People resign for many different reasons. You may have found a better opportunity at another company or may be no longer able to deal with the pressures in your current job. Whatever the reason, the decision to resign is not to be taken lightly. There are several things to consider before you resign to ensure that you have a smooth transition from one stage of your career to the next. The following points should help guide you through that process.
- Be 100% Sure
Before you make the decision to resign, you need to be sure as to why you want to resign in the first place. If you have found a better job elsewhere or leaving for personal reasons then the decision to resign would be fairly easy. If, however, you are unsure as to the real reason you wish to leave, you must fully explore your options. You may find that you do not even need to resign to resolve the issues you have been having. Rather a career change or a departmental switch may be the answer. Addressing the issues you have been having at your workplace with your supervisor can also bring forth positive results that may make you change your mind about resigning.
- Have a Safe Place to Land
Unless you are planning to stay home, or retire you must ensure that you know where you are going after you resign. If you are leaving for another position in a different company, be sure that the position has indeed been secured before you make the final decision to resign. If you have ventured into other career avenues, be sure that all plans and procedures have been implemented before you make that switch.
- Be Ready to Leave Immediately
After your resignation letter is handed in, it is normal to work during the remaining notice period (usually two to three weeks.) It is possible, however, that your boss in anger or disappointment may ask you to leave immediately. You should be prepared for such an outcome and organize all your belongings and files before that time. Erase all non-business data from you computer and begin clearing your workstation bit-by-bit before your resignation date. Do not take any of the company’s confidential files with you as your integrity will be compromised and you will be at risk for serious complications with the law- take only what belongs to you. In addition, prepare your work in a way that makes it easy for your replacement to pick up where you have left off. Lastly, you should personally try to find replacements to present to your boss before you leave. This is an act of good faith and you will be remembered positively.
- Prepare a Professional Resignation Letter
Your resignation letter should not be too long and you should remain as professional as possible. You do not want to include the reason you want to leave your position if it is negative. Thank your employer for the experience you have gained at the organization and wish them the best. Your letter will most likely be filed and can negatively affect you if you include distasteful comments. Your reputation is important; you do not want to soil it by leaving your organization on a negative note.
- Resign in Person
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to resign via e-mail, over the phone or by text message. Deliver your letter in person to allow for a discussion to take place between you and your boss. Remain firm in your decision as you may be presented with a counteroffer from your employer. Counteroffers may seem to be the best option at the time, however, it is best to remember the reasons you would have wanted to leave and stick to them. Research shows that individuals who accept counteroffers end up leaving after a year and do no report any significant improvements to their jobs.
- Make your last days the best days
when serving your last days at the organization (e.g. Your two-week notice period) ensure that you leave a positive impression at the organization. Complete your tasks and do work of a good quality, as people tend to remember what they have last seen of you. This will prove beneficial if you need references from these individuals. You want to keep a good rapport with all your past co-workers.
Bottom Line – Be sure that you are indeed ready to resign and stick to your decision. Going back on the decision to resign can be negatively viewed and you may not be taken seriously after that. Your boss may even terminate you soon after, as your wavering decision-making has now compromised your integrity and loyalty at the organization.
For more information on resigning and how to resign gracefully, check out the links below!
– http://jobsearch.about.com/od/joblossandresignation/tp/resignation-etiquette.html
– http://www.cio.com/article/728910/5_LinkedIn_Tips_for_How_to_Resign_From_Your_Job_Gracefully
– http://www.askmen.com/money/career_100/130_career.html
– http://www.michaelpage.co.uk/content/18316/how-to-resign-top-five-tips-for-a-smooth-departu.html
– http://www.wikihow.com/Resign-Gracefully
– http://seedtalent.com.au/index.php?sectionID=9927&pageID=9933
– http://www.smh.com.au/executive-style/management/top-tips-for-resigning-20101213-18up8.html
– http://www.mywritingresources.com/Resignation%20Techniques.asp