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You’ve just received an email about that shiny, dream job you applied for last week — and they want to hire you!
All you want to do now is quit your current job immediately… However, it’s a small world out there, so it’s important that you resign from your job respectfully and properly.
The last thing you want is to look behind you, and to see all of your bridges burned to the ground, smoldering in the distance when you need them the most. It will save you so much trouble in the long run.
I know, I know, your current boss is a living, breathing clone of Colin Farrell’s character in Horrible Bosses — with the same greasy comb over, acidic attitude, and general distaste for other humans.
You want to run into the office, put Farrell in a full nelson, slam his head onto the desk, and scream into his ear about all of the horrible things he’s put you through over the years.
Don’t do that. Remember, bridges – and clean criminal records – are crucial.
You’ve had this job for almost four years, you’re definitely fed up and ready to move on, and you haven’t struck the boss just yet — so how do you handle this resignation properly?
Resigning from your current job should never be a hasty decision, and there’s a lot to figure out before you actually quit.
The first step is to write out a physical list of the pros and cons of quitting. This is what it might look like if you were considering accepting a new art teacher position.
Pros:
Cons:
These are just a few pros and cons, but the idea is to take your time and list out everything you can think of.
You’ve been staring at your list of pros and cons for a few weeks now, and you’ve finally decided that it’s time to move on to a new job.
The next step is to resign respectfully and properly. You can begin this second step by making sure that you give your boss plenty of notice.
If you have an employment contract that states specific rules on how to resign, adhere to those. If there’s no employment contract, use the general rule of giving two weeks notice.
You want to send an official resignation letter (which we’ll get to below), but you also want to talk to your boss in person.
When you do this, it’s important to have these things in mind:
A resignation letter is extremely important because it officially documents that you’re leaving and when you’re leaving the company.
Aside from speaking with your boss in person, it’s the most professional way to quit your job.
Some things to keep in mind while writing your resignation letter:
This is an example of what your resignation letter should resemble:
Elmer Fudd
1612 Rabbit Trail Drive
Apex, NC, 27502
919-356-7689
Efudd@yahoo.com3/28/2017
Bobby Pellit
OHS Principle
Orange High School
1713 Efland St.
Efland, NC, 27243Dear Mr. Pellit:
I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as an Art Teacher for the Orange County School System, effective April 17th.
Thank you for the knowledge and opportunities that you and the school have provided to me over the past four years. I have enjoyed my time at Orange High School, and really appreciate the welcoming support you all provided from the my first day on campus, to my last.
I kindly request that you write a reference letter for myself, to aid in my future endeavors.
If I can help in any way during this transition, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Your Signature (hard copy letter)
Elmer Fudd
This example also works if you’re resigning over email, instead of in person with a hard copy letter.
When you’ve successfully informed your boss that you’re quitting, sent in your official resignation letter – while maintaining the structure of your bridges – there are a few miscellaneous items to take care of:
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