How To Leave Your Job Gracefully

Do you know how to leave your job gracefully? Whether you're fed up and ready to hit the door screaming or sad to say goodbye, how you leave is the last impression you'll ever make. Learn how to leave with dignity and ensure a great recommendation for future reference checks.

1. Decide to leave. It sounds simple, but a big part of leaving your job gracefully is making the decision to go. There's no wiggle room here-know when it's time to fold your hand and exit. Being anxious, upset or wishy-washy projects insecurity. Know in your heart you can leave your job and be happy in another place.
2. Prepare written notice. The way to leave your job gracefully is by preparing written notice. Most companies require at least two weeks notice. Type a letter to your manager explaining your intent to leave. Include the last date you will be working and be sure to thank your manager.
3. Turn in your notice. Once you've completed your written notice, turn it in to your manager and you will be remembered as leaving your job gracefully. Even if you were hired under at will employment, which means you can leave without notice, turning in your intent to leave is the right thing to do. Your notice gives the company time to begin looking for someone else and ensures you will receive a good recommendation from your manager.
4. Share your notice with the manager first. Nothing says that you're leaving your job gracefully more than sharing your notice with the boss. If you tell coworkers of your intentions prior to informing your company, serious consequences can arise. Be professional and keep it to yourself!
5. Thank everyone. If you really want to leave your job gracefully, thank your colleagues and managers. Speak to each person and tell them how much you've enjoyed working with them. This leaves a good impression that lasts long after you're gone.
6. Speak highly of your employer. Leaving your job gracefully means never saying negative things. During your final days with the company, refuse to engage in gossip or speak badly about the company. (You shouldn't do this any time during your employment!) After you're gone, the same applies. It's unprofessional to speak poorly of your former employer and reflects badly on you.