How To Quit Your Job

This is the second part of a two part article.  In part one I described how to know when it’s time to call it quits.  This part will focus on how to leave gracefully once you’ve decided to quit.

I hope I stressed in part one that it’s important to access your goals before quitting a job.  Once you’ve made the decision to quit, there are several steps to take to ensure a smooth transition.  Most career experts clearly define the right ways and wrong ways to leave.  As with anything in life, the situation dictates the appropriate course of action.

Here are the Live Uncomfortably guidelines to quitting your job:

• BE HONEST BUT SPARE EVERY DETAIL            
  It’s important to be honest with your employer as to why you are leaving.  Tell them what your plans are but don’t give everything away.  You should not bash your boss or company.  In the end, this accomplishes nothing.  Your boss will still be the boss and your company will still be standing.    
• GIVE NOTICE   
  If you are planning on interacting or doing business with people from your company in the future, it’s good to give them notice. The standard is two weeks. You are not obligated to stay longer than this. However, if you are really striving to keep your bridges intact, a little longer might be better.

  In my case, I put in about a months notice.  I love the people I work with and will need to call on them in the future.  The extra time allows them to cope with my departure more effectively and creates good will.  Staying longer definitely matches my goals. 

  But, say you win $10 million dollars, or there’s an exploding business offer that can’t wait – leave now!  Don’t sacrafice something amazing just because you want to give proper notice.  If it’s a great opportunity people will understand.  If Diddy dropped down in a helicopter right now and said, “Come on Derek, let’s go to Miami and party with bitches,” I’d reconsider my notice in a second.  

• REJECT COUNTER OFFERS     
  A lot of times your employer will offer you more compensation or promise a promotion if you decide to stay. While these offers might sound tempting, I actually found a lot resources online that argue against taking them. Accepting counter offers damages your credibility, questions your ability to be a team player, and looks bad to any future employer. CollegeRecruiter.com says that Statistically, over 85% of executives who accept counteroffers are gone from that employer within 18 months of accepting the counteroffer. 

  If you want a raise, ask for one.  Don’t say you’re quitting with the hopes that it will force your employer to reconsider your contract.  Once again access your goals.  If you just need to make more money quickly and you’re not worried about the long term, by all means accept the offer.  

   

• DON’T QUIT WITH THE INTENTION OF COMING BACK   
  You should not accept counter offers and you should not quit with the intention of coming back.  The brain is the most powerful organ in your body.  If you know deep down inside that you have an out and a way back you’re less likely to give it your all.  If you leave only to come right back, you look like a dog with a tail between its legs. 
   
  This concept is especially important for those who are quitting to start their own business ventures.  If you leave too many fall backs, you run the risk of reverting back to old habits.  Do not accept defeat.

A true man burns all unnecessary bridges, leaving only those intact which will further his purpose.