Before Quitting Your Job….

Before Quitting Your Job….
Take some time to think about the consequences. Particularly in today’s economy it might just be better to grit your teeth and bear it for another few months.  After all, it is true that it’s much easier to FIND a job if you already HAVE a job.

Evaluate your reasons for wanting to leave. Is it just because you’ve gotten tired of the position or because you don’t like your boss?  Has the company cut your pay or hired someone you can't stand?  Before you become an unemployment statistic yourself, think hard about the benefits of keeping your position—even one you don’t like.

Things like health insurance, paid leave and 12 holidays each year can be compelling reasons to hang onto a position-at least until you identify one you believe you’ll like better.

Let’s face it: everyone gets tired of doing the same old thing, day in and day out. Is there a way you can spice up your department?  Perhaps you can propose a new project, take on additional responsibilities, or initiate an internship program.  Volunteer to work with the community—tutoring underprivileged youngsters or organizing a food drive. Extra activities are a great way to stimulate you and keep you interested in your job.

However, once you start waking up each day dreading the prospect of going to the office, it’s a pretty sure bet that you won’t be able to re-gain the enthusiasm you once had. If you really feel that you must resign, do it with dignity and good grace. (That means no name-calling and no negative comments about the boss in the lunch room. You'll only jeopardize yourself in the future when it comes time to get a reference from your former company.)

 

Write a resignation letter explaining the fact that you are ‘moving on” But, rather than just placing this letter on your supervisor’s desk when he’s at lunch, tell him in person, citing the reasons you've made this decision.   As a general rule a two week notice is perfectly adequate, unless your company asks you to stay on to finish a project or task. The bottom line here is to exercise caution.

If you’re going to be a professional, you’ll need to ACT like one too!