How To Leave Your Job Like A Pro

There is no set prescription on the right time to quit a job, but there is definitely a right way to do it. ANDANJE WOBANDA shares tips on how you can exit your job like a pro.

- Andanje Wobanda

A couple years ago, I decided to quit my job. I was in a rut. The job had stopped being challenging and I had decided to switch to a different career and I spent days agonizing on how to quit. How do you write a resignation letter? What do you put in it? Who should you tell first? I mean, for most people, there is always that temptation to walk out in a blaze of glory - with middle fingers up shouting I QUIT! This however is never the best way to do it, unless you are planning to retire and live in isolation for the rest of your life.

The most important rule to remember according to Randall S. Hansen (a career job-search expert) is to part on good terms whenever possible. So if you are thinking of quitting, make sure you do not burn bridges. Who knows where you will next meet your employer or the people who saw you huff and puff your way out of your job.

Here are a few tips to point you in the right direction if you want to quit with decorum:

KNOW YOUR REASON

Why do you want to leave? Do you hate your job? Hate your boss? Want a challenge? Want a career change? It is important to know your reason for wanting to quit. When you decide to talk about your reasons for leaving, NEVER talk about the negative. In theory being candid is good but in reality, not so much. It may cost you a good recommendation or sour what was not really a bad situation.

RESEARCH ON AN EXIT STRATEGY