The Best Way To Quit Your Job

Below, we have 5 steps to follow in quitting your job:

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Step 1: Have a discussion.

You should start by speaking with your direct boss or supervisor about your new decision. While it is not exactly the news any superior wants to hear, it is important to have a one-on-one chat with your superior about your intention to walk away. Irrespective of why you are leaving, your supervisor should be the first to know about it before anyone else.

Step 2: Give a notice.

After your discussion with your manager, you can go ahead to submit an official notice to that effect. While the most common move is to give a two weeks’ notice, there is no universal rule anywhere to that effect. So, you may give longer notice. However, you must understand that continuous extra notice may become a value negative rather than positive. It is best to see the added time as your way of appreciating your employers and giving them sufficient time to put your replacement through the ropes.

Step 3: Submit formal transition documents.

Depending on the structure of your organization, you may be required to work with the HR department on transition documents. These documents often help your employers keep track of your last-day activities and your exit. It also helps the company seamlessly transfer your responsibilities to your replacement or other team members. In some cases, it helps both parties sort the handing over of the company’s properties and items.

Step 4: Have your exit interview.

Your exit interview is an avenue to provide feedback on your experience at the organization. Asides from making your reservations (if any) about the company or fellow employees known, you can also provide genuine recommendations on how your former company can get better. The HR department will most likely reach out to arrange one. But if they do not, you can personally send a reminder. Lastly, remember that your exit interview ensures you leave on friendly terms with your employers, so do not make it a witch-hunting crusade.

Step 5: Enjoy your final days.

Now that you have notified every stakeholder about your decision to leave, it is easy to get carried away by the thoughts of how to spend the first post-resignation weeks. That is why you must be intentional about serving the final weeks of your role as an employee in your organization. See the two weeks (or more, depending on your notice) as an opportunity to further engrain your status as a champ. Build on the already existing good relationships with your bosses and coworkers. This will memorialize you as an excellent employee who left when the ovation was the loudest. When you leave people with the best memories of you, it is much easier to return to ask for a favor or help. So, preserve the bridge on your way out for the days you may have to walk on it again.