How to Quit Your Job the Right Way
Why knowing how to quit a job professionally matters
Many people know how to get a job but aren’t always sure how to leave one professionally. It’s important to quit a job in a professional and respectful matter. Handling a resignation in the right way can make a big difference in your career for years to come.
Why quitting on good terms matters
Although quitting a job can feel like a single, forgettable moment in your work history, it can come back to impact your career years later. Why? Because just like you’re changing jobs now, the people you work with are also likely to change jobs someday. Quitting gracefully helps your boss and your coworkers. If you leave suddenly or chaotically, they’ll remember. Depending on where you live and how many employers there are in your industry, it’s likely you’ll work with these people again at some point. A current coworker could be your future boss. You don’t want to burn any bridges.
What does quitting professionally actually look like?
Quitting in a professional manner will look different for each person and depends on the company and your job. The most important thing to remember is that you want to make sure to provide the person who will be filling your role with the information they need to do a good job. If your job is unique, you might need to document the processes you use to get your tasks done. Writing Standard Operating Processes (SOPs) will show you care about the company and the people you are leaving behind when you take your new job.
Understanding two-weeks notice
It’s customary to give a two week notice when quitting a job. This time frame provides your boss with time to either fill your role with a current employee or to post your job for an external applicant. A two-week notice also provides you with time to transition your responsibilities to the person who will handle your tasks after you leave and to wrap up any projects you are working on. If your job is highly specialized, you think your role might be difficult to fill, or if your new employer is willing to wait a little longer for you to start, giving a 3 or 4 week notice will be greatly appreciated and ensure you leave on good terms.
Do you have to give two-weeks notice?
Unless you have a contract that requires a two-week (or longer) notice, you certainly do not have to provide a transition period. However, it’s important to realize that quitting suddenly will limit your ability to use this company as a reference when you look for a job in the future.
If you’re in a situation where you feel unsafe or are being harassed, quitting without a two-week notice might make sense, especially if you’ve taken your concerns to HR and are not being taken seriously. However, know that when you quit a job, you are not eligible for unemployment. Make sure that you have enough financial stability that you can live without a paycheck until you start a new job.
What to say when giving two-weeks notice
It’s important to be polite and respectful when quitting. Your exact words don’t have to be the same for everyone. Your resignation message to your supervisor and Human Resources should be professional and formal. State your appreciation for the job and what you have learned, provide them with the date of your last day on the job, and confirm how you will return any property that belongs to the company. Depending on your contract or company policy, you might be eligible to take unpaid vacation or personal time off (PTO). Be sure to read your contract or employee handbook to make sure you understand your benefits before quitting.
Even if you are comfortable telling your boss you are quitting face-to-face, it is still important to provide a written letter of resignation. Your letter can be an email; it does not have be an actual letter. But you should document your resignation, your last day of employment and any other details in writing.
What not to say when quitting
Don’t let your emotions get the best of you when quitting your job. There is no reason to burn bridges. Although you might be quitting because you are upset with the company, your boss or your coworkers, take some time to think about the impact of what you plan to say. Ask yourself if your opinions will make a positive or negative difference for the company, your coworkers and your reputation.
Is it ok to quit a job you just started?
It is not ideal to quit a job you just started, but it happens. If you are considering taking a job while continuing to look for a better job, check out How To Decline a Job Offer [link] for information that can help you decide if a job offer is right for you. It’s better to make a good decision in the first place than to take a job and then resign just a few days or weeks later.
How to say goodbye to coworkers
Although your official letter of resignation should be polite and formal, you can be much more casual with your coworkers. Use your conversation as an opportunity to get your coworkers’ contact information. You never know when you might want to reach out to them again!
Quitting a job is both an ending and an exciting new beginning. By quitting a job the right way – professionally, politely and respectfully – you’ll set yourself for success if you and a coworker cross paths again.