Goal: quit your job but preserve your work relationships and your reputation 

So you want to quit your job? We’ve talked about how many of you are changing jobs at a greater frequency than ever before.  While the Great Resignation has turned out to be more of a “Great Reshuffling” here in Australia, candidates are saying goodbye and quitting one job in favour of another more often than ever.  This means navigating resignation more often than ever.  It’s not as simple as saying “I quit” and dancing out of the office as free as a butterfly.  

What you may not know is that how you quit your job puts your work relationships, reputation, an opportunity for references and future roles on the line.  Quit your job professionally and politely and you’ll be remembered.  Tell your boss to “take this job and shove it” in so many words, and you’ll be remembered as well.  It’s up to you to choose how you want to be known in your industry.  

Instead of taking the “QuitTok” approach and making a fool of yourself on social media, take this advice and quit like a professional.  

Write A Well-Executed Resignation Letter

Your resignation letter doesn’t need to spell out every detail about where you’re working next or why you are leaving.  Instead, you need to explain who you are, what you did for the company, and why you are grateful for what you did in the role. Include the date of your last day and possibly one or two items that the role couldn’t provide for your development.  You can also use your Resignation Letter as a starting point for your recommendation by highlighting what made you a great employee and being specific about thanking them for whatever training or opportunities you gained during the role. 

Have a Discussion with Your Supervisor

After you hand over your letter, be sure to arrange a time for an “exit interview” or an informal chat with your manager about why you are quitting.  If your relationship with your supervisor allows for it, give him or her feedback about where your employer has failed to meet your expectations.  Whatever you do, be the first person to tell your boss, don’t tell other employees and let him or her hear you are leaving through the grapevine.  

Protect Your Reputation

Never forget the value of your reputation. It is absolutely imperative you choose the high road when quitting your job because your reputation follows you from job to job, and often will arrive before you do.  News travels fast, people talk. Don’t jeopardize the value you offer, how you treat others, who you are by acting the fool when you quit.  Be sure you give sufficient notice (at least 2 weeks), finish off projects you are working on, and leave on good terms.  You can even help make the transition smooth by offering to be a point of contact for the person that replaces you.

Be Grateful 

One of the most important things you can do is to show gratitude to your employer and colleagues.  Say “thank you” for what your employer invested in you including training and resources you received, time spent, mentoring, etc. Being appreciative will leave a lasting positive impression that means you will be considered for roles in the future and remain part of the network you built in your role.  

Stay Connected

Say goodbye to colleagues and team members.  Position yourself as a valued contributor to your industry and someone they want to stay connected with.  Use LinkedIn to stay in touch with colleagues and plan a coffee with them if you’re both going to be at an industry event or conference.

These days, it’s totally normal to switch jobs every year. But it makes quitting your job like a professional with grace and no hard feelings all the more important.  Follow this advice to look like a pro and be a valued member of your industry.