Quit Like A Pro! Here’s What You Should Know…
Making big life decisions can be difficult. And sometimes, dealing with the responsibilities of our decisions can feel even harder.
But if you’ve made the decision to resign from your job, then don’t worry — we’ve made it easy to quit like the professional you are!
Today we’ll review everything you need to know to quit like a pro!
Give formal notice
Never burn your bridges.
If you’ve decided to move on, you don’t need to take it out on your current company by leaving without notice. You could be putting your coworkers and employer in a really tough position, and they’ll see your departure in a negative light.
You never know when one of them could be the person in your network that helps launch your career. So don’t jeopardize your future by being petty or unprofessional about leaving. Let them know, and follow any expected protocol for resigning.
Start with your supervisor
While it might be tempting to share your plans with teammates first and foremost, you should always discuss your intention to resign with your supervisor first.
And do so privately, so you have a chance to openly discuss the situation. It’s possible that they can help you address whatever issue might be driving you to leave — salary, hours, etc. — but if you have already announced your departure, they can’t work with you on it (literally)!
Do it in writing, too
In addition to speaking with your supervisor about your decision, be sure to present them a notice in writing.
You can also email them after meeting with them. In both cases, it helps create a paper trail that can prove you did your due diligence in case of any backlash from the employer.
Do it sooner than later
You need to provide adequate notice and respect your schedule for the remaining time.
Telling them you’re leaving too soon for them to do anything about it is the same as walking out from the job right then and there.
Again, this will keep you in a positive light for future referrals and networking opportunities.
Check your contract first
You may have special conditions in your work contract with the company that go above and beyond what we’re discussing in today’s article.
Be sure you know your rights and responsibilities as documented in your contract before you make a decision to quit.
Some things worth paying particular attention to are:
- Non-compete agreements
- No poaching rules (for clients and staff)
- Length of contract
- Resignation requirements
- Penalties for breaking contract early
Treat work like work
While you might be fantasizing about your new prospects, don’t check out mentally from your current job!
They say that first impressions are the strongest — but last impressions sure do last!
Your colleagues will remember you for the way you left. And if that included a begrudging and unwilling attitude towards helping out with the work that needed to be done…then they might just be done with you.
Leave a good impression when you leave, so you can leave with some great references!
Accept an exit interview
Exit interviews usually involve management and/or an HR representative sitting down with you to discuss your experience at the business.
They are confidential, but they do offer management insight into problems and potentially problematic situations that they may not realize their employees are experiencing.
Accept an exit interview, and be open about the problems you saw, as well as any possible solutions. You could be making a world of difference for the employees you’re leaving behind.
Any last words?
There is a lot of rigamarole to deal with when resigning from a job. Documents to be signed, items to be retrieved, people to talk to, and a future to plan — so it’s sometimes easy to forget the most human part of leaving a place you’ve spent a large amount of your time:
Saying goodbye.
Take time to meet with coworkers and colleagues, mentors and mentees, bosses and bosses’ bosses, and thank them for the experience of working with them.
By expressing gratitude and acknowledging them before you go, not only will you help keep yourself in their good books (and therefore keep your future prospects looking good), but you will also give yourself a sense of closure.
And don’t be afraid to ask to stay in touch! In today’s world of relentless social media, it can sometimes be harder to avoid someone than to keep in contact. Just be sure to let them know in advance that you’d like to stay connected — and if you plan on using someone as a referral, ask them for permission first!
Conclusion
Ready for the next step in your career after deciding to leave one job behind? We can be your guide!
META can help you transition to a new career effortlessly, just book your free 1-on-1 consultation today!
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