Quitting Your Job: Do’s and Don’ts

Resigning from a job can be stressful and risky, no matter whether it’s the first time you’ve ever quit a company or you’re a seasoned pro at changing jobs. You might be afraid of how people with react. Or you might be ready to unload everything that’s been bothering you for the last however long on anyone who will listen. You might worry you are letting down your (soon-to-be former) coworkers. Or you might want to burn a path out the door without regard to any bridges you incinerate in the process. 

Leaving a job doesn’t have to be difficult. Following these do’s and don’ts will help you leave your job in a way that works best not only for you but also for your current employer. That can pay dividends for your career for years to come. And, it’s the right thing to do.

Do: Give at Least Two Weeks Notice

The workplace might be a dizzily changing place, but some things never change. For example, two weeks notice is still the gold standard when it comes to leaving a job. Your chances of getting a good recommendation are significantly reduced if you don’t give proper notice. More than that, you can kiss goodbye the idea of ever working for that company ever again.

Your employer will need time to hire a replacement, to delegate your work, and to get a new employee up to speed. They might even have you help out with training. Staying in your boss’ good graces is always a good idea. This is the best way to do that on the way out.

Don’t: Phone It In For the Last Two Weeks

It’s entirely possible that your workload might taper off during the last couple of weeks you’re on the job. That’s understandable if it’s a result of closing down projects and putting the finishing touches on your work. You should not, however, get a case of “senioritis,” phoning it in for the last couple of weeks on the job.

 This isn’t much different than just not showing up for your last two weeks. Your boss and your team need you to be on point while you walk out the door. Keep giving 110 percent and you’ll have a solid reference you can use anywhere.

Do: Write a Resignation Letter

A “letter” might mean “email,” but you should have a written record of when you informed your boss that you were leaving, as well as what day will be your last day. It’s important for everyone involved to have a written record of what your last day is. Make sure the letter is professional. Think of this as something that every future employer will see. They won’t, but that mindset will help you to strike the right tone.

Don’t: Be Negative in the Resignation Letter 

A resignation letter is not the place to air grievances. The letter should be simple and factual, not emotional. If you have feedback that you want to share about the workplace, save it for the exit interview. It will not serve you well to complain about or criticize your boss or company in this letter, which should be a simple document formalizing your departure logistics.

Do: Get Ready for Your Exit Interview

Exit interviews are common these days. Your employer wants to touch base with you while he still can. You’re not required to do an exit interview by any means, but it’s a solid turn you can do your boss on the way out. Prepare for your exit interview by having a clear explanation for why you’re leaving, what you liked and didn’t like about your job, and some constructive feedback on their management style. This is the time to be honest but fair.

Don’t: Unload on Your Boss at the Exit Interview

It’s good to give your boss the good, the bad and the ugly. However, you shouldn’t just dump everything on them that you didn’t like about your job. You want to give them actionable advice and also keep the good parts in mind. That’s the best way to maintain your relationship with your boss and to provide them with value during the exit interview.

Do: Know What You’ll Do If You Get a Counter Offer

Will your boss take pains to keep you? It’s not out of the question, particularly if you’re a star performer or have a set of skills that are difficult to replace. What are you going to do if your boss offers you more money or a lucrative benefits package? If you’re just leaving for more money, now you want might to stay. If you have other reasons, be prepared to explain them constructively. Your boss might not like what you have to say, but you owe it to them and to yourself to provide an honest answer.

Don’t: Expect a Counter Offer

Don’t quit your job expecting a counter offer. Never think that because you say you’re going to leave your job that you’re going to have your boss chasing after you. If that’s what you want and it happens, great. But don’t expect it. Be ready to leave and be happy leaving or don’t give your notice.