Are you sure you want to quit your job?
It may be a fleeting thought or something that’s on your mind a lot. You want to quit your job. It can be due to frustration, fantasizing about a new opportunity, a desire to grow your skills and experience, or just wanting a change. Regardless of the reason, after you make that decision it’s important to carefully consider your next steps in order to make a successful transition. Some key things that you need to determine include if you can do it, when you will do it, and how you will do it.
Can you really quit your job? You may have another opportunity already lined up, which is great! If not, ask yourself some questions to confirm that quitting your job is a viable option. If you haven’t accepted a new job offer already, do you have enough money to pay your bills until you can find one? Will you have health insurance, and if so, how much will out-of-pocket expenses cost you? Will you be missing out on opportunities to gain skills and experience in your current job that will help you reach your career goals? What are your career goals and what new jobs should you be targeting in order to achieve them?
As for timing, although there are no laws that dictate how far in advance you need to inform your supervisor of your decision, professional courtesy dictates you should give your current employer at least two weeks’ notice. This will allow them to determine how to handle your exit in terms of workload and responsibilities, plus it allows you to complete all of the HR-related tasks that are required to legally terminate your employment. Keep in mind that once you state your intention to leave, an employer is not required to allow you to stay until your desired end date and you may be asked to leave immediately.
We’ve all seen movies and television shows where disgruntled employees throw up their hands, scream they quit, and then storm out the door. In reality, that usually doesn’t happen. It’s important to go out on a good note and maintain a positive relationship with the company, your supervisor, and other employees so you can preserve your reputation. If you are planning on quitting, thoughtfully consider why and create some notes you can refer to when it actually happens. It’s best to meet with your supervisor to inform them of your decision. Don’t send an email or leave a voice mail to tell them. Be gracious and appreciative of the work opportunity you are leaving, but don’t feel as though you need to do into all of the details regarding why. Draft a resignation letter and have it ready for when you speak with your supervisor. Make sure it is dated and clearly expresses your intentions. Speak to your supervisor or an HR representative to determine what is required of you to close out your employment.
Always try to leave a job in a respectful manner on good terms with your supervisor, colleagues, and other company representatives. You may need a reference from someone you worked with there (either immediately or someday) and remember that good news travels fast, but bad news travels faster. Try to maintain the professional relationships and reputation you built in your former role. Don’t act in haste, and instead think about your decision to quit and how you will move forward strategically. Follow the appropriate protocol by properly notifying your supervisor and documenting your intentions. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to dive into your next amazing career opportunity!
