Resigning

Are unhappy at your job?

If you are unhappy at your job and it is starting to affect your productivity and attitude, it may be a time to reflect on whether you should move on. In saying that however, resigning is not something that you should undertake hastily or impulsively.

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Steps to telling your boss your resigning.

• Pick a good time to speak with your employer. It might be useful to arrange a meeting with him or her if they are very busy.
• Make sure you have a reasonable explanation for leaving.
• Maintain a positive tone.  Mention the opportunities you have been given and the good experiences you have had with the company.
• A resignation usually comes as a bit of a surprise, so be prepared for unexpected reactions from your boss.
• Maintain your composure.  Speak in a decisive and placid tone and remain calm.
• Avoid getting into personal details about anyone in the company.
• Keep focused.  You are there with the purpose of resigning and nothing else.
• If you find yourself becoming anxious, stop and take a deep breath.
• Be optimistic.  Wish them well for the future or remind them that you are willing to make the transition as smooth as possible.
• Make sure you leave a good last impression.
• Always confirm your verbal resignation in writing.
• Resignation Letter
• Write all the things you want to say down. This will help you re-think and re-word your letter until the message you want to convey is clear.
• Make the letter clear and to the point.
• Include your name, today’s date and when your last day will be.
• Address the letter to your boss.  Advise that you want to end your employment and sign it.
• State in a clear and simple manner the reasons for your resignation, e.g. after new challenges, further your career, etc.
• Give a reasonable amount of time for notice.  Make sure it is in line with any contract obligations.
• Always leave on good terms! You may want to include personal thoughts direct to your boss if they have been a great help or mentor to you.  You might like to thank them for the opportunities you have been given.  Maybe the organisation has been a fantastic employer and you want to say so in your letter.
• If your time at the company has not been a good one, don’t mention this in your letter.

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Saying goodbye

• Settle your remaining pay and other benefits such as holiday entitlement, company car, company credit cards, mobile phone, health fund etc.
• Finish any work you have been assigned where possible.  Before leaving, make sure that there is someone to take on your work even if you cannot finish it yourself.
• Say goodbye to your colleagues.  Maintain or update their contact details so that you can remain in contact with them in future.
• Ask for a reference.
• Maintain a positive attitude until the end.
• Avoid talking about your new job too much to your current employer and/or colleagues.

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