How to Tell Your Boss You Are Quitting

In these times of regular layoffs and increasing unemployment rates (in 2009), it's hard to believe that anyone would leave a job. However, there are still people that may want or need to leave their current job. Quitting a job can be a complicated thing to do, but it should be done tastefully and respectfully.

Instructions

1. Decide exactly why you are quitting. If necessary, sit down and make a list of all of the reasons why you don't want to remain in your current position. To be fair, you should also make a list of all of the reasons why you should remain in your current position. You should have clarity about why you are leaving your job before you actually quit. During this stage, you may determine that it's in your best interest to stay or you may be further fueled in your decision to leave. Either way, you should have a clear understanding of your decision. Never leave a job as an emotional response.

2. Write your resignation letter. You should be able to clearly articulate to your boss your reasons for leaving in a logical and easy to understand way. Notice that at this point you still haven't told your boss you are considering leaving. Don't. Take these steps to become very firm in your resolve to leave. You don't want to leave, then end up regretting it later.

3. Share your resignation letter with someone else. A family member or close friend is a good choice, but do not ask someone you work with. You don't want your boss to accidentally get wind of your decision to leave before you tell him/her. At this point you can still decide to stay. When you share your resignation letter, you want to make sure that it is indeed clear and easy to understand. Make sure you tell the reader to look it over carefully. If there are any areas that aren't clear, they should be addressed.

4. Review your resignation letter one more time. By now you are probably sick of looking at it, but you should take this moment to make sure it says everything you need it to say. Your letter should address: why you're leaving and when you want your last day to be. It is most common to give two week's notice from the time of your resignation to your last day of work. This is a professional courtesy to give your boss time to fill your position while you're still there and can train the new person.

5. Sleep on it. Take one more day to sleep on your decision to quit. Quitting a job is a big decision and shouldn't be taken lightly or done carelessly, even when the economy is doing well.

6. Give your boss your letter of resignation in person if possible. If your boss is one that travels, it may not be possible to resign in person. However, if your boss is fairly stationary, take a moment and hand deliver your letter of resignation. You want to do this to give your boss an opportunity to ask any questions or address any concerns.

7. Ask for a letter of recommendation, if possible. Even if you won't be using it, it's always good to have this type of letter on file. In some situations this won't be appropriate, but if it is, take advantage of it.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if your boss isn't the easiest person to get along with, quitting with dignity and respect is key.

• Never quit a job in a moment of high emotion. Always give yourself time to calm down and think rationally.