How To Leave Your Job

When trying to figure out how to leave your job gracefully, the question of the dreaded two weeks notice crops up. There is wisdom to this approach. Additionally, there are a host of unspoken rules that further determine how to leave your job and not burn any bridges.

To leave your job you will need:

• two weeks notice
• to complete all your work
• confidence and self esteem

1. Give two weeks notice. This is a time-honored tradition in the workforce. It allows the company you are leaving to replace you. When figuring how to leave your job, and hand in a notice that sets you up for re-hire, remember that it pays to be tactful. Take an "it’s me, not you" approach. Never criticize the manager or supervisor, but instead let the human resources department know that you just feel the need to spread your wings a bit and move on.
2. Finish up outstanding projects. Learning how to leave your job may require you to work overtime, literally. While you could just leave all the started processes to a successor, it is bad form to leave behind unfinished work. Should you ever request a re-hire, the chaos your departure created is sure to be remembered.
3. Plan a two- or three-day vacation. Do everything in your power to carve out two or three days in-between positions. This makes it possible for you to relax, regroup and mentally prepare for the new job. Sure, it is tempting to work until Friday or even Saturday to get all the work done and then start on Monday at the new company. But this leaves too little time to get ready for the new challenge. Starting off a new position on an emotionally or mentally bad foot can set you up for failure from day one.

It is interesting to note that experts in the field outline another component when trying to teach you, the professional, how to leave your job. Take for example Steven DeMaio from the Harvard Business Review. He points out that taking the easy way out does not pave the way for a satisfactory exit or entrance into the new job. Instead, it leaves the nagging feeling of things undone, which can affect work performance at the new position.

Remember that learning how to leave your job enables you to start off the next position with self-confidence and a good dose of self-esteem.

Resources:

How to Quite Your Job with Style