You finally got hired at the job that you’re applying to – probably the one you’re most looking forward to. But then, as time goes by, your excitement at first easily faded because of different reasons, until you found yourself sighing in frustration, saying, “That’s it. I quit my job.”

There are lots of reasons why an employer will have their thoughts of leaving their job – it can be because the workload is too much for their strength, the long commute, low salary, family that needs to attend to, toxic coworkers (or boss), conflicts with someone in the workplace, and the list goes on. You name it. The thing is, is resignation really the best way to deal with things, or there are other ways to handle the problem?

Resigning may sound relieving for some because it’s ‘freedom’ from the negativities, but if you only see things that way, then you’re missing the bigger picture – you’ll lose a job, it might take time to find a new one, your built relationships in the workplace might turn to waste, and there’s no guarantee that your next one would be better. The hardest part, however, is not any of those, but this: telling your boss that you want to quit your job.

It’s not really easy to say it plainly like that, especially if you don’t have problems with your employer, but only because of the job itself. So, let’s answer the question – how can we quit our jobs while maintaining good terms with our employers?

Reflect on your decisions to quit your job

Spend some time understanding the problems in your job. List them one by one if possible, and analyze what you can do to handle it before thinking of quitting. It would be reckless to decide just because of what you’re seeing at the moment and you’ll decide based on what you feel. See the pros and cons. Have an open mind to think things through, one by one. You wouldn’t want to regret it in the end. Consider the things that you’ll lose when you quit and be ready for its consequences – no job means no salary. Can you afford to survive without a salary? Do you think you’ll get hired right after you quit? Think about it twice. Resigning isn’t always the best solution to everything.  

Keep things professional

Once you’ve made up your mind that resigning is the best option you have, then remember to have the proper action as you quit. Start with a resignation letter.

A resignation letter:

• Shouldn’t have rude statements like, “I’m quitting because I can no longer stand the job.” It should be polite. Keep it civil.
• Don’t insult anyone or complain about their behavior in the letter even if it’s true. You wouldn’t want to trash-talk your coworkers and leave a bad record.
• Keep it positive or neutral. You don’t have to tell them how unhappy you are with your current position. Remember that some employers might ask your past employer to have an idea of what kind of employee you are. Save yourself from the negative reviews from your old boss.
• Say that you’re grateful that they’ve given you the opportunity to work there, and how much you appreciated them for helping you grow in your career, and even as a person.
• If you can’t say the entire reason of leaving, say that the reason is something personal. If they’ll push further and ask, keep in mind that you shouldn’t lie, but you don’t have to speak your mind about everything.
• You can offer help in finding your replacement, and might as well train them when they get hired.

Finish all your responsibilities before resigning

Resigning in the middle of a certain project is not professional. Finish your tasks. Don’t leave your boss with unfinished work.

Tell your supervisor about your resignation first, not your co-workers

Fake news is so common nowadays, and the workplace isn’t an exception. If the news of you quitting your job spread around the office, each person will have different versions of the story about your resignation that can lead to misunderstandings.

Work hard ‘til your last day

It’s a great way to leave smoothly because it hinders people from saying that you’re not motivated with your work. It’s your last day. Give your best.

Give them a two-week or a month notice before resigning

You can’t simply say, “I quit my job, this coming Friday is my last day.” Give them time to process everything and let them have time to look for a replacement, especially if your position is something that can’t simply be given to anyone easily.

Be ready for the exit interview

The last step to quit your job. The HR personnel is usually the one who will do this, and just like in your letter, keep things civil, and stay respectful.

Now that you have quit your job, is time to find another one! Click HERE!