How To Quit Your Job
Publié le 27 October 2020
It’s important to know how to quit your job the correct way, which will allow you to leave on good terms and maintain your professional reputation in your industry.
Leaving your current job role is often not an easy decision, but it can still be the right one. Your career goals are important, and it is possible that you will need to find a new professional environment in order to achieve them. Once you have decided to leave, be sure that you know how to quit your job in a professional manner, allowing you to make a clean break and move on with your career.
How To Quit Your Job In 5 Easy Steps:
- Decide it’s time to leave
- Write your letter of resignation
- Schedule a meeting to give your notice
- Discuss the transition period
- Say goodbye to your colleagues
1. Decide It’s Time To Leave Your Job
Leaving your job is not always an easy decision to make, but there are definitely times when it is the right one. There are several reasons and signs that it is time to quit your job, such as wanting a new career challenge, feeling bored and unchallenged in your role, realizing there’s little room for growth and other valid factors. Whatever the reason, it’s important that you take the time to think about your career and the path you want it to take.
You will not be alone, far from it in fact. Almost half of all Canadian workers are considering leaving their job right now, and an average of 16% will actually submit their resignation over the next 12 calendar months. If you decide that seeking new opportunities is the best way to meet your goal, then it is time to resign from your current position.
2. Write Your Letter of Resignation
Giving your manager an official notice that you’re resigning from your job isn’t just the professional thing to do, it’s actually required under most employment contracts. Your letter of resignation is your official notice that you will be leaving your current employer. It should always include:
- a clear statement of resignation
- a final date of employment
- a message of thanks
There are several different formats for your professional letter of resignation, which can be adapted to fit your needs. Once you have written a letter of resignation that is free of typos and maintains a professional attitude, you are ready to give it to your manager. It is always preferable to give your manager a physical copy, but if this is not possible it is acceptable to email your letter of resignation.
3. Meet With Your Manager
For many people, this will be the most difficult step of how to quit your job. It is always better to meet with your manager and deliver the news with your letter of resignation in person, even though it is an anxiety-inducing situation. While it’s tempting to walk up to your manager’s desk and drop off your letter of resignation, this isn’t the most effective method. Leaving a job can often lead to a longer and more in-depth discussion, which may not be able to occur if they are otherwise occupied. For them, losing a valuable employee is bad news, and it’s always preferable to deliver bad news in person.
Schedule a meeting with your manager, reserving a dedicated time and, preferably, a separate space away from interruptions where you can talk one-on-one. This will provide you both with an opportunity to speak as much as you’d prefer, going into detail for the reasons and motivations behind your decision if you are comfortable doing so.
4. Discuss The Transition Period
Finding a new employee takes time and effort, and the HR manager must make the effort to find qualified candidates with tangible and in-tangible attributes that will help them succeed in the workplace. The on-boarding process can be challenging for both new employees and employers, but it is vital to get it right in order for a new hire to become an effective and productive member of the team. This important transition period can take anywhere from weeks to months, as this is when a new employee will learn the daily realities of their role and the tasks that are expected of them.
As the person who is obviously the most familiar with this job role, you are in a unique position to assist a new hire and your colleagues. If you can provide detailed records, add to training materials and document ongoing projects, it will be a great asset to the person hired to replace you. Depending on when you will depart for your new job, you can even work one-on-one with your replacement to bring them fully up to speed at a quicker rate. Helping during the transition period is a very positive step to take, one that will ensure good relations with your soon-to-be-former colleagues and add to your professional reputation.
5. Say Goodbye To Your Colleagues
Before you head out the door on your last day, there are a few practical things to do. Gather your belongings from your desk, clean out your spot in the refrigerator and, most importantly, be sure to take the time to say goodbye to your colleagues. “Ghosting” from jobs and workplaces is a worrying trend that is on the rise, but leaving without saying goodbye is still rude and unprofessional. It’s normal to be excited to begin a new career adventure, but it’s important to be mindful of the relationships you have built while in this job. Tell people that you enjoyed working with them, celebrate your collective achievements and remember the good times you’ve had in the workplace.
Not only is this the polite and respectful thing to do, it can possibly help your professional reputation. The truth is that many industries are small, and there is an increased likelihood that you will cross paths with your colleagues again in some sort of professional capacity. It’s also likely that you will seek to use your former colleagues as a reference, and this will help their memories and opinions of you remain positive. If there is a chance a future employer may check with them regarding your work ethic and attitude, all the better to ensure that things are cordial and respectful. This way you will be able to collaborate and support each other in the future.
When you are ready to leave your current employer for a new career opportunity, it’s important to know how to quit your job the right way. By following a few easy steps, you will leave your role in a professional and respectful manner as you take a new exciting step in your career.
