At some point in your professional life, you will likely bid adieu to a job. There are so many reasons that you might choose to move on from a role. Perhaps you’ve been approached for a better opportunity with a different company. Maybe you’re making a career change. Or it could be that something wasn’t right about your current job, and you’re making the move to find a better fit. Whatever your reasons may be, there’s a few things you should know when quitting your job. There’s a right and a wrong way to approach this transition, and the right way doesn’t involve storming out the door in a flurry! Read on for some wise and professional ways to leave your job.
Know Your Reasons
Quitting your job should never be an impulse decision. Unfortunately, the job market is tough and competitive, and quitting without a backup plan can leave you in financial and emotional straits. Plus, quitting on a whim is often viewed as unprofessional—and be hard to explain to a future employer.
Instead, take some time to consider why you wish to make this change. Taking the decision-making process slowly is very valuable, as it can help you uncover the right next steps to take. It can also guide you towards avoiding a repeat of your current situation (vital if you’re seeking real change). Knowing the reasons for your decision will help you feel more confident as you move forward, and can propel you onwards even if things get tough for a while.
Have a Plan
As you work through your decision to leave your job or employer, you can start formulating your next steps. For many, this is the time to begin applying for new roles. The best approach is to let your current employer know of your intentions. This can give you the opportunity to spend time on your job search while finishing up at your current position. Your employer can also begin sourcing for your replacement. This can make the transition easier for both parties.
Your plan does not have to be a new job, however this can certainly make your move more secure. For many, quitting can be an opportunity to take some time off for travel, a return to education, or simply for time to reflect and make a career transition. If this is the case, a smart plan of action is to save extra money for several months. This can then serve as a financial buffer during your transitional period, preventing you from worrying about money and giving you the support needed to make your changes.
Provide Ample Time
You’ve made the decision to move on from your job and you’ve got a solid plan set in motion. It is time to inform your employer of your plans. This can be an uncomfortable situation for some, but the best and most professional approach is to be forthcoming and honest. Speak with your employer and provide a written letter of resignation so that you have an official document stating your impending departure. The standard time period when giving notice is two weeks, but depending on your situation, you may choose to give your employer a longer period to find your replacement. Your employer will appreciate your assistance and your straightforward approach to your departure.
Don’t Leave Your Team in the Lurch
Providing ample notice prior to your departure is a professional and courteous way to proceed when leaving your job. But it may be especially important in senior positions or in other roles significant to the function of the company. When choosing to make a job change, the right approach is to sit down with your employer and have a conversation about the process as well as explain why you’re leaving. Your employer needs to be made aware of your impending plans, and also given the opportunity to understand the impetus behind your decision. This lets them know if there are areas the business can be improved, or ways that they could do better for employees. It can also help them to reframe your position for the future, if necessary. In short, your feedback can help make the business an overall better workplace.
This conversation also gives employers the right amount of time–and level of understanding–to begin the search for your replacement candidate. Without this, you may leave your team too hastily, and without support for the coming weeks (or even months). This can make things difficult on your colleagues and on the business, and it also reflects poorly on you as a professional. The most appropriate way to move forward is by allowing sufficient time for the transition to occur. It’s the kind—and right—thing to do.
Ready to find your next role? On Line Recruitment and Labour Hire can help. Get in touch with our team to utilise our free services for job seekers and let us assist you in securing a great position.
