Why
give up a perfectly good job? Maybe you feel you've been
there too long and you're getting stale. Maybe you need a
new challenge, or maybe you just want to get out. Making
the decision to resign can play an important part in the
management of your career, so it is important to be sure
and to get it right.
Resignation
is not a decision that should be taken lightly. It needs
a lot of careful thought and preparation. If handled correctly,
it can show a positive and mature personal approach to your
career development. On the other hand, if you approach it
clumsily, negative feelings and recriminations can occur
and these could hinder your career in the future.
The
urge to resign isn't something that happens overnight. There
is usually some kind of build-up or a series of factors contributing
to the decision. Resignation is a personal thing and everyone
will have his or her own individual reasons. Whatever the
reason(s), the situation needs to be handled with care if
it is to leave all parties involved satisfied.
Considerations
Resignation
is something that should be carefully considered before making
a final decision.
-
Timing.
Don't leave your colleagues in trouble. During a big project
is the worst time to leave and can leave a bad impression.
-
Your
boss. You will need to inform your boss about your decision to resign and you must
choose the method that you feel is right for your particular
situation.
-
Meeting.
If you decide to opt for a meeting, you must work out exactly
what you're going to say and then stick to it. Be sure
to emphasise the positives of your time there. Stay calm,
whatever happens and leave the meeting on a good note.
-
Letter.
Even if you decide that you would prefer to resign in writing,
it is still polite to tell your boss face to face first.
The letter can contain as little or as much detail as you
feel is necessary and in its most basic form it will contain
simply the position you are resigning from and the date
you are leaving. Never get personal.
-
Counter
offer. If a counter offer is made, take it seriously. Don't feel pressured to accept
it. Think about what you really want and if what has
been offered changes why you're resigning.
-
Final
decision. Once the final decision has been made and the date of your departure draws
near, do everything you can to make sure that you leave
on the right note. Give plenty of notice and complete
any outstanding tasks. If appropriate organise a hand
over. Speak to your colleagues and keep on good terms
as they may prove to be useful contacts in the future.
-
Conscience.
Don't feel guilty. At the end of the day it's a business
arrangement. Believe it or not, they will manage.
There
are a number of reasons why you might want to resign from what
other people consider to be a perfectly good job. The most
important thing to remember is that you are the one in control
of your career and only you can decide which direction it should
take. If you feel that resignation will bring you closer to
meeting your goals then it is a legitimate step on your career
path. Just remember to tread carefully!
