How to Quit Your Job

Youre ready to move on, and its time to break the news to the boss.

Whats the proper protocol for going out on the right note?

Do I interoffice my resignation letter, or is email acceptable?

Actually, I suspect your best bet is to use the phone.

To explain why, I need to address quitting decorum more broadly.

Think ahead

First, what is your preferred future relationship to this employer?

And attempt to restrain yourself from smashing office equipment as you storm out.

Thats why Im not a fan of the nasty kiss-off resignation letter.

The nasty kiss-off resignation letter will likely have zero impact, and risks branding you as a malcontent.

It doesnt sound like you have any ax to grind.: There may be exceptions to this ranking that depend on timing; see below.)

Finally, think about whether you are actually open to, say, a counter-offer from your current employer.

If so, youredefinitelybetter off breaking your news orally.

And if this situation were reversed, wouldnt this be your top priority, too?

They seemed ever so proud of themselves for bravely breaking it to me in person.

I would much rather have known sooner, by any medium necessary.

So as you suggest, you certainly dont want to wait until this manager visits again.

But a phone call is both personal and more or less immediate.

So just stick to the relevant facts, and keep it short.

Ill address that issue below.

Why would you ever give 60 days notice?

Two weeks is industry standard for professionals and non-professionals.

If I was the employer, I would ask the employee why.

Are they only half-serious about quitting?

I generally lean in the latter direction: Stick to the minimum.

Let go and move on.

I started a new job April 1st, and Im really happy with my new circumstances, she reports.

Im choosing to just let the whole unemployment situation go and move forward with a clear head.

I always advocate spending more effort on fixing the future rather than obsessing over injustices of the past.

So this sounds like a happy conclusion to me!

Send your work-world questions to[email protected].

Questions may be edited for length and clarity.