How to Properly Quit Your Job

Graphic by Addison Kielpinski

So maybe you’ve been offered your dream job, just a step up from your current job, you’re moving to another state, or you just don’t like your job anymore–how do you appropriately approach your boss about resigning from your position? Quitting your job can seem like the most daunting task in the world, but it really doesn’t have to be. Here is a step by step guide to properly quitting your job:

The first thing you’re going to want to do is schedule a one-on-one with your supervisor or boss. Don’t go spreading the news around to your coworkers or anyone else, you’re going to want to sit down with your boss and speak to him/her directly, not have them hear it from a rumor going around the office. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with your boss and approach the subject logically and with a tinge of regret in your voice (if possible). For example: “So, because of x y z, I, unfortunately, will have to leave my position here at (blank) and wanted to let you know directly. I plan on putting in my two weeks in (blank).” If you know you’re going to need to quit a long time before the actual date, feel free to have this one-on-one meeting a month or two before your last two weeks. Your supervisor will appreciate the heads-up, especially if your current position usually has a high turnover rate so they can work on interviewing to replace you quicker.

While in your one-on-one, talk with your supervisor about who to contact in HR about finalizing the dates of your last two weeks and your resignation. This will come towards the end of the meeting, after discussing the whos and whys of why you’re quitting in the first place. Then after speaking about the paperwork that comes with resigning, make sure to give your final thoughts on your actual job to your employer. What did the company do right for you? What was your overall experience while working at the company? What could the company do better in the future, especially if you’re quitting because you dislike the job or company? Your supervisor will be looking for any feedback they can get about your training process and experience working under him/her so the company can improve in the future for other new hires (including your replacement) to prevent anymore turnover.

(Image via Unsplash)

Just be as honest and humble as you can when you quit. Don’t burn any bridges by flipping over desks and throwing a tantrum by calling people names you’ve always wanted to call them or anything like that–that’s just unprofessional and could get you blacklisted in some industries, so it’s totally not worth it. This job was just another stepping stone to your future desired career – it gave you a paycheck when you needed one and some helpful Linkedin connections which could help later on, so be respectful and always remember where you’ve been and where you’re going. Your boss will understand that this wasn’t your dream job and will want you to succeed no matter where you’re going in life, so don’t be afraid to tell him/her it’s time for you to go.