Tuesday 12 November 2019

How to Quit Your Job (While Burning the Fewest Bridges)

woman turning in her resignation letter
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Dramatic exits make for great television. But when it comes to quitting your job in real life, few situations are bad enough to merit flouncing out and forever ruining your reputation with a former employer.

After all, word spreads quickly in the social media age. Angering an employer (even if it’s justified) can hurt your chances of getting other jobs in the same industry—or in the same town. Meanwhile, leaving on good terms can open up future doors for your career.

Luckily, quitting your job gracefully and professionally isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here’s how to make an exit that you won’t regret later.

Time It Right

Sometimes, you can’t help the timing of when you need to quit: Maybe you’re moving, or received an offer letter for your dream job at another company. But if you can, try to plan ahead and time your exit right.

For example, if your industry has a busy season, avoid quitting in the middle of it. Try to finish up any big projects you’re a part of before you go. And don’t forget to give plenty of notice before your last day. Two weeks’ notice is standard, but many employers appreciate having more time to find your replacement.

Tell Your Boss First

It’s tempting to tell your favorite coworkers that you plan to quit before you let your boss know. However, this method risks your boss finding out you’re quitting from someone who isn’t you. That’s sure to look unprofessional and hurt your chances of getting a future reference.

Instead, schedule an in-person conversation with your boss and give them the news as soon as you’ve made up your mind. Don’t feel pressured to give details about your reasons for leaving, and don’t complain about the job or company during the meeting. Keep the conversation simple and positive. Ask how you can help in the transition period, such as by training your replacement before your last day.

If you’re a remote worker, you can give this notice in a polite email to your boss instead. And depending on how formal your industry is, you might consider writing a resignation letter for HR as well as speaking with your boss.

Consider a Negotiation

If you don’t have your next job lined up for sure, you can also try negotiating a bit before you go. Is there something that would convince you to stay, like a raise or a new title? If so, now is the time to ask for it.

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