5 Must Take Steps Prior To Quitting Your Job

As of 2017, the labor market is intense and the unemployment rate is low. This means you have a great opportunity to find the job of your dreams. Perhaps you have just one thing holding you back: your current job. How do you go about quitting your job while keeping your supervisor happy? HR expert Liz Ryan boils things down to five steps you must take before you give two weeks' notice.

1. Move Your Personal Belongings

Move your personal belongings out of your work space before telling your boss about quitting your job. That way, if your supervisor gets upset and wants you to leave before the two weeks, there's no drama about packing up your things. Consider moving your items one at a time so no one notices.

2. Clean Up Your Computer

If you saved any personal computer files on the company's hard drive or cloud-based storage system, clear those out as soon as possible. You don't want anyone accessing your private information after you quit your job, so make sure there is no trace of your personal information left behind on the company's computer when you leave.

3. Return Company Equipment

Bring back any company equipment or technology you happened to take home. This could be a laptop, printer, mobile device or any office equipment you took to your house when you telecommuted or spent an extended time away from the office. You don't want your boss or former colleagues searching for items they desperately need, and you want to avoid having to make a trip back to the office to return company property.

4. Talk to Your Future Manager

If you feel your boss may get angry and fire you after hearing the news, talk to your future manager and explain that you may be able to start sooner than two weeks. If faced with this situation, remain professional. Always act with dignity and grace when you leave your current job for greener pastures.

5. Kiss Your Bonus Goodbye

If you quit your job, you may not get the bonus promised to you for all of your hard work, even if you give your boss two weeks’ notice. Be ready and willing to forfeit bonuses, severance pay or any other promised benefits if you leave a company early. Hopefully, your new boss recognizes your worth and offers you a fair salary or new employee bonus.

The idea of talking to your boss about quitting your job is stressful. Follow these five steps to help ease some of the stress. If you get a negative reaction, don't take it personally, as your boss might just be uncertain about a future without you. Remain professional as you take steps towards advancing your career.

Photo courtesy of Kate Haskell at Flickr.com