Things to Remember When You Quit Your Job

It pays to be professional and courteous when you quit a job.

It's not easy to work day after day at a job you dislike, even if it pays your bills. Life is too short; sometimes the best option is to leave. Once you decide to quit, an employer is not likely to take you back if you change your mind. Before you commit to a major decision, there are many considerations to think through.

You Probably Cannot Collect Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment insurance is for employees who are out of work through no fault of their own. You cannot collect unemployment compensation if you willingly leave a job, unless you can convince your state unemployment office that you left because of verbal abuse, harassment or unsafe working conditions, according to Monster learning coach Susan Aaron. If you leave a job with the notion that you can walk out of the office and collect a weekly check from the government, you will be very busy proving just cause.

Always Have Another Job

It is difficult for most people to float their finances between jobs. Negative thoughts can creep in during periods of unemployment that add to the difficulty of finding work. Never quit your job unless you have a firm commitment in writing from your next employer, says career strategist Anne Hull. The offer should state your position, starting date, salary and other benefits. Having a job offer in hand ensures that you won't be without a paycheck.

Give Proper Notice

There is often an awkward period of time between resigning and leaving. Depending upon your employer, you may be shown the door on the same day that you tender your resignation; especially if you are privvy to confidential or sensitive company information. Give the proper notice -- usually two weeks time -- to help facilitate your transition. Be considerate of your successor and finish up pending projects. You may even be asked to help find or train your replacement. Take your personal belongings out over a period of time so that on your final day, you can walk out without a lot of drama or "baggage," literally.

Don't Burn Your Bridges

How you leave a job is very important. You never know when you will run into your coworkers or your boss again. You might even work with your current colleagues in another organization in the future. A new job is not a guarantee, and you never know when you will need a reference from a previous employer. If you've let your emotions get the best of you and have spoken unkindly about the boss or company, you may find it hard to get a favorable reference.

References

• Monster; Unemployment Insurance and You; Susan Aaron
• What's Next?; A Graceful Exit -- Before You Say 'I Quit'; Anne Hull
• Working World; Don't Burn Your Bridges When You Resign; Elizabeth Hannik