How to Leave a Job on Good Terms

Guide Note

In today's corporate world, a little respect can go a long way. What you say and do at your current job can have a profound effect on your career for years down the road. If you do leave your job, don't blow up at your boss or co-workers (no matter how much they deserve it). If you know how to resign gracefully, you'll leave your current position with a sense of confidence and pride that will carry over to your new job and beyond.

Table of Contents

Leaving a Job Tips

  1. Stay courteous and polite throughout the process.
  2. Give two weeks' notice.
  3. Submit a letter of resignation.
  4. Don't be too negative.
  5. Don't slack off.
  6. Train your replacement.
  7. Return company property.

Mahalo Career How Tos

Introduction

  • It's hard to say good-bye. It's even harder to say good-bye to a regular paycheck, your favorite lunch spot, and the people with whom you've been spending 40 hours (or more) every week. But, at one time or another, we all have to spread our wings (perhaps because they won't fit in the cubicle) and find a new job. And, no matter how much you might dislike your current job, it's never a good idea to burn your bridges on the way out. This page will give you some tips on how to leave a job without leaving your dignity behind.

Step 1: Meet with Your Boss

  • You might be tempted to "let that guy know how I really feel," but blowing up at your boss won't solve anything—even if you think he or she deserves it.
(Creative Commons photo by Dplanet::)
(Creative Commons photo by Dplanet::)
  1. Unless your employee handbook advises differently, the first person you should inform is your direct supervisor.
  2. Set up a time so you can do it in person. This isn't the time for e-mails.
  3. Give proper notice. At least two weeks is considered standard, but if you're involved in a big project your employer will probably appreciate more time.
  4. Write an official letter of resignation. Your HR department will want it for their records.
    • This can be as simple as "I, <name> resign from the position of <position>, effective <date>."
  5. Try to give your boss a plausible reason for your departure, without sounding angry about it. Ideally, point out some good quality of your new job (a higher salary always works).
    • If you can, go over your resignation speech beforehand with a co-worker, spouse, or friend.
  6. Be polite. If you can, exemplify the positives of your job and point out a specific way you feel your boss has been a positive influence on you.
  7. If your boss thinks highly of you, there's a chance he or she might make you a counter-offer or ask you to stay on for a little longer to help with your replacement. Be prepared for this and go into your meeting thinking, "If he/she offers me X, I'll stay."

NOTE: Though working through a transition period is more usual, some employers choose not to have departing employees stay in the office after resigning. You should still be paid for that last two weeks, however.

Step 2: Dealing With Your Co-Workers

  • It can be awkward dealing with co-workers once your imminent departure is known. For the most part, though, you should carry on the same way you always have.
  1. As with your boss, you should let your closest circle of co-workers know why you're leaving, but again, don't feel obligated to go into much detail other than "It's just a better opportunity."
  2. Don't run down the company or its employees to other co-workers (and especially to your replacement).
  3. Similarly, don't be too boastful about your new job.
  4. Avoid poor attempts at humor, like "What are they going to do, fire me?"
  5. If you really, really need to vent, try to find a good friend who isn't a co-worker to do it with, and do it on your own time.

Step 3: Your Last Weeks

  • You're on to a great new opportunity, but it's better for your career to ensure a smooth transition at your old job.
  1. Make sure your duties will be adequately covered by other employees and/or your replacement.
  2. If your replacement is hired before you leave, take the time to train him or her on your job requirements.
  3. Check that your HR department has your current address, so you'll get any final paychecks and next year's W-2 form.
  4. Ask your supervisor(s) and/or co-workers for letters of recommendation.
    • It's better to get the letter now, when your great work is fresh in people's minds.
  5. Collect phone numbers and e-mail addresses of anyone you might want to maintain contact with, and give them yours; former co-workers can help you network in the future.

Step 4: Your Last Day

  • Whether you view it with trepidation or a sense of relief, your last day (or few days) on the job will be your last chance to make an impression—good or bad—on the office. While it can be tempting to just "blow it all off," why not take a positive attitude instead?
(Creative Commons photo by Jenny Cu)
(Creative Commons photo by Jenny Cu)
  1. Even if you've been a little (or a lot) late from time to time, come in right on time (or a few minutes early) on your last day.
  2. In a similar vein, dress up a bit, even if it's casual Friday. You can sleep in and lounge around in your sweats tomorrow.
  3. Don't openly slack off. You might not have much to do, but at least don't make it look like you're goofing around all day.
  4. Return all company property you might have in your home.
  5. In addition to cleaning out your desk, clean out any personal information (such as family photos, private e-mail conversations, etc.) from your computer. There shouldn't be anything there that would get you in trouble, but you'll at least want to avoid embarrassment.
  6. It's okay to take a few minutes near the end of the day to go around the office (or at least to your favorite co-workers, if you work at a big office) to say good-bye or thank them for working with you.

Step 5: After You've Gone

  • Even though the job is a distant memory, there may still be ties you need to maintain.
  1. Touch base with the names in your address book after six months, so they don't forget about you.
  2. Keep track of when you need to pay for health coverage, if you've opted for COBRA.

Conclusion

  • Leaving your job can be a stressful affair under the best of circumstances (and circumstances rarely are the best). If you leave on a Friday, take it easy that weekend, party a bit, and maybe go out with some of your (now) ex-co-workers to blow off some steam. That new job (or job search) will still be there Monday.

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