You might be rushing out the door after deciding to resign. It’s still important to handle your transition with tact.
The moment your mind, body, and spirit feel your time with a company is coming to an end, it can drum up a lot of emotions.
When do I tell my boss? How do I tell my boss? What will I put in my resignation letter? Is it even necessary to write one? Why do I even care how my boss will take it?
As I typed that — a few hours after handing in my own resignation letter — a meme I saw over the weekend flashed in my thoughts.
The meme said something to the effect of — employers expect you to give them two weeks notice when you resign, but don’t even let you get your purse on your shoulder when security is escorting you out of the building when you get fired.
At the time, the meme made me laugh in agreement and hit the like button. But as easy as it was to like the post, going through this moment wasn’t so laughable.
Here are a few tips on how to prepare to depart from your job:
1) No matter how toxic or mismanaged the environment you’re saying goodbye to, do not leave acting tacky like the company was during your tenure.
Whether you were there for a month or five years, walk out saying goodbye to those you’d like to keep in contact with and don’t linger around.
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Remember at the end of the day, your former colleagues may not really mean to wish you well or are too busy with the grunt work you left behind to stop and give you a hug.
Keep it cute: See you later, bye and go home.
2) Yes, be cordial and write a formal resignation letter.
It not only shows that you’re a class act but if the company keeps a file on you, that’ll be their last impression of you.
Keep the note short and sweet. No aggressive language or telling where you’re next opportunity will be. Just thank them for the opportunity and add the date of your last day. Done.
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3) Don’t take to heart the reaction your boss gives you when you hand over the letter.
Remember, if the work environment wasn’t proper during your tenure, don’t act surprised when you get a nonchalant, a passive-aggressive “bye” or no response at all. But, if you loved your job and you hate to leave it for a better opportunity then that’s a blessing, the uncomfortable meeting should run smoother for you.
Regardless, hold your head high going in for the one-on-one meeting and walk out the same way.
4) Those next two weeks are going to feel like the senior year of high school. You’re going to have terrible instincts to call out sick, come in late and horse around like there’s no work to get done.
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Like I stated before, keep it classy. You came into the company excited to work, then leave with that same energy. Absolutely do not allow the fact that you’re leaving change your work ethic.
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