Regardless of why you're doing it, leaving your job is never an easy process. When you conduct yourself professionally with grace and dignity, you can leave the door open in case you need to return or ask for a reference. Even if you've already found another job and are completely frustrated and ready to move on, it's still best to take your time, plan your exit strategy, and leave on good terms.
Communicate with your current employer as soon as possible and provide the company with a written letter of resignation. In the letter, you should detail when your last day will be and why you're leaving your job. If possible, you can negotiate your last day, allowing the company time to hire a replacement and offering to help train the new employee to take over your job. If you expect your resignation will come as a surprise, be prepared for a reaction from your boss. Remain calm and be truthful. Show appreciation for the opportunity your employer gave you, and accentuate the positives of the job. If you're leaving your job on good terms, you will be less likely to later feel the decision was a mistake.
Take time to consider any counteroffers your current employer may give you. Ask yourself why you decided to quit your job in the first place. If you were looking for more money or a promotion, you may be able to negotiate new terms with your current employer. If you are considering accepting a counteroffer rather than leaving your job, ask how the decision will affect your current standing within the company. You don't want to stay with the company and have your boss be wary that you may try to leave again. Also, in some cases, accepting a counteroffer from your current employer may affect your standing with your would-be employer, and you may find that you're burning bridges with that organization.
As part of your exit strategy, make sure you are leaving your job on good terms. After you turn in your notice, work hard and continue to perform your duties to the best of your ability. Don't gossip or say anything bad about the organization to your coworkers; instead, speak to them positively about their contributions towards your success. Your current coworkers can be a key to your future success: you may get another opportunity to work with them later on, either at your current company, or at another one.
Leaving your job should be a viewed as a process. In order to leave with grace and dignity, make sure you show respect to those you work with and to the organization you're leaving. Help the company find and train your replacement, and you will ensure you leave on the best terms.
(Photo courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.net)
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