Resigning

How nice it would be if resigning from a job was always a pleasant experience, where there is no anxiety and your boss and colleagues genuinely wish you well for the future and are glad that you are fulfilling your ambitions. Unfortunately, this frequently is not the case.

How you handle your resignation can have an impact on your future. A clean break with no bad feeling sets you up for the new challenge ahead, and a good reference from a past employer is invaluable.

Once you have made the decision to resign, the first task is to inform your Manager, preferably face to face. A letter of resignation is required to formalise your decision and it acts as a legal document which needs to state the date from which you wish your notice period to commence.

How you write your letter depends on the circumstances of your departure. Basically, it only needs to include the full details of the person to whom it is addressed (including the company details), the notice of termination of employment, when this is effective from, and your signature.

If you are leaving on good terms, or are genuinely sorry to be leaving valued colleagues and friends, you could add an extra sentence or two thanking your boss for his support, the opportunities you have been given, and expressing your regret at leaving. This can go a long way to a good departure.

If, however, your resignation is as a result of adverse working conditions or a clash of personalities with your boss or other colleagues, it could be dangerous to go into detail as you may still have to work with these people during your notice period. Simply state your intention to resign from your position and do not elaborate on why you have come to the decision. Remember, the letter has one sole purpose – to inform your employer of the date you wish to terminate your employment. Keep it simple and to the point.

How to Break the News to your Boss

You've made your decision to move on and have your written letter ready to legally notify your employer of your actions. Now you have to tell your boss.

It's not uncommon to experience varied emotions depending on the nature of your departure. Guilt is often a factor – feeling that you have deserted them! Anxiety can then follow. You try to contemplate how your boss will take the news and how you will be treated during your notice period.

At this point you have to remind yourself that you have landed a new job because it is best for you and that you are looking forward to a positive future.

In reality, most people have at some point in their lives, including your boss, been in your position. Even though you may have been a valued member of the team, the company will not collapse without you. You probably are not the first person to resign from there and you probably won't be the last!

There is never a good time to hand in your notice of resignation so just use common sense and judgment.

• Keep it confidential - your boss should be the first person to know and he / she will appreciate being the one to decide who else to tell, how and when.
• Find the right moment to see your boss – not just before they are about to go into a meeting.
• If you are leaving on good terms, explain why you are leaving as this may help them understand your decision and respect it.
• If you don't want to reveal where you're going, you're perfectly within your rights to not declare your intentions.
• Be prepared for a negative reaction, and if this occurs, do not take it personally, just remind yourself of why you are going and put it down to shock.
• If there is likely to be a handover period to a colleague or new person, reassure your boss you'll be helpful and co-operative.
• Remember your reasons for leaving – stay by your convictions.

Having Second Thoughts?

It's not too late! This is a very important decision and you should contemplate long and hard before you make your final decision. Ensure that you are confident that this is the right move for you and that you are prepared to leave your current position.

Being 100% sure of your decision is crucial. Your boss may make a counter offer with incentives for you to stay – this is a nice confidence boost and if you are interested ask for some time before giving your decision. Remember, your boss should not think that you are money orientated or disloyal but ambitious.

Before you resign, check the following:

• The pros and cons of your present job against the new one.
• Have you pursued all avenues for advancement within your current firm?
• Would you leave if you were offered more money or a promotion?
• Make the decision based on facts rather than nostalgia.
• Remember your motives for seeking alternative employment in the first place – are they likely to change?
• Don't be put off by imagining peoples reactions if it is the right decision for you.

Be positive - don't under-estimate your capabilities. If you have goals and ambitions, reach for them! It is important to remember that the average worker spends eight hours per day at the office. That's at least forty hours per week - so be sure!