Calling it Quits

You know you’ve had it with your current job, however, resigning is often as difficult as getting a new job. Nidhi Choksi gives tips on calling it quits without a hassle

There are various reasons why people choose to quit their jobs – a burnout, emergencies, family commitments and sometimes even prospects of new jobs. Whatever the reason, quitting is a big decision that should be taken after much thought. If you’ve finally decided you want to quit, the bigger question is, how do you do it?

RESIGN GRACEFULLY
Keep your frustration in check. You might hate your job and your boss, but you need to keep in mind that you must quit graciously. You might have had many problems during your tenure, but you cannot rant about it in front of the boss just because you think you won’t see him/her any more. Do not create unnecessary feuds as they may backfire when your future employer does a background check.

GIVE A NOTICE
Prior to taking up a new job you received a letter, a phone call or an email confirming your joining date. Likewise, it is important that you give a notice before you plan to leave. It is essential to mention the date you wish to quit. Generally, a two-week notice is given, but in cases of contracts you might have signed, you would need to abide by the codes of resignation. This basically offers your employers time to mull over your move and begin work on technicalities.

MENTION YOUR REASONS
Informing your desire to leave is generally done in person. It is essential that you tell your boss in person about your resignation first as it shows courtesy and reflects well on formal work mannerisms. Stick to the facts and talk positively when you do.

RESIGNATION LETTER
Back up your talk with your boss with a formal resignation letter. You never know when you might need that old employer to give you a reference, so it makes sense to take the time to write a polished and professional resignation letter. It gives a statement in words that you would like to quit, which is important for records and documentation.

RECOMMENDATION LETTER
Employers generally prefer recommended employees, so if you are going to spoil your relations with your boss, chances are that you might not get a recommendation letter from him/her. Before you leave, ask for a letter of recommendation. As time passes and people move on, it’s easy to lose track of previous employers. With a letter in hand, you’ll have written proof of your credentials to give to prospective employers.

BE THANKFUL
Thank the company and the boss for giving you an opportunity to grow and explore. It is important for you to tell them that they have helped you learn. Give them some credit for they have trained you to do your work. They might have taught you new skills, so specify that and even thank your colleagues if possible.

DON’T FORGET THE DETAILS
Find out about the employee benefits and salary you are entitled to receive upon leaving. Make inquires about collecting reimbursements. Ask about employee provident funds and also collect your personal documents that the office might have kept for the record.

RETURN COMPANY PROPERTY
Now that you have served your term it is time to return any company property that you might possess –keys, documents, laptops, phones, etc. It is not right to have the company chase you to get them back, and you don’t want to be held responsible if they are not returned on time. Make sure you don’t take any official company documents on purpose or by error; it could be a breach of privacy.

STAYING LONGER
While your employer might compel you to advance your notice period, you are not obliged to abide. In any case if your employer insists, consider it. Otherwise, it is best to politely decline, mentioning a reason. In many cases, employers offer a counter offer when someone valuable decides to quit. Consider it only if it is much more generous than your new offer. The sad fact remains that most people regret that they ever took a counter offer and wound up at square one a year later, with a resignation letter in hand.

HELP WITH THE TRANSITION
If you are unable to serve your notice period, be of help by training your replacement, be available for exit questioning or even work after hours if the need arises. It is also wise to be available on phone or email if you cannot be physically present.

TAKE YOUR BELONGINGS
Your belongings at work may either hold sentimental significance, or may be used against you – whatever the reason, you never want to leave a personal reminder of your presence with anyone in the company once you have left. In the same vein, do not leave your workstation cluttered. It is not only unfair and disrespectful, but also leaves a sour taste in the mouth of management. The point is to depart on a high note. You want everyone to miss you and regret that you quit, not curse you because you left behid a biohazard of a work space.

ZIP IT UP
Last but not least, it is crucial to keep your mouth shut about your former employer once you quit. The world is small and gossip travels fast, so don’t spread confidential or negative information about your old place of employment. Loose lips do sink ships in the business world, so be professional. Let others talk while you relax, observe and just do your job.

QUITTING THE EPIC WAY
• JetBlue’s flight attendant Steven Slater quit his job after he was abused by a passenger over the loudspeaker. He grabbed some beers and glided down the plane’s emergency slide. What a way to make an exit!
• Chris Holmes told bosses at Stansted Airport’s Border Force that he was leaving to start his own business with his resignation letter as the icing on a cake.
• Joey DeFrancesco left his job after working three years in the room service department at the Providence Rhode Island Hotel with a marching band.

 

Volume 4 Issue 1