“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”
Quitting a job is a part of your career, it may be a chance to “step up”, try something different or simply a chance to find something more rewarding and satisfying. Quitting your job can be a delicate matter, and it’s important to handle it professionally and respectfully to maintain good relationships with your former employer and colleagues. After all they will continue to be part of your network.
Here are 3 key steps you can take to quit your job professionally and without offending your boss:
- Give appropriate notice: Giving at least two weeks’ notice is standard, but you should check your employment contract to see if there are any specific requirements. Giving a longer notice period is even better and shows that you are considerate of your employer’s needs.
- Schedule a face-to-face meeting: Request a meeting with your boss to discuss your resignation in person. This shows that you value the relationship and want to have a respectful and professional discussion.
- Have an honest and positive explanation for quitting: Such as “it’s an exciting career opportunity”, it’s a chance to grow”, “learning new skills”, “It a big pay rise”, “the role excites me” etc. Be positive at this stage and keep the negative reasons for quitting for the Exit Interview.
How should I structure the quitting conversation with my boss?
The structure of the quitting conversation with your boss is important, as it sets the tone for the discussion and can help to ensure that it remains professional and respectful. Here’s a suggested structure for the quitting conversation:
- Start with gratitude: Begin the conversation by expressing gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you have had while working at the company. This sets a positive tone for the conversation and shows that you value your time at the company. This can help to maintain a positive relationship with your boss, after you have left. Aside from being a positive action, you may require a reference from them in the future or you may ending working together again..
- Be honest and direct: Explain clearly and directly that you have decided to leave your job. Avoid blaming your boss or the company, and instead focus on your own reasons for leaving.
- Provide a reason: If you feel comfortable, you can provide a reason for your resignation, such as a desire for career growth or a change in personal circumstances. However, it’s important to keep the conversation respectful and professional, even if the reason for your resignation is negative.
- Offer to help with the transition: By training a replacement or completing any outstanding projects. This demonstrates your commitment to the company, even after your departure.
- Listen to your boss: Allow your boss to express their feelings and listen actively to what they are saying. This shows that you respect their perspective and are willing to hear them out.
- Address any concerns: If your boss has any concerns about your departure, such as the timing or impact on the company, address them directly and offer solutions to help ease the transition.
- End on a positive note: End the conversation on a positive note by expressing your appreciation for the opportunities and experiences you have had while working at the company. This can help to maintain good relationships with your former employer and colleagues.
What if my boss gets angry in the conversation?
Your boss may become upset or angry about your departure. This is often due to the “extra work” your departure creates for them. It is a selfish reaction but you need to be prepared for it. However, it’s important to remain professional and respectful, even in the face of negative emotions. Here are some steps you can help you manage the situation:
- Remain calm: Try to remain calm and composed, even if your boss becomes angry or upset. This will help to defuse the situation and prevent the conversation from escalating.
- Listen actively: Allow your boss to express their feelings and listen actively to what they are saying. This shows that you respect their perspective and are willing to hear them out.
- Acknowledge their feelings: Acknowledge your boss’s feelings by saying something like, “I understand that this might be difficult for you, and I’m sorry if my decision has caused any inconvenience.”
- Offer solutions: If your boss is upset about the timing of your resignation or the impact on the company, offer solutions to help ease the transition. For example, you could offer to complete any outstanding projects or assist with the recruitment of a replacement.
- Be firm but respectful: If your boss becomes hostile or unreasonable, it’s important to remain firm but respectful. Don’t be bullied into staying because you have the right to resign from your job, and it’s important to remember that you are leaving for valid reasons.
By following these steps, you can handle a difficult conversation with your boss in a professional and respectful manner, which will help to maintain good relationships with your former employer and colleagues.
If you are unhappy in your job and looking to quit then why not book in for a free career conversation by clicking HERE
Below are some other blogs that you may find interesting:
How to write a resignation letter (link)
No career advancement at work? (link)
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