Essential Job Tips - Resignation

You would think the tough part would be over now since you have successfully passed the interview stage and have in your hands a signed contract for your new job.  This may not be the case as the final step, while not difficult in the same sense as the others, can often be the most emotional.  We are talking about the resignation.

If you've enjoyed working at the company you are about to leave, resigning can be a nerve-wracking and heart-wrenching process. But if you keep in mind the reasons you decided to leave in the first place, and realise that looking after yourself and your career is very important, then resigning doesn't have to be such a difficult process.  In contrast to a disgruntled employee, you have the opportunity to turn this into something which may benefit you in the future by making the execution of your resignation a highly professional undertaking which holds you up as an example of a desirable employee or business partner.

If you haven't been enjoying your job or workplace, the best advice is to leave on the best possible terms. You never know when your path may cross with your current colleagues in future jobs and burning bridges is generally not a smart move.  While you may not directly work with your current colleagues again you may collaborate on the same client (provided you stay in your current industry) or perhaps even work a few steps removed.  In any case, there is little to be achieved short of a quick burst of satisfaction in storming out on your last day.

Have a simple resignation letter prepared, and then meet with your direct manager. Talk about the positives you've experienced working with your manager, in your role, and at the company, and indicate that your reasons for leaving are a positive step for you, rather than a negative reaction to your current employment. Leaving on a good note is a far more pleasant way to move on than going down in a blaze of glory - as tempting as that may be sometimes – and you are going to seriously compromise your chances of a send of drink!

If your employer makes a counter-offer, you should consider the reasons why you wanted to leave in the first place.  While the best option in the majority of cases is to stick to your decision, there may be times where your direct manager may not have adequately communicated your dissatisfaction and senior management may be shocked to hear you are leaving.  The choice to stay should be a firm one but do not cast it in stone, particularly is your reasons for leaving are overcompensated in the counter offer.