How to Resign From Your Job With Dignity
How to Resign From Your Job With Dignity
Resigning from a job doesn’t have to be foolish or messy. Be dignified with these tips.
So you’ve come to the end of the line with your current job. Perhaps you’ve got bored. Perhaps you want a new challenge. Perhaps you just can’t stand your colleagues and it’s time to meet some new faces…whatever the reason, leaving your job with dignity is crucial.
“What’s that?” I hear you say. “Don’t be daft! I absolutely hate my job and I’m counting down the hours before I’m outta here!”
But wait. Before you tell your line manager they’re a despot our your colleagues are a bunch of morons, have you thought about what could happen? Believe it or not you never know when you might come across these people again, so take the time to read the following reasons as to why – and how – you should resign from your job with dignity.
1. Be sure you’re making the right decision
First off you need to be completely 100% sure you’re making the right choice. It sounds obvious but life isn’t always greener on the other side. Many people leave one job then suddenly realise they’ve made a big mistake. Be clear on the reasons you’re resigning – if there’s something that could be easily sorted it could be worth sticking around.
- Includes your name, date, your boss’s name
- Thanks your boss for the opportunities given to you in your role as …
- States clearly your reasons for leaving diplomatically
- Resists the need to badmouth and let off steam!
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I haven’t resigned from a job since I left uni in 2003. If anything, this post made me grateful I have no plans to resign anytime in the foreseeable future either! But then I am very lucky in my job.
Ciara, I resigning from jobs is never fun–even when the company was awful to work for. It always seems so awkward.
I worked for a fabulous youth organization for five years, & truly loved my job, working in an admin capacity supporting cheerleading & karate coaches. When I told my boss I needed to quit to stay home with my daughter, she thought I was joking & got very teary-eyed, even offering a raise to tempt me into staying. I was very touched. This made me work twice as hard over the next 2 months before leaving. Which brings to mind something else that could be included on this list — if it isn’t going to harm your position, give plenty of heads-up. Once I made the decision, I told my boss immediately so that I could finish up several ongoing projects & help train my replacement. The previous employee in my position only gave 2 weeks, which I know is standard, but it was not even close to enough time to teach me what I needed to know. Thanks to my hard work & graceful departure, my send-off was a public affair set in front of an audience of several coaches, parents, & students, honoring me for what I brought to the table. This won’t go for everyone, I realize, but I’m so glad it worked for me!
Andi-Roo, it was very noble the way you handled things, but I don’t think it would work for a lot of people like you said. I bet that company missed you tons when you left.
I don’t think many people realize how important it is to be diplomatic when you’re leaving – even in the exit interview and even if you already have another job lined up. People often don’t seem to realize how small their industry really is and how many people know each other. I watched a few teachers leave our school and really burn bridges when they did so (well, more like burned the bridge and blew up the surrounding countryside) and it didn’t turn out well.
Leaving that way leaves a bad taste in everyone’s mouth, including your former colleagues – and the private school community is very small. If those teachers ever leave their current jobs and need a reference from our principal in securing the next position, it’s doubtful that they’ll receive a good one.
I’ve seen the same thing happen in my husband’s job – believe me, even if all the caller is looking for is dates of employment, that information can be conveyed in such a way that it’s clear that you are not missed. Even just a flat “no” when asked if you’re eligible for rehire can torpedo your new opportunities.
Cynthia, I agree it leaves a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. It’s better if things can be diplomatic, but sometimes it is an impossibility, and that is a shame.
Very well done. Nice and practical.
Toby, I thought he did well with the tips myself. He’s been a wonderful guest.
To be honest, I was a bit of a brat when I ditched my job over 4 years ago. I knew I had reached the point in my life when I could write full-time. (Plus, once you write full-time, you’ll do everything in your power TO NEVER return to a day job. I’ll never return. Trust me on that.)
However, your advice is spot on, no doubt.
Precious Monsters
Jolie, if you can get away with it, go for it!
Good work Liam, these are some great guidelines.
However I’m a bit surprised I didn’t see my personal favorite on the list: Yell out “I QUIT,YOU FOOLS!” Then throw down a smoke-bomb and disappear in the confusion.
Or if you’re not one for theatrics, set up a life-sized cardboard cutout of yourself and stick it in your office/cubicle/work area. At most places it might be several days before they catch on but you’ll be long gone by then.
Ahhh, memories…
John, that is my favorite reply out of the whole deal. I’d have loved to have done that when I left Wells Fargo. Crappiest company to work for EVER in my entire sales career.
I had to resign today because I have made too many mistakes. I do not have another job and will lose the health insurance that cares for my husband.
I am a failure and should die.
First — you’re not a loser! Messing up a lot just means one of two things: Either this wasn’t the job for you, or your heart wasn’t in your work because it was elsewhere. Regardless, it comes down to the same thing. This is an open door, an opportunity to seek out what you want to do, what you can do, & what you need to do. I’m not gonna give you false platitudes & promise that it’s gonna be okay. It’s probably gonna suck. It’s gonna be tough & it’s gonna be difficult & it’s gonna test your resolve. Take advantage of this time period to grow. One baby step at a time, one foot in front of the other, take a rest if you are weary, but then get back up & go through the motions of one more day. Just one more day. You can do this. And we are a community, so you have a lot of shoulders on which to lean, lots of hands to help you up along the way. If you need to talk, you can email me, or even call if you’re comfortable enough (I’ll email my number, just ask). If you need advice, I don’t know a lot but I can help find the answers (and while I hate to speak for Amberr, I’m sure she is willing to find answers, too!). If you need a friend, you’ve got it. Tell us what we can do to help. I understand your frustration, your fears, your concerns… they are valid & you aren’t a loser for having them. Let’s work together to get you on your feet. xoxo
(((hugs))) <- those are sincere, not just lip service. Promise!
Loser, I think Andi-Roo said everything I felt. Even contact me through my contact form if you want private counsel and guidance. I’d be happy to do so. I’m so sorry about your situation, but this does NOT make you a failure and certainly not worthy of death. Big hugs and positive healing vibes being sent your way. ooxx