Quitting one’s job can be a very delicate decision. There are various reasons why a person might want to leave his job. The most common reason is that one gets a better job and then leaves the job that he is currently in. Apart from this, relocation, bad relation with the boss or colleagues, change in profile, mental or physical issues could force a person to leave his job. Once you have made the decision that you want to call it quits, the next main question is how to do it. The way you resign is very crucial as it may make or mar your future prospects with the same employer and the same boss. The thumb rule while resigning is that one must never burn bridges behind. In professional journey, one has to handle situations smartly and resign amicably so as to ensure a smooth exit.

The day you take the final decision to announce your resignation, you must do it in person firstly to your supervisor. Seek an appointment and let your boss know that you want to discuss an important matter. When you get to meet the boss, be polite and let him know that you are putting in your papers. It is considered professional to face the boss confidently yet softly. Obviously, it wouldn’t be a palatable news for the boss so give him time to let the news sink in. You would have to be honest yet tactful. The boss would want to know the reasons behind your decision. You can take the safe route here and tell him that you are looking at new challenges in your career. You must thank the boss and the organization for all the opportunities that have been given to you in this organization.

If the reason behind your resignation is a sour relationship with the boss, don’t let him know the reason in straight words. You would have to be extra careful in presenting the reason here. Tell him that you felt that your style of working was different than his. Also, let him know that you value his guidance and supervision but are now ready to take on new opportunities. If you plan to remain in the same industry, you never know where you will meet the boss again. He might again become your supervisor in a new organization. So, it would be a bad idea to sour your relationship with him at any point of time.

Do not inform the boss directly through email, fax or phone. This would not reflect well on your professional attitude. Once you have informed the boss verbally, hand him a written resignation letter or send an email. The resignation must carry the date of your resignation. It should also mention the notice period that you are willing to serve. Each organization has different rules concerning the notice period. Try to adhere to the required notice time. If you cannot, mention the reason explicitly. In the resignation letter, thank the organization and your supervisor for all the support that have given to you.

Before you have informed the supervisor, you must not talk about your resignation to other colleagues in the office. In case the company offers you an attractive counter-offer, it might be awkward for you later. Also, don’t talk much about the new company that you are going to join. Remember that not everybody will be happy that you are getting a better job opportunity and might try to mar your prospects ahead. So, play smart and don’t talk much.

The company would definitely try its best to retain you. Be firm if your decision to quit is final. If you are looking at a counter offer, be tactful in your talks and let the employer know that you are ready to negotiate if you are offered a better role in the same organization. This would give an idea t o the employer.

It is ideal that when you resign, you serve a proper notice period and give time to your employer to hire a replacement. It is considered highly unprofessional that one leave without a notice period unless it is an emergency. You must offer to participate in a smooth transition. Also, offer to train the replacement or hand over the work properly to a co-worker. Also, make sure you finish all the unfinished tasks before leaving. If you leave amicably, there would always be a way for you to join back, if the need arises in future. The employer will remember you as a true professional in future and will not hesitate in hiring you again. Let the employer know that you would want to work with them again if a suitable position is vacant in the organization. When you join the new organization, do not reveal sensitive information of your previous employer. If you follow all this, you would be able to resign gracefully.

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