Just like the company Christmas party is a no-go zone to express your true thoughts and opinions, so too is your resignation. While it may seem like a great idea at the time, telling your boss ‘to stick it’, is a career derailer. Instead, you should resign with grace, which could be your smartest career move yet.
Dig deep and recall how you felt when you first started your job. Consider the positive experiences and benefits received; friendships, training and development, knowledge and experience acquired. This will help you have the right frame of mind to resign and work out your notice period with grace. Being grateful balances any angst you may feel towards your job and helps with a dignified and memorable, for the right reasons, exit!
Once you are certain, don’t delay your resignation and don’t share it with anyone else at work. Procrastination when resigning is normal, and so is the desire to share. Your boss will appreciate as much notice as possible and confidential news like this is never contained. It always has a way of leaking out. It isn’t professional and puts you and the other person in an uncomfortable and compromised position. Bite the bullet and tell your boss first.
To receive full attention and the proper response, book an appointment with your boss. Sending a resignation via email and quitting with no precursor lacks consideration, even in our current time of remote working. No one likes to ‘break up’ this way.
Write a thoughtful, not cursory resignation. Thank your boss for the opportunity and for what you have learnt. Even include some of the learnings for authenticity. Give the correct amount of notice in accordance with your contract and don’t try to skim on this.
Consider writing notes with tips and offer to be contacted afterwards. Also, be 100% aware and conscious not to be passive-aggressive or to speak disparagingly about your boss or job–it will get back. Remember, as you change jobs, so do your bosses and colleagues. It is not unusual in certain industries to find yourself working together again. You never know what opportunities are around the corner.
When it comes time to resign, your reputation is worth more than a few weeks of lacklustre performance or impulsive action. Be committed, dedicated and always employable.
Originally published by www.flyingsolo.com.au
As Founder and Managing Director at EST10, Roxanne has an all-encompassing role that includes building and growing the business, as well as actively recruiting and consulting.
After completing a Bachelor’s Degree at Monash University, Roxanne began her recruitment career with renowned recruiter Julia Ross. From there, Roxanne worked in HR and recruitment with a number of global players and boutique businesses throughout Australia, the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong for over 20 years. She has been responsible for managing large teams and projects, implementing RPO models, managing and assisting businesses to an IPO and assisting companies in setting up their recruitment teams and processes.
Following completion of her MBA at the Australian Graduate School of Management, Roxanne launched EST10 in July 2010. In doing so, she hoped to combine the flexibility and high touch service levels of boutique agencies with the structure and strategy afforded to larger firms. Roxanne believes in high-touch, high-care consulting and is always on the lookout for consultants that share this vision of recruitment.
