How to Quit Your Job In Dignified Way

In my 10 years of work life, I have quit three jobs so far. I have quit two major technology companies and a small start-up firm. I am fortunate enough to be in regular touch with all my previous managers because I exited in dignified manner.

At some point of time you and I will again quit, well, most probably. Most of us will quit our jobs in next 10 years. The question is, in which manner you will leave your employer. When grass is greener the other side, its difficult to maintain the same cordial and warm relationship with your current employer, specially during last few days when you are finishing up unfinished tasks or preparing your replacement to fit in your shoes.

When you are counting your days at current employer,  spare a thought for the people you are leaving behind, the company you are quitting from, which provided your pay check for last few months or years. Imagine the day when you joined them and started embarking on a journey together. The enthusiasm and zeal you showed during first few days those were for real, those were to excel in your new job. For whatever reasons you are quitting make it memorable for the people you are leaving behind.

To me parting is always painful; I had my bad days in office when people around me chipped in to help. Those moments of joy, however few it might have, when we celebrated on team’s success always stays on my heart. I just can’t say good-bye and move on.

When I did quit, I made sure to follow these quitting rules are adhered, it’s another essential aspect of being a valuable employee.

1. Always calculated the net benefit

It is not just related to increase in compensation. I always do a research on the new company before I say ‘yes’ to them. Fortunately all the companies I worked/working for had someone in their payroll that I knew before joining.Glassdoor.com can be another great resource to have an idea of the work environment about a company. Some one said even if grass is greener on the other side, it has to be mowed regularly to have it that way.

Proximity to residential area is also another important factor for me, I just can’t think of commuting for hours to reach office every day, my energy will be soaked that way before starting my day at work, leaving apart the gas cost.

2. Always gave my employer another chance

I have had talks with higher management before submitting my resignation. I did bring in to their notice about my complaints and worries. I even talked about lower compensation. I always noted down my points as to why I want to quit. I never hesitated to mention all the points I had written down to the managers. Many times my issues were addressed, even my salary was increased, and I got relocated to another place.

Know your reasons, and be straight forward to discuss them with any one at the top. Be open to accept their point of view and carefully think about the options you are offered, are they going to cure your unhappiness? If not, approach higher management again. Nobody cares about your job more than you do.

3. I made it dignified exit

I never said anything bad about my employer, manager or co-workers. Even the rudest of them was greeted with warm smile and acknowledgement. I never inspired others to quit. Gossiping about the boss is perhaps the most loved office hallway talk, but never assume that someone is not spying for him, because most likely some one is. Did you ever think why suddenly your manager turned a blind eye on you? I never inspired others to leave the team; I always revealed my intention to quit first to my manager, not to colleagues.

I always gave notice of resignation in written email/letter to my manager and served the full notice period required. During that period, I visited each of my colleagues and had warm conversation. I did visit my manager and his peers and shared a few moments of glory working with them. I almost always heard the same thing from them “when you wish, let us know, we will take you back” or similar sounding sentences.

Your current manager might become one of your rescuers one day, when getting jobs become tough each and every past manager becomes your potential recruiter, I always want to keep options to go back open.

In global economy jobs are bound to shift from one place to other, no job is secure and I want to keep my options open when I need some. I keep my doors open.

4. I didn’t lose my grip during last few days

No matter how hard you try, it’s pretty tough to continue working with same rigor during last few days. But I did work up to my level best, whether it was during knowledge transfer or finishing up with project work. I stayed for longer hours and made sure my replacement is more than ready.

If first impression is the best impression, it’s the last impression which people remember for years. I try to leave a positive image of me. I did send nice and brief email thanking every one I worked with and urging them to be in touch through personal email.

5. I didn’t reveal where I was going

You can’t satisfy every one at your job, someone bound to be jealous and uncooperative. Keeping this species in mind, and I never revealed anything about my next employer before settling down in new job. Backstabbers are a clan present at every nook and corner, these people take pride in ruining other people’s career, beware of them and leave no chance for them to make you the next target.

6. I kept the secret buried 

In my job I often come across secret information, data and reports, I always let it remain a secret. I am a technologist I keep application code (software) on my machine because I need them always but, I do not keep source code with me once I quit.

If you have signed on the code of conduct or non disclosure agreements, it’s illegal to keep proprietary or company secret data once they outlive their purpose for you, if found guilty, your career might come to an end. I never had my new employer asking for those data but, if they do I will have to firmly say ‘No’.

I do take with me the learning from past jobs, the knowledge and skills you acquire are your assets and they will surely impress people at new job.

As a result of these efforts, I can confidently say that all three of my previous employers will at least consider taking me back if I am willing. I have a cordial relationship with my previous managers; I do keep in touch with them through Face book and Linked-in. I do share my important life events with them, regardless to say that many of my old colleagues are still my best friends.

Next time you start thinking of quitting, spare a thought, can you follow the above steps?