Resigning
Without Regrets
Volume
I, Issue IV
Leaving
a job is one of the most exciting things you can do in your
career - and also one of the most terrifying. You have decided
to leave your current employer because your present position
doesn't offer the growth environment you need. Nevertheless,
your company has helped you progress professionally, and as
a result, you may feel a bit uncomfortable resigning. What
then should you expect when you tender your resignation?
One of
the first issues that can strain the relationship is how much
notice you owe your old employer. There is never a convenient
time to leave a job, and you shouldn't let guilt about the
work you're leaving behind make you pass up a great opportunity.
People quit all the time; somehow the company will survive
without you.
Prior
to resigning and setting a start date with your new employer,
review your company's policies. The standard notice period
is two weeks. However, some senior-level executives or project
managers may be required to complete an extended notice period,
especially those with an employment contract. Even though
your new employer may want you to start immediately, it will
most likely wait a few weeks for the right person.
If you
arbitrarily offer to stay longer than the traditional two
weeks, consider life at your old job once you have announced
your departure. It may be uncomfortable - you will no longer
be considered a member of the team and may be treated accordingly.
Your
Sanford Rose Associates consultant can assist you with your
resignation letter. Generally, it should be brief and to the
point, simply stating the date of your resignation and last
day of employment. To further avoid counter-offers, it's important
to state that your decision to leave is irrevocable. Additionally,
there is no need to advise your ex-employer of the name of
your new employer.
Prior
to turning in your letter of resignation, make sure your desk
and files are in order and your personal items can easily
be collected, since you may be asked to leave the premises
immediately. This is especially true if you are working for
a large company, privy to confidential information or leaving
to go to work for a direct competitor.
Schedule
a time to meet with your manager and plan what you're going
to say and then stick to it. Since you never know if and when
your paths may cross in the future, emphasize the positives
and avoid the negative aspects of your current position. Inform
your supervisor that you will complete any outstanding tasks
to the best of your ability and participate in the smooth
handover of any unfinished work.
Unless
your boss is expecting you to resign, your decision will come
as a surprise; be prepared for his or her reaction. Your boss
may get emotional or even confrontational. In that case, maintain
your composure and professionalism; remember, you're moving
on to something better. You may even be made a counter-offer
- see Volume I Issue III for a detailed discussion on the
Dangerous Allure of Counter-offers.
Once
your resignation is made public, take a deep breath, relax
and conduct business as usual. Make sure your office and projects
are in order and try to clear up unfinished business. If your
co-workers ask why you're leaving, make generic statements
such as, "It's a career opportunity I just can't pass
up." Even if you're leaving on strained or bad circumstances,
resist the temptation to criticize your ex-employer or manager.
You are
now an outsider, which makes it difficult to show up for the
next nine days (but who's counting?). Your best plan includes
staying busy, maintaining a low profile and keeping your attitude
positive and professional. Focus on your new opportunity and
the fact that you'll be out of here soon. Manage your transition
well and you will have no regrets.
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