Quitting a job on good terms is not as easy and fast as it may seem at first sight. It’s not just about submitting your resignation papers and taking to your heels – you should do it appropriately and leave a positive impression of yourself – as a person and an employee. In this article, you will find out how to quite a job on good terms.
Quitting smoothly and comfortably – is it possible?
There is a high chance of meeting your fellow workers and managers in the future and working with them on another project. There may also come a point where you might need a recommendation from your boss. How about deciding to get back and take up an interesting new position in the same company? This is absolutely possible, believe us.
Therefore:
Tell your managers you want to leave in a F2F meeting
If you have carefully considered all the “pros” and “cons” and are firmly determined to quit, make sure to appoint a meeting with your managers well in advance – at least two weeks before your desired last day at work. Tell them why you decided to quit your job and give arguments. Explain the reasons, without making any accusations or criticism against your bosses and your fellow workers. Avoid expressing negative emotions and painful reactions.
Try to step in your manager’s shoes – he will need to quickly find someone to replace you and/or delegate your tasks to other people. Suggest an action plan including the following points:
- Who could replace you while the company is looking for a new employee
- Who can continue and/or complete your projects
Agree on your last working day. After that, meet the HR department and discuss what you need to do to quit voluntarily. In most cases, you will have to sign some papers and get some signatures.
Think in advance what you would do if you get a counter-offer
Managers often propose reconsidering your resignation, and waiting instead until a new position opens up. Some other options that are frequently put on the table include raising your pay and bonuses. This may come as a surprise to you, therefore, before the meeting, think and decide how comfortable you would be to accept such offers.
Submit your resignation papers with the HR department
As soon as your manager signs your resignation letter, send all documents to the HR department where your colleagues will launch your resignation process. Make sure to ask what you are entitled to. For example, the money you are eligible to get for all unused days of vacation, when you should get your employment record card, where and how you should return the equipment you have been using.
Get in touch with the accountants if you were a custodian of any business property
For example, you were an assistant and every month you received money to buy stationery. Maybe you purchased a keyboard for work using your own money but want to be reimbursed for this cost. Ask the accountants who to deal with all this and make sure all is set before you leave – you don’t want to owe anything to the company, and vice-versa.
Finish what you have started
Complete any projects you have started. If you cannot do it, create and Excel sheet and make sure to clearly highlight all issues that would remain open once you leave. Send this information to your managers.
Ask your colleagues if they can temporarily take up the important things you leave behind while the company finds someone to replace you. Make sure to coordinate any recommendations with your managers to avoid misunderstanding on any important issues and tasks while your position remains vacant.
Have a short goodbye meet-up with colleagues
On your last day at work, order some tasty food and ask your colleagues to join you for a 10-minute goodbye meet-up. Thank everyone who helped you and supported you with some good words or deeds. Express your gratitude for working with them – this will demonstrate you respect your colleagues and managers. Leave your contact data.
After all, you were a part of the company, and the company was a substantial part of your life for some period of time. Leaving a job does not mean throwing away this time and all the efforts you have made at work.
Remember, quitting a job is just as important as starting a new one, and there is nothing wrong or scary about changing your employer. Good luck with your career!
If you need help on your way to your next stellar job, feel free to get in touch with one of our stellar HR wizards! Check out our list of job vacancies here
