5 Ways to quit your job graciously

Moving On: 5 Ways to quit your job graciously

Winnie Tan

09 Feb 2017

updated the 10 February 2017 à 12:08

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Finalise details of your new job first
If you have a job offer awaiting you, well congratulations! But before you scramble to call it quits, finalise all the details of your new job first before you make any drastic moves. Have you and your new employer decided on a start date? Discussed your staff benefits and insurance? Well make sure you have the important details finalised first before you bid your current job adios.
2/5
Prepare your boss in advance
Tell your manager or your boss of your plans to leave face-to-face and in advance before you actually leave. First of all, this gives your employer some time to find and hire a new replacement, making the succession easier for the both of you. Secondly, telling your boss in person allows you to thank him or her for the opportunities you have had under them, allowing you to leave on good terms.
3/5
Write a resignation letter
Resignation letters are important. They allow you to remain on good terms with your boss, especially since you don't know if you'll have to interact with them in the future or when you'll need them to write a reference letter for you. Even if you don't really like your boss, this will keep things professional and pave the way for you to move on more smoothly.
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Maintain a consistent and positive story for leaving
You'll have to break your departure to your coworkers and clients sooner or later, so when you tell them your reasons for doing so, try to focus on remaining positive or just simply as neutral as possible. Keep your story straight and consistent, and no matter how great the temptation is to go out with a bang, the gratification is only instant and you'll only come off as childish and immature.
5/5
Thank your coworkers
Even if your boss was truly despicable, make sure you make the effort to thank the people who made your life at work slightly easier everyday. Write thoughtful, individual notes or thank them over a cup of coffee, maintain good relations as you'll never know when you'll need their help in the future.

Think it’s about time to call it quits? Here’s how to go about doing it gracefully.

Maybe you’ve got a fantastic job offer awaiting your response, or you really hate your totally unreasonable and pompous boss. Whatever your reason for calling it quits are, you’ll still have to maneuver through that tricky process of actually quitting your job. It’s all part and parcel of life, but it takes skill to leave in a way that supports your professional reputation instead of busting it.

With 91% of millennials expecting to stay in a job for only less than 3 years, you better be equipped with the right skills to quit your job gracefully in order to grow as a stronger, better professional. We’ve rounded up 5 tips and steps to take when you’ve decided to quit your job, and how to execute this as graciously as possible.

Photos: Getty Images

Winnie Tan

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