leaving your job,and a list ofreasons why it might notlage be a good idea to quit your job right away. Make sure that youre leaving for the right reasons, rather than quitting because youre having a bad week and it seems like it wont get better any time soon. If you are certain that you want to quit, handle your resignation as carefully as you would handle any other business endeavor. Its always wise to not burn bridges. You never kno w when you will need your past employers for a reference. 139 Watch Now 7 Tips for Quitting Your Job Review Resignation Pros and Cons Before you make the decision to quit, be absolutely sure that this is the right decision. You dont know how long it will take for an employer to move on and fill your position if you change your mind. If youre still on the fence about the next position you are considering taking, ask if you can spend a day in the office shadowing the staff. It may reinforce your decision to take the position or help you decide you dont want the new job after all. Weigh the Options Do you have another job offer? If so, weigh the pros and cons of the new position versus your current position. Consider the work environment, flexibility, salary, and benefits in addition to the job responsibilities. How about opportunities to advance? If the new job comes up ahead on all counts and you feel sure that this is the right change to make, dont hesitate. If you dont ha ve another position lined up, consider the basics before quitting. It will take about three to six months, sometimes longer, to find a new job. Unless you quit for a good cause, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits. Do you have enough savings or other income to manage financially? Even if your employment situation isnt the best, you might want to consider hanging on to the job you have, as well as your paycheck, and start your job search before you resign. That old saying that its easier to find a job when you have a job does hold true. Give Adequate Notice If you have an employment contract that states how much notice you should give, abide by it. Otherwise, its appropriate to offer two weeks notice. However, in some cases, you may feel that you are unable to stay for another couple of weeks. You Have No Obligation to Stay Longer If your employer asks you to stay longer than two weeks (or the time period in your contract) you have no obligation to stay. Your ne w employer will be expecting you to start as scheduled, and in a timely manner. What you could do is offer to help your previous employer, if necessary, after hours, via email or on the phone. How to Quit Gracefully The formal way to resign is to write a resignation letter and to tell your supervisor in person that youre leaving. However, depending on circumstances, you may need to quit over the phone or to quit via email. Write a Resignation Letter Regardless of how youresign, write a resignation letter.A resignation letter can help you maintain a positive relationship with your old employer, while paving the way for you to move on. You never know when you might need that old employer to give you a reference, so it makes sense to take the time to write a polished and professional resignation letter. What to Say to Your Boss Dont say much more than you are leaving. Emphasize the positive and talk about how the company has benefited you, but also mention that its time to move on. Offer to help during the transition and afterward. Dont be negative. Theres no point - youre leaving and you want to leave on good terms. Here are tips on what to say when you quit your job and heres a list of reasons for leaving a job to review. Also, do your best to not put your foot in your mouth. Be prepared, as well, to handle an exit interview. Ask for a Reference Before you leave, ask for a letter of recommendation from your manager. As time passes and people move on, its easy to lose track of previous employers. With a letter in hand or a LinkedIn recommendation online, youll have documentation of your credentials to share with prospective employers. Dont Forget the Details Find out about the employee benefits and salary you are entitled to receive upon leaving. Inquire about collecting unused vacation and sick pay, and keeping, cashing in, or rolling over your 401(k) or other pension plan. You may be asked to participate in an exit interview prior to your d eparture. Review sample exit interview questions to get an idea of what youll be asked during an exit interview. Return Company Property Return any company property you have - including keys, documents, computers, phones, and anything else that doesnt belong to you. The company doesnt want to chase you to get it back, and you dont want to be held responsible if its not returned in a timely manner. Before you turn in your resignation, review these resignation dos and donts and resign as gracefully as possible.