How to Resign the Right Way
Posted March 10th, 2016
When you resign from a job, it’s always tempting to vent some frustrations, air your grievances, and give your boss a piece of your mind. Beware, however, because the way you leave your current job impacts your ability to find the next one. Go out in a blaze of scornful glory and you could find yourself unemployed for longer than necessary. If you’re thinking of leaving your current position, do it the right way.
- Put in Your Notice – If you’re particularly frustrated with your current situation, you might be thinking of simply standing up and walking out the door. This could be satisfying in the moment, but it’s highly unprofessional and puts a strain on all your former co-workers. In any situation, it’s best to give two weeks’
- Pick the Right Outlet – No matter how you feel about your boss, co-workers, or current company, avoid leaving in an expletive-filled tirade. Instead, vent your frustrations (after you’ve left) to friends or family. Instead of burning bridges, you find support and understanding.
- Preserve the Reference – Many potential employers will specifically ask for a reference from your previous employer. If you leave on bad terms, that’s sure to be a bad reference. Don’t put your career in jeopardy just for a fleeting moment of satisfaction.
- Ace the Exit Interview – If you’re asked to participate in an exit interview, make sure your feedback is balanced. Even the worst jobs have some positive aspects. When you’re discussing the negatives, do so in a diplomatic way.
- Work with Your Replacement – You may be asked to train or at least acclimate the person designated to replace you. Don’t use the occasion to pass along your bitterness and frustration. That’s a waste of your time and simply poisons the experience for someone excited to start a new job.
- Stay Friends – There are probably at least a few people at your current job who you like and would be interested in staying connected to. Knowing the you are leaving them behind can make the final day of work particularly bittersweet. Make plans to meet in a month for dinner or coffee to take some of the sting out.
- Earn Your Keep – After your final day of work, your source of income will be cut off. That money will need to last, so make sure you’re working hard right up until the end. The last week on the job can feel like the last week of school, but you should be conscious to keep your performance at the same level.
Make your transition from one job to the next as short, easy, and successful as possible by working with the team at Bayside Solutions.
