Quitting a job can be stressful, but there are things you can do to make the process go smoothly. Being polite and professional when you resign shows maturity and consideration for your employer. Here are some tips on how to politely quit your job.
Give Proper Notice
One of the most important things is to provide adequate notice when you resign. The standard notice period is generally 2 weeks, but can be longer for more senior roles. Make sure you check what notice period is required in your contract or employee handbook. Giving proper notice allows your employer time to transition your work and start looking for a replacement.
If possible, time your resignation so it’s not right in the middle of an important project or busy season. This will reduce the disruption caused by your departure. Schedule a meeting with your manager as soon as you’ve made your decision to quit, and let them know in person. Follow up the meeting with an email so there is a written record.
Be Honest About Why You’re Leaving
When discussing your decision to leave, be honest but polite about your reasons for quitting. There’s no need to go into extensive detail or provide overly negative feedback, but don’t make up a false reason either. Explain what is driving your decision in a professional, courteous manner. Whether it’s an opportunity for career growth, dissatisfaction with the work, or another personal reason, keep the conversation focused on your needs rather than placing blame.
Offer to Tie Up Loose Ends
Before your last day, offer to tie up any loose ends on projects and hand over documents to colleagues who will be taking on your work. Sit down with your manager and create a transition plan to smoothly transfer your responsibilities. This could include:
- Documenting processes and procedures
- Organizing files and shared drives
- Introducing clients/vendors to the person taking over your role
- Training team members on any specialized knowledge needed to do your job
Helping prepare others will demonstrate your commitment to leaving things in good shape.
Express Gratitude and Appreciation
Take time in your resignation letter, conversations with managers, and farewell email to sincerely express gratitude. Thank your employer for the opportunities you were given and the experience you gained. Share your appreciation for coworkers who supported you and made your time at the company enjoyable.
Even if you feel dissatisfied or had a negative experience, maintain an upbeat, high-road tone. You never know when your professional paths may cross again down the road.
Don’t Burn Bridges
No matter how frustrating your job may have been, take care not to burn bridges on your way out. That means refraining from overly negative or disparaging remarks about the company, management, or colleagues. Venting may feel satisfying in the moment but can damage your reputation over the long-term.
Your goal should be to exit gracefully and preserve positive relationships. You can provide constructive feedback, but avoid making overly emotional accusations or insults when you quit.
Consider Providing Extra Notice
If your role is critical or you want to leave on the best possible terms, consider offering more than the required notice period. This will give your employer additional time to find and train a new hire. Offering four weeks notice instead of two demonstrates goodwill and commitment to minimizing disruption.
However, make sure you can afford to be without work for the extra time. Do not put yourself in financial hardship just to try and appease your employer.
Schedule an Exit Interview
Many companies will request an exit interview when you resign to understand why you are leaving and get candid feedback. Embrace this as an opportunity to share constructive suggestions for improvement. Have specific examples to back up your comments rather than generalizing about problems.
Focus on being solution-oriented by providing ideas on what could make it a better workplace. Frame negative feedback as opportunities for growth rather than just complaints.
Send a Farewell Email
It’s thoughtful to send a farewell email on your last day thanking your team and manager for the opportunity. Keep it brief but sincere – just a few sentences is fine. Wish everyone the best and say you hope to cross paths again someday.
If colleagues want to keep in touch, share your personal contact details like email and LinkedIn. Make sure appropriate managers are copied on the email as a final courtesy.
Don’t Take Anything
Refrain from taking any company property like documents, equipment, or office supplies when you leave. Make sure to only retain any personal items you brought in yourself. Taking something without permission could constitute theft of company property.
Return any keys, ID cards, laptops, and other company-issued items on your last day. It’s also good practice to back up and transfer any important documents or emails needed to transition your work before your access is terminated.
Keep Things Positive
No matter how difficult the decision to quit, focus on keeping things positive. Take the high road and maintain a polite, professional tone even if you feel wronged or dissatisfied. This will preserve your reputation and goodwill. Avoid becoming overly emotional, confrontational, or burning bridges on your way out.
By following these tips, you can resign gracefully and leave on good terms. A polite, well-handled exit will benefit your career in the long run.
How to Write a Resignation Letter
A resignation letter is an important part of quitting professionally. Here are some tips for writing one:
- Keep it short, about 1-2 paragraphs.
- Start with stating that you are resigning and provide the effective date.
- Thank the employer for the opportunities you were given.
- Offer to assist with the transition over the notice period.
- Provide contact details and offer to answer any questions.
Here is an example resignation letter:
June 1, 2020
Michelle Johnson
Director of Operations
ABC Company
Dear Ms. Johnson:
Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as Sales Associate at ABC Company, effective June 15, 2020.
I appreciate the opportunities for growth and development that ABC Company has provided me over the past 3 years. This was a difficult decision, but I believe it is the right next step for my career.
Over the next two weeks, I will work with my team to ensure a smooth transition of all ongoing projects and accounts. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to assist with the transition before my departure on June 15th.
I am available to answer any questions you may have and can be reached by phone at 555-1234 or email at [email protected].
Thank you again for the rewarding experience I’ve had at ABC Company. I wish you and the team all the best.
Sincerely,
James Lee
A resignation letter should always be positive in tone and express gratitude, even if you had challenges. Leaving on good terms will benefit your career and reputation.
How to Have the Resignation Conversation
Having an in-person conversation to resign is often expected. Here are some tips for handling it smoothly:
- Schedule a private meeting to avoid an audience.
- Keep it brief – 10-15 minutes is plenty.
- Be complimentary about your experience at the company.
- Provide the same resignation date as your letter.
- Offer to answer questions and assist with the transition.
- Thank the employer again before departing.
Avoid getting confrontational or emotional. Stay calm and professional. If the employer gets upset, simply reiterate it was a difficult personal decision and reinforce your commitment to transitioning responsibilities.
After the meeting, send a follow up email recapping your discussion and restating your final day. This creates a written record in case there are any discrepancies later about what was agreed to.
How Much Notice Should You Give?
The amount of notice you should give depends on your role and responsibilities. Here are some general guidelines:
| Position | Recommended Notice |
|---|---|
| Hourly employee | 1-2 weeks |
| Professional/Office worker | 2-4 weeks |
| Manager | 4 weeks |
| Director/Executive | 1-2 months |
Check your employment contract which may specify required notice. Offering slightly more notice than required can demonstrate goodwill and commitment to a smooth departure.
How to Transition Your Work
A successful transition plan will help minimize disruption when you leave. Here are some steps to take:
- Meet with your manager and colleagues to explain your decision and start the handoff discussion.
- Document standard operating procedures for your role including key processes, contacts, systems, etc.
- Organize project files so someone can easily take over.
- Introduce clients/vendors to the person assuming your responsibilities.
- Provide training to bring coworkers up to speed on specialized skills.
- Capture personal on-boarding/training materials to share.
- Offboard from company systems and turn in equipment on your last day.
Being thoughtful about transition planning demonstrates maturity, care for your team, and commitment to leaving things in good shape.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When resigning, be careful to avoid these common mistakes:
- Providing too little notice – This leaves the employer in a lurch to find a replacement.
- Resigning via email or text – Important conversations should happen in-person.
- Venting pent-up frustrations – Stay calm and avoid burning bridges.
- Badmouthing the company or colleagues – Take the high road.
- Refusing to help transition your work – Offer to tie up loose ends.
- Taking company property – Returning all company items is the law.
- Using resignation as leverage – Ultimatums rarely end well.
By being professional, thoughtful, and helpful, you can leave a positive impression when you move on.
Questions to Ask Before Resigning
Before handing in your notice, take time to reflect on these important questions:
- Do I have another job offer or sufficient savings? Don’t quit without a plan.
- Is my reason for leaving valid and consistent? Avoid following passing whims.
- Have I given this job a fair chance? Grass isn’t always greener elsewhere.
- Have I discussed any issues with my manager to give them a chance? Quitting should be a last resort.
- Is now the right time or should I wait? Be conscious of business cycles and staffing needs.
- Am I prepared to explain my reasons respectfully if asked? Explanations shouldn’t be emotional.
- Will I maintain positive relationships? Don’t burn bridges on the way out.
Taking time to reflect ensures quitting is the right decision made for the right reasons.
What to Do on Your Last Day
Your last day marks the end of your employment journey with a company. Here is a checklist of things to do:
- Wrap up any outstanding projects and hand-off documents to colleagues.
- Organize your files, emails, computer drives, etc. for the next person.
- Return any company property like keys, ID cards, laptops, etc.
- Send a farewell email thanking everyone for the opportunity to work together.
- Have a box handy to collect personal belongings from your desk.
- Say goodbye and thank managers/colleagues in person if possible.
- Offer to be available by phone or email if any questions come up.
- Make sure you receive your final paycheck if applicable.
Leaving gracefully on your last day will help everyone remember you positively. This will benefit your network and future career.
Conclusion
Quitting a job gracefully comes down to being professional, thoughtful, and preserving relationships even when you have to give difficult news. By handling your resignation maturely, you can depart on good terms and maintain your reputation.
Giving proper notice, being willing to transition your work, and showing gratitude for your time at the company will leave a positive impression. Avoid burning bridges through emotional outbursts or negativity on the way out the door.
Planning your exit carefully and communicating respectfully allows you to move on while building goodwill. This will serve your career well as you navigate the working world.