The desire to quit a job is a natural part of the employee life cycle. Blame the feelings that make this process harder to overcome. There may be many reasons why you have come to this conclusion: poor leadership, low salary, unpleasant colleagues, the monotony of doing the same thing for years, etc. All of these reasons are understandable and fair. However, it's better not to make quick decisions.
Ensure this is not a temporary weakness
Quitting a job is a serious step, so it is advisable to be prepared and 100% sure. Firstly, evaluate how well-considered this decision is. Some people have quick tempers and may do things they regret afterward. Had a tough week or a bad fight with a colleague? Are you sure this is the reason to quit? If you have carefully thought through all the pros and cons of your current job and decided to quit, then it’s okay.
In the process of quitting a job, there are three parties involved: you, your current company, and the job market. When deciding whether to quit your job, always consider the current state of the market. How quickly will you be able to find a new job? How many job openings are there in your field? These circumstances are largely beyond your control, so overlooking them could leave you unemployed.
- Only take this step when you are 100% sure and have thought things through
- In the hiring and quitting process, there are always three parties involved: you, the company, and the job market
- So, when planning to quit, check the state of the job market first
I’m sure. So should I inform the company?
This is a question many people may ask themselves, especially if they are quitting for the first time. Let me explain some nuances.
You must inform your current employer that you are quitting at least two weeks before your end date. That’s the commonly accepted norm. On the other hand, people usually inform their employer once they have already accepted an offer from another company. But can you talk to your boss earlier? In some cases, yes, you can.
My boss is great
If you want to quit your job because you're seeking a higher salary or a hybrid work format, you might have a chance to get it without changing jobs. You just need to have a face-to-face conversation with your boss, where you openly express that you’re considering quitting. Truthfully explain your reasons and listen carefully to the response. If your manager values you as an employee, they will likely work to resolve any issues to retain you.
However, if you don’t have a trusting relationship with your boss, or if you don't like how they have approached those who were leaving in the past, then it’s better to save this conversation for later.
Higher education or retirement next?
Since this is something you can plan in advance, it would be very beneficial for the employer to receive this information long before your last day. If you have a close relationship with your boss or care deeply about your team, you can inform them much earlier than usual.
Let me mention, though, that you can inform your employer about your intention to quit earlier, but it doesn’t mean you have to.
- The common norm for informing the employer about quitting is two weeks before the last date
- You can try to talk to your boss earlier if you are considering leaving on better terms
- You can also inform them earlier if you have a specific plan ahead, such as college or retirement
- It is totally up to you to decide whether to inform the company earlier or on time
What to say to stay in touch?
When the decision to quit is made and unavoidable, it’s time to talk to the employer. Here are some tips to do it with the utmost care.
Tête-à-Tête
The topic is quite sensitive and private, so when informing your boss that you’re quitting, make sure you are alone. If you can't talk in person, ask for a video call or at least a phone call. Don’t just send an email!
Prepare a resignation letter, but don’t start by presenting it. Have a conversation first, where you explain your position. Then, after reaching a conclusion, present your resignation letter.
Be reliable till the end
When the end date is known, it’s time to start building a transition plan. When you leave, there will be lots of work to be done. To address this, consider some changes you may implement in the department. Your replacement will eventually come and take over your duties. However, you need to think of something that will help your department remain functional until that day.
By doing this, your boss will once again see that you are a responsible and caring employee. This will likely be highlighted if your future employer calls for a reference.
Be positive
Even if you didn’t find your past work very interesting or satisfying, it’s better to leave a positive impression on your last day. Wish luck to everybody and try to stay in touch with some of the colleagues you got along well with.
- Don’t inform your boss about quitting via email; it’s better to talk in person or at least via video or phone call
- When you meet with your employer for the conversation, don’t start with your resignation letter. Save it for the end of the talk
- It’s advisable not to leave your position abruptly; prepare a transition plan as part of your replacement for some time
- Try to leave on positive terms with both the employer and your colleagues