One
shouldn’t be nonchalant when resigning from a professional engagement. Not
burning bridges is significant because we never know whom we’ll run
into. Even if your work is the bane of your existence, show everyone that
nothing can trump your sunshine. The only exception is if your rights
are abused and if you already tried to make amends but failed.
Make sure you have it all in
writing before jumping ship
This
applies if you are leaving your current position for a new one. Don’t make
final decisions unless you’re armed with a formal offer. Don’t resign from your
current role if your new employer hasn't given you an official start date yet.
Give your boss the courtesy
of a face-to-face discussion
While
technology indeed changed our lifestyles, resigning from your job through a
hastily written email or text message is not appropriate. It only becomes
acceptable if your boss is based in Gothenburg. Prior to making a schedule with
your boss, mentally note the points you’d like to raise. Be honest about your
reason for resigning because some companies can meet you halfway. I recently
told my boss about my plan to resign because my physical presence would be
needed in our family business. Instead of letting me go, he allowed me to work
remotely.
Regardless
of the outcome of your conversation, don’t forget to be grateful for the
experience. Provide your boss a signed resignation letter to make things
official.
Do your successor a favor by
planning your transition
Get
your affairs ready for hand-off to ensure that you won’t risk the company’s
projects. Make a master list of all your tasks including the
names and contact information of the people you’re collaborating with. If
your successor is already a part of the company, make the transition manageable
by allowing him or her to be your “shadow” even for just a day.
Clean your workplace
Apart
from removing items on your table (yes, the framed photos), get rid of personal
information from your work computer. Clean your browser history that can
contain saved passwords and other sensitive information. Have your external
hard drive ready to collect your files. Resignation policies differ wildly and
if you need to copy your work outputs for your personal portfolio, make
sure that you have your company's permission.
Inform your colleagues
Let
your colleagues know about your resignation. Tell them that they can still
contact you should they need glowing recommendations for future endeavors. It’s
also a thoughtful gesture to give modest tokens with handwritten notes.
