Quitting Your Job? Here's How To Do It Right

January is the month of the job search, and if you’ve succeeded in finding and landing a new opportunity, that means you’re also probably getting ready to resign from your current position. Regardless of whether you love or hate your current job, turning in your resignation isn’t easy, and there are a few important things you need to do before moving forward.

Review the Pros and Cons

First, and most importantly, you need to be absolutely sure you really do want to quit your current job position and resign from that company. You want to be sure you’re leaving for the right reasons, and not just quitting because you’ve had a bad week. Once you’ve fully resigned and started a new position, you’ll have a hard time getting your old job back if it turns out your new job isn’t what you thought it would be.

Weigh Your Options… All of Them

Weigh the pros and cons of the new position you’re considering against your current position. Remember to consider all aspects, including work environment, schedule and flexibility, salary, benefits, job responsibilities, work-life balance, and opportunities for advancement. If the new position comes ahead on all counts and you’re sure it’s the right change to make, don’t hesitate to move forward.

If you don’t have a new job offer on the table, but still want to quit your job, you need to consider all angles of the job search during your unemployment period. The typical job search lasts 3-6 months, if not longer, and the market can be very competitive. Will you be able to manage financially if you are not working? Even if you hate your job, you should consider hanging on to it – and your paycheck – until you have an offer on the table.

Give Adequate Notice

In most situations, offering two weeks notice is the appropriate amount of time to provide your current employer. You want to give them as much time to prepare for your absence and work on finding a replacement as possible. Whatever you do, don’t walk off the job or simply not show up the next day. You never know what the future holds, so you want to be careful not to burn any bridges when resigning from your current position.

Speak to Your Boss Directly

No matter how difficult it may be, it’s critical that you speak with your boss directly about your resignation. Even though it’s time to move on, emphasize the positive and how working for the company has benefitted you. If you’re able, offer to help during the transition period and to be available to answer questions or provide guidance for your replacement if necessary. Regardless of your feelings about leaving, don’t be negative about your job, the company, or anyone you worked with – you want to leave on good terms.

Return Company Property

Return any company property you may be in possession of, things such as keys/access cards/key fobs, documents, computer… anything that doesn’t belong to you. You don’t want to be held responsible if it’s not returned in a timely manner, and it doesn’t leave a good final impression if they have to chase you down.

Resigning is rarely easy and regardless of how you feel about it, it’s important to leave on good terms without burning any bridges. If you’ve weighed the pros and cons, and are sure that moving on to a new opportunity is the best option for you, then be sure you’re quitting your job in the most professional and courteous manner possible.