How to Quit or Resign Professionally

Quitting your job should be a good thing, but too often we struggle through it.

I was at a local sandwich the other day and overheard one of the employees stressing about how they wanted to quit their job because they’ve been offered a position at a nice restaurant down the street.

Why is quitting your job so hard?

Have you ever been afraid or, at least, a little hesitant to quit your job? Dread that conversation you know you have to have with your boss? I think most people do and many just stay on with the same job much longer than they should because they just can’t bring themselves to go through with quitting process.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a difficult thing. We, for some reason, have it in our minds that we’re doing a terrible thing. In reality we shouldn’t. Here’s why:

1) You are a business to yourself, quitting your job is a business decision.

Your number one priority should be yourself, remember that at work. If that weren’t the case you’d probably work for free. Your company would just as soon lay off workers when they are not bringing in the necessary revenue to pay its employees so you should “lay off” your company if the pay is not sufficient and you have an opportunity to make enough to better meet your needs.

2) Quitting your job is not betraying your company, staying on too long is.

It’s natural to think that you are betraying your boss or company by quitting your job. You’re not! What is your responsibility as an employee? To come in at the scheduled time and put in a full days of dedicated work.

If you’re doing this you are being loyal to the company by doing everything they have asked you for. Did the hiring manager state that the job you were taking was “’till death do you part”? Didn’t think so, so you’re not obligated to stay on any longer than you agreed to when you took the position. Plus, when you stay on too long when your needs are not met you become complacent and begin complaining more, and being less and less productive.

3) Quit your job to make a better career move.

Although at some point we have to find an entry-level position to being our careers, we have to remember that entry-level is not where we want to end up after working our entire career. With ever position you take, think to yourself how this position is getting you closer to your final career goal.

If you’re not getting any closer, speak to a manager and let them know of your goals and what tracks the company offers to get you there. It’s best to give a 5 year career plan rather than the final career goal. Best to say “I have a goal to be in a managerial position within 3-5 years”, and not “In 5 years I want to own the company”.

Should you quit your job?

Remember, this should be a happy time for you, you’re taking on a new position with new opportunities, new ways for you to utilize your skills and talents, and hopefully there will be better compensation too. Regardless, quitting your job is never a bad thing as long as you have accomplished what you agreed to when you took on the position.

You have given your employer what they have expected, a full day of hard work for the time you were there and now are moving on to a new opportunity to utilize your skills and talents.