There are many reasons why people quit their jobs. Perhaps, you feel like you got stuck in your current position and want to move forward in your career. Or maybe, you’ve finally realized you’d rather work in a totally different role or even profession. Or you just need a break for completing your education or considering launching your own business. To avoid any regrets in the future, you should carefully analyze what’s motivating you to make a change and be absolutely sure that’s exactly what you want. Yet, whatever the reason may be, it’s usually a stressful experience that no one really enjoys.
When it comes to resigning from your job, you should do your best to do that in a maximally graceful and professional manner. In general, announcing that you are leaving via email is a nice and efficient way to pass this message to a broad audience quickly and easily. Moreover, it gives you the possibility to take your time and choose the right wording for passing the news. Here are some guidelines for communicating about your resignation the right way, without burning bridges.
Suggest a Farewell Event or Celebration
Organizing a goodbye event is an excellent way to appreciate all the good things you’ve experienced with your current workforce and leave behind the unpleasant ones before starting a new journey with another company. It doesn’t have to be a big crowded party if you don’t feel like throwing it. You can have a simple lunch with your colleagues and the team leader or an afternoon tea with cakes. Heck, you can even troll a bit and wear some hilarious items to end your employment era on a high note. For instance, you can benefit from the free t shirt design tool and use one out of multiple available prints that can highlight your party. Don’t be a party pooper if the circumstances allow you to vibe until the end. That’s our message!
Be Positive
Of course, your reasons for leaving your current post may be quite positive by themselves: promotion with an affiliated company, a dream job offer from another company, etc. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes you might feel sad or even insulted by your current work experience – and quite rightfully so. The important thing to keep in mind here is that since you are leaving anyway, there is no need to focus on the negative side. The best resignations are always gracious with no grudge held against anyone. In all likelihood, there were good and useful things as well, for instance, valuable professional experience or deep insights into the industry you’ve been working in. Try to put these positive experiences into the spotlight of your goodbye email, even if it’s difficult to do. Your email will definitely be remembered, so it’s always a wise idea not to burn your bridges. When you quit, you may think that you will never see these people again, but the truth is that you never know for sure if you will cross paths with this company somewhere in the future. And don’t forget about references – even if you don’t require them now, at some point you may need them.
Take Care of Transition
You spend a significant part of your life in your current position working on a number of issues. Naturally, you’ll want to preserve your accomplishments and make sure they will be utilized in the future even when you are not around anymore. Take your time and draft a detailed handover report which will make the first working days of your successor much easier. Also, remember to include your contact details in case something urgent comes up. Rest assured, this will be very much appreciated and good karma always pays off.
Complete Unfinished Tasks
Leaving any of your ongoing tasks unfinished is a very unprofessional thing to do. Even if you have some harsh feelings toward your current employer, this should not in any way reflect on your professionalism. It is of extreme importance that you complete everything before you leave for good. Send an email to relevant recipients summing up your finished tasks and assignments.
Provide a Brief Explanation
Of course, it’s not mandatory, but some HR experts strongly advise in favor of providing a brief and concrete explanation of why you decided to quit. When it comes to description, get straight to the point and avoid getting emotional. It is helpful because the management might want to consider fixing issues you raised after you leave, which will improve the situation for all your colleagues who are staying. Choose your words carefully; otherwise, you may regret what you’ve stated in your email.
Wrapping Up
Even if it is a bad experience that compels you to change your workplace, it’s vital to stay professional in any situation and approach your separation from service with a gracious and positive attitude. Remember those bad decisions may considerably impact your reputation.
