Resign from your job?

[Flames89]

I am resigning today from my job. Anyone have any tips to handle this?

[ah123]

This are some the pointers I was given when I asked this question to a (trusted) colleague:

* Don't burn bridges - keep it cordial and friendly (wrt resignation letter) and discussions after handing it in
* Don't vent to colleagues afterwards
* With respect to the resignation letter, don't make it sound like the other job is way better and the other company is way better etc. Use terms like "better fit for my skills" or "new opportunity" (you never know what will happen tomorrow - I have had colleagues quit company X and join company Y, only to find out two months later that company X was in the process of buying company Y)

Hope that helps

[Maritime Q-Scout]

Originally posted by ah123@Jan 10 2005, 12:42 PM
This are some the pointers I was given when I asked this question to a (trusted) colleague:

* Don't burn bridges - keep it cordial and friendly (wrt resignation letter) and discussions after handing it in
* Don't vent to colleagues afterwards
* With respect to the resignation letter, don't make it sound like the other job is way better and the other company is way better etc. Use terms like "better fit for my skills" or "new opportunity" (you never know what will happen tomorrow - I have had colleagues quit company X and join company Y, only to find out two months later that company X was in the process of buying company Y)

Hope that helps

while I agree with that this is more fun:

* tell everyone off, nothing like telling the boss to go f#%& himself
* vent to colleagues, yuo play the radio too high, you're annoying, you can't make a decent cup of coffee, you're ugly, you're fat, I hate you all!
* instead of writing a letter of resignation just give everyone the finger, then flip them off.

seriously though, actually talk to the colleagues afterwards, tell them they'll be missed, and that you wish that you could stay, and that the new people in the new job are only half as good as them because then the new job would be a complete joy to work at.

as werid as it might sound, leaving is the best time to suck up.


I just lost my job (numbers game) and I was justifying my release to my boss, while he was yelling and swearing saying how it wasn't fair, unwarranted, unjustified, etc.

I've got to head into get seperation slips etc, when I do I'm bringing my boss his usual breakfast, bring a cup of coffee with the letter, be classy.

My uncle was put in that position a number of years ago (like 15-20) by taking a job that was closer to home (left the Toronto area to live in New Brunswick) a few yeas a go (like 2 or 3) he applied to a new job with the required number of references (3 I think it was) they called his former employer in TO, and didn't call any others. They basically asked the reference checkers if they'd send him back to Ontario as they want him back.

Be a class not an ass, doesn't make things easier now, but people remember it.

[Mr. Ski]

Agree with everything ah123 said... Never let emotion take over. Thank them for the opportunities you've had with them, and simply say that you're moving to new challenges.

Also, having seen this a number of times, assuming you're giving two weeks notice, continue to do a good job right up until your last day. I've seen too many people start to act very unprofessional during their two weeks saying, "what are they going to do, fire me?". Great way to burn bridges at the last possible moment, even if your original letter was well worded and presented professionally.

Lastly, if you get the first two right, and the situation wasn't totally in the toilet before, ask for a letter of recommendation or referral from your supervisor / boss, etc. These are great to keep on file and use for any future job applications.

[Resolute 14]

I'd recommend tucking your boss's head under your arm and playing his skull like a bongo drum.

[Ironhorse]

Originally posted by Flames89@Jan 10 2005, 08:20 AM
I am resigning today from my job. Anyone have any tips to handle this?

The advise given thus far is good, esp. about not burning any bridges. I once had a company contact me to get me back after about a year or so.

Depending on which route to take WRT the style of resignation is directly dependant on how much money you won in the lottery, IMO... )

[ricosuave]

Originally posted by Snakeeye@Jan 10 2005, 04:15 PM
I'd recommend tucking your boss's head under your arm and playing his skull like a bongo drum.

yeah, you can get a really good sound out of that guy...

and also, be sure to check when benefits and things like that run out, and if its a while before the new ones start.

when changing jobs about 5 years ago, i was thankful i gave 2 weeks notice because i had to have an emergency root canal and my outgoing benefits covered it, while i would have been on the hook for about $1500 otherwise.

rico

[InTheSlot]

I don't understand why everyone is suggesting that a letter of resignation is the best way to go about this.

Since when did it become unacceptable to just approach your boss/supervisor and tell him face to face? That's the way I would want my employees to go about it if I were a manager. Think about it, if you're sitting there having your morning breakfast and one of your employees slips you a letter saying he's quitting (like in the example someone posted about their uncle or something), I dunno about you but I would be like "what the hell?" I'd much rather an employee talk to me head on and say "I'd like to give you my 2 weeks notice today because I have found a new job that will let me explore new opportunities for myself...blah blah blah", rather than hand my some letter.

[CaptainCrunch]

I always gave my resignation letter in person and made sure that I discussed my reasons for leaving. Its nice to have that paper work in place in case of a dispute.

Then I would play my bosses head like a bong

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally posted by InTheSlot@Jan 10 2005, 12:02 PM
I don't understand why everyone is suggesting that a letter of resignation is the best way to go about this.

Since when did it become unacceptable to just approach your boss/supervisor and tell him face to face? That's the way I would want my employees to go about it if I were a manager. Think about it, if you're sitting there having your morning breakfast and one of your employees slips you a letter saying he's quitting (like in the example someone posted about their uncle or something), I dunno about you but I would be like "what the hell?" I'd much rather an employee talk to me head on and say "I'd like to give you my 2 weeks notice today because I have found a new job that will let me explore new opportunities for myself...blah blah blah", rather than hand my some letter.

In my experience you do both. You tell whomever you report to you're leaving first. HR usually wants a formal letter from you for documentation purposes.

Since I usually tell them why in person, my resignation letters have been all of one or two sentences long.

Your boss will usually ask why you're leaving anyways. Usually.

[Agamemnon]

Originally posted by InTheSlot@Jan 10 2005, 06:02 PM
I don't understand why everyone is suggesting that a letter of resignation is the best way to go about this.

Since when did it become unacceptable to just approach your boss/supervisor and tell him face to face? That's the way I would want my employees to go about it if I were a manager. Think about it, if you're sitting there having your morning breakfast and one of your employees slips you a letter saying he's quitting (like in the example someone posted about their uncle or something), I dunno about you but I would be like "what the hell?" I'd much rather an employee talk to me head on and say "I'd like to give you my 2 weeks notice today because I have found a new job that will let me explore new opportunities for myself...blah blah blah", rather than hand my some letter.

Most people walk in, tell their boss they quit, and hand them the letter. Its for the company's records, not because you're being a coward.

[CrzyCanuck]

Make sure you want to leave, God I hate it when people use it as a bargining chip. Personally I have never offered someone more money, if thats why they are leaving.

If they were unhappy I would expect communication first.

[BlackArcher101]

The key like most of everyone says, is to not burn bridges and leave on a good note. Trust me, I went the telling off the boss route and it does not bode well in the future.

As for the letter or no letter, all places I've worked REQUIRE a letter of resignation stating certain requirements. It is done for records and legality reasons. I believe it is more formal too.

[InTheSlot]

Originally posted by Agamemnon+Jan 10 2005, 11:27 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Agamemnon @ Jan 10 2005, 11:27 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-InTheSlot@Jan 10 2005, 06:02 PM
I don't understand why everyone is suggesting that a letter of resignation is the best way to go about this.

Since when did it become unacceptable to just approach your boss/supervisor and tell him face to face? That's the way I would want my employees to go about it if I were a manager. Think about it, if you're sitting there having your morning breakfast and one of your employees slips you a letter saying he's quitting (like in the example someone posted about their uncle or something), I dunno about you but I would be like "what the hell?" I'd much rather an employee talk to me head on and say "I'd like to give you my 2 weeks notice today because I have found a new job that will let me explore new opportunities for myself...blah blah blah", rather than hand my some letter.

Most people walk in, tell their boss they quit, and hand them the letter. Its for the company's records, not because you're being a coward. [/b][/quote]
Oh. Well I didn't think these people were being cowards, just thought it was weird to resign with a peice of paper. Almost, slightly disrespectful even.

[JBR]

What happenned to the good ole "Dropping a tail on the bosses desk"?

Just walk up to the boss and say you can't work there anymore because the handle on the Slurpee machine is giving you tendonitis.. Then you could slap him with a mega-rich lawsuit!

[MolsonInBothHands]

Originally posted by fotze+Jan 10 2005, 11:11 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (fotze @ Jan 10 2005, 11:11 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-CaptainCrunch@Jan 10 2005, 11:04 AM
Then I would play my bosses head like a bong

What? you would pack his nostrils full of pot, then suck on his mouth while unplugging his nose? [/b][/quote]
That was hilarious! :biglaff:

[JiriHrdina]

Originally posted by CaptainCrunch@Jan 10 2005, 12:04 PM
I always gave my resignation letter in person and made sure that I discussed my reasons for leaving. Its nice to have that paper work in place in case of a dispute.

Then I would play my bosses head like a bong

Your point about discussing the reasons for leaving is an excellent one.

As an employer I always found it frustrating when people quit on me without telling me why. Most employees are worried about "burning bridges" but if its done in the right manner you can be providing your former boss and company with some extremely important feedback on how they can improve and make the organization a better place to work.

[CaptainCrunch]

Sometimes when people leave companies its because of a misunderstanding, or a soured workplace. Its more then fair that you give your employer the opportunity to improve things even if its not to your benefit.

If its a bad supervisor, or poor pay and benefits or the fact that other people have been sucked into a badly maintained packaging machine, they do have a right to know.

Frankly you would expect the same courtesy if you were suddenly canned right?