What is the Right Way to Quit?
For whatever reason, you need to quit your job.
All states have some version of at-will employment, meaning employers can dismiss an at-will worker at any time with no reason or warning as long as the reason is not illegal. Also, workers can leave their jobs anytime without notice or explanation. You may want to read over the policies in your employee handbook (if you have one) and research the employment laws in your state, or talk with an employment lawyer, to learn your rights and responsibilities.
If you have signed an at-will agreement, have an employment contract, or are a union member, do your research to find out how to turn in your resignation. Do you need to provide two weeks’ notice? Does notice need to be provided in writing? Make sure you follow the process outlined in the written materials.
It’s always a good idea to offer two weeks’ notice to your employer — if you can — even if they turn you down and ask you to leave immediately. Remember that if you quit without notice, you are likely burning a bridge with that employer, which could lead to negative reference checks.
Protect Yourself—Prepare to Quit
If you are planning to quit your job, do everything you can to prepare yourself ahead of time:
Slowly take your belongings home. Do this gradually so it’s not apparent that you’re removing items. If you quit, you may be asked to leave immediately, even if you offer two weeks’ notice.
Make sure you collect any electronic items you need — for example, dates and names of training programs, copies of performance evaluations, sales records, written compliments you’ve received, etc. And clean off your computer — remove any personal information you wouldn’t want someone else to have access to after you’re no longer with the company.
Work with a Life Working® resume expert to create or update your career documents. This process can take 10 – 14 days.
Create or update your LinkedIn profile. Before you make changes, be sure to change your privacy settings so edits are not automatically sent out to all the connections in your network each time you tweak the information in your profile. When all your LinkedIn profile changes are completed to your satisfaction, turn the broadcast settings back on if you want your connections to be aware of your change in employment.
Review your company employee handbook and employment agreement (if you have one) to determine your entitlement if you leave. Can you cash out unused vacation time, or is it “use it or lose it?” If it’s “use it or lose it,” you may want to use your vacation time before you leave (and spend that time working on your job search). You may be entitled to compensation for unused vacation time after quitting. However, in some states, workers forfeit unused paid time off (PTO) when they leave the company. Also, look at stock options or retirement vesting schedules — you don’t want to quit a month before you’re entitled to these benefits.
Cut your costs. Now is the time to start stockpiling an emergency fund. Look at your budget and see if you can reduce expenses.
One advantage of quitting your job is that you will have more time to spend on the job search, especially time to interview and nurture your professional network. Looking for a new job has often been compared to taking on a part-time job because of the time and energy required.
A job change may be in your (immediate) future. But don’t act without thinking or planning your next move — especially if you are considering changing careers or jobs in reaction to a bad day, being overlooked for a promotion, or because of a disagreement with a co-worker or manager. You can take control and make decisions that serve your best interests instead of reacting to your circumstances.
Need help? Talk with a Life Working® Job Search and Resume Coach. If you need advice about career choices or resumes, check out Life Working® career coaching services, resumes & writing services, and schedule your free 30-minute consultation.