You’ve decided to move on.

Maybe it’s a dream opportunity, a needed change of pace, or simply an escape from a toxic environment. Whatever the reason, navigating your exit can have a lasting impact on you and your soon-to-be-former employer.

While burning bridges may feel tempting, especially in challenging situations, remember that your professionalism matters not just for maintaining industry connections but also for honoring your integrity and leaving a positive mark on the good people you encounter.

Here’s how to resign with grace and respect, even when the situation isn’t ideal:

Five Things to Do If You Resign

1. Choose the Right Timing: Timing is everything. Avoid quitting impulsively. If possible, give ample notice (ideally, two weeks is standard). This allows for a smooth transition and demonstrates respect for your colleagues and responsibilities. Consider company policies and contractual obligations, too.

• Deliver the News Personally: Schedule a face-to-face meeting with your direct manager to deliver the news. While email might seem easier, it lacks the human touch and respect a personal conversation deserves. Be clear, concise, and professional in your explanation.

• Express Gratitude: Even if you’re leaving for less-than-ideal reasons, acknowledge the positive aspects of your experience. Thank your manager for the opportunities and growth you experienced. This shows maturity and leaves a positive final impression.

• Offer a Smooth Handover: Demonstrate your commitment to the team by offering to help train your replacement. Document your tasks, procedures, and ongoing projects to ensure a seamless transition. This showcases your professionalism and responsibility.

• Maintain Positivity: Resist the urge to gossip or bad-mouth the company or colleagues. Negativity reflects poorly on you and doesn’t serve you well. Focus on the future and celebrate your career move with dignity.

Bonus Tip: Write a formal resignation letter. Briefly reiterate your decision, effective date, and offer to assist with the transition. It serves as a professional record and demonstrates your attention to detail.

Five Things to Avoid When You Resign

1. Burning Bridges: Avoid negativity, blame, or personal attacks. Resist the urge to gossip or vent grievances publicly. Remember, professionalism reflects well on you, even in challenging situations.

• Ghosting: Disappearing without notice is unprofessional and disrespectful to your colleagues and employer. It can also have legal ramifications, depending on your contract. Always communicate your decision formally and follow company protocol.

• Coasting Through Your Notice Period: Don’t let your motivation wane after giving notice. Maintain your commitment to your responsibilities and deliver your best work until your last day. This shows integrity and respect for your employer.

• Oversharing: While honesty is essential, keep sensitive information confidential. Avoid disclosing internal company secrets or negative details about colleagues or projects. Focus on your reasons for leaving and maintain confidentiality.

• Breaking Confidences: Resist the urge to share confidential company information with your new employer. Respecting boundaries and demonstrating ethical conduct builds trust and strengthens your reputation.

One last suggestion: email the people within your company to communicate your gratitude and appreciation for their help. Resist using it as a place to gripe about a boss or company toxicity. Tell your immediate supervisor that you will be saying goodbye via email to colleagues you worked with so she knows before it is sent.

Don’t send it to all – selectively send it to those you engaged with during your time at the business. Don’t communicate with customers – but it is okay to communicate with vendors you worked with at the company. Let the company communicate with their customers as they see fit.

You won’t help yourself slamming the door, telling the boss to F off, and bad-mouthing the business. If you are mad, run, work out, or walk. Feel the feelings –don’t do it in the office or to colleagues at that employer. It didn’t work out. Lots of things won’t. Turn the page.

Move on and find a place where your contributions are appreciated.

Leave on a note of gratitude, no remorse.

Additional Resources:

• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): https://www.shrm.org/
• The Predictive Index: https://www.predictiveindex.com/
• Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2021/08/how-to-quit-your-job-an-hbr-guide 

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Photo by Alexandra Mirgheș on Unsplash