I Quit... 3 Things Not To Do When Resigning From Your Job

Dear Boss, I Quit!

Are you currently unsatisfied with your job or the company you are working for? If you have thought your decision over and over again and decided that seeking employment elsewhere is best for you, you will need to resign from your current position. Unfortunately for many individuals, this is a lot easier said than done.

If this is the first time you are attempting to hand in your resignation, you may be unsure how you should proceed. Perhaps, the best way to go about tendering your resignation, in the most appropriate matter, is to familiarize yourself with what you shouldn’t do. A few tips are outlined below to guide you.

1. Do not act on impulse: One of the worst things you can do when looking to resign from your job is quitting on impulse.  This most commonly occurs after receiving discipline or when a work-related conflict arises.  No matter how upset or frustrated you are, you will want to try, at all costs, not to quit on the spot. 

Don't Act Impulsively

This can not only reflect negatively upon you at the moment, but an impulse resignation may impact your chances of finding employment in the future. Do not resign verbally, especially if you have a binding contract with the company. Your contract of employment usually stipulates a notice period in the event of separation. Most employers expect to receive at least two weeks notice.Be sure to give your employer sufficient notice that satisfies the notice requirement. It is also important that you submit your resignation in a professional matter.  Try and do so in person, with a formal written resignation as well.

2. No bad-mouthing: Another thing you do not want to do when looking to resign from your current position is bad mouth your bosses to others, including your friends, co-workers, or during future job interviews. 

No mudslinging

You need to make sure that you do not “burn any bridges.”  This is extremely important as you never know when your words or your actions may come back to haunt you.  You will want to ensure that your current employer, the one in which you no longer want to work for, is able to give you a glowing recommendation for years to come.

3. No scenes, no actions: I know the idea of “going out with a bang” (maybe dashing an expensive equipment on the ground when walking out or batting that annoying colleague with a keyboard) is appealing, especially when the circumstances surrounding your exit are far from perfect - . However, there is no need to start the fireworks.  

Avoid Putting Up A Show

Even if you are quitting your job because you are unhappy with your pay or with your boss or other co-workers, you will want to leave as quietly as possible.  You will want to put a happy smile on your face, no matter what your real emotions are.  As previously stated, you will want to ensure that you are able to use your current employer as a job reference for years to come. You also need to remember that you never know when you may come into contact with your bosses or co-workers in the future.

By keeping the above mentioned points in mind, you should be able to submit your resignation without causing any harm to your finances or your good name.  In all honesty, all you really need to do is just use your best judgment, as it is usually the best guide to follow.