How to nicely quit a job I have been at for 10 years?

Question

I have been at my current job for 10 years and was recently offered a great job with a different company. Currently I work with a small staff that is very dependent on me. How do I leave without upsetting and offending people I have worked for/with for so long? I do not want to burn any bridges and want to leave as gracefully as possible. I thought I would give four weeks notice. Any other suggestions?

Answer 1

This must be really hard for you, 10 years is a long time to work at one place particularly when its a small team and you get close with them during this time. Look it won't be easy but all you need to do is be honest and tell them that you are moving on do bigger and better things and that you regret to leave but you are opening a new chapter in your life. They will understand, although they will also be disappointed. If you discuss your resignation professionally I cannot see you burning any bridges. In fact, I believe they will be upset to hear that you are leaving but will understand your decision. 4 week's is all you need to give, so enjoy those last 4 weeks, but do not go silly as you do not want them to think negatively toward you bedcause you did not display professionalim in those last 4 weeks. Good luck and enjoy your new job.

Answer 2

work with the other staff members, passing on any information they may not already know that will help them be able to do the work you now do. Gradually pass your duties down to them while you are still there to help with the transition. If the boss is going to replace you, you could help train the new worker. Or you could write a brief training manual that will cover all areas of your job to make it easier for someone to come behind you.
The new job sounds like an excellent opportunity for you so embrace it as a new era in your life. If you spend your time helping your current co-workers learn how to function without you then you can stop feeling guilty and start looking forward to a well-deserved chance to grow in your job skills. Best wishes on the new job and for you current co-workers.

Answer 3

I was in a similar situation and had the same concerns, although I was only in my position for 5 1/2 years. I started the letter with my notification of two weeks and then wrote why I was leaving--I said I was offered an opportunity to excel my career, etc. In the closing paragraphs I commented on all the positive experiences I had while working there and thanked them for all that they had done in helping me build experience.

Having left over 4 months ago now, I still talk to many of my former co-workers and even my former bosses.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Don't give up an opportunity to move up and improve . Turn in a written resignation. When your boss asks, just tell him/her that you have a good opportunity and will be leaving, and give him the date. If your new job is going to give you 4 weeks to come to your new company, then I guess you know what you must do. I have found out through the years though, that no matter how important you think you are, they can always find someone else.

Answer 5

Usually if you give 2 weeks notice is more than sufficient but since you are giving 4 weeks you are being very generous.To make yourself feel better and show your appreciation right before you leave ,usually done on the last day bring some small gifts of appreciation since you state your staff is small or if its affordable to you have lunch catered. since you seem to be a nice and conscientious person which shows more than likely you have a nice relationship with your staff they will be happy for you and good luck with your new endeavor and wish it to be very successful for you

Answer 6

Honey, the hardest lesson I ever learned in my life was that I can be replaced. Four weeks notice is very generous. You don't owe them any more than that. And believe me, they will not go out of business because you are leaving. During those four weeks, make specific plans to meet with your coworker/friends away from the job and have fun together. On your last day, hug their darling little necks, tell them good-bye and put the job behind you, concentrate on your new career, and keep in touch with your friends. You have absolutely no reason to feel guilty for leaving. Good luck in your new career, by the way!

Answer 7

How to Resign with Class


Resignation "Do's"
Shortly after you hand in your letter of resignation, a security guard, an HR rep or your boss might politely―or not so politely―escort you out the door. That's typical at large companies. On the other hand, your company might ask you to stay through your notice period. Either way, you might be watched closely in your final hours. Since last impressions can be more powerful than first, it's a good idea to do all you can to be remembered as a professional and keep your references intact. During reference and background checks, potential employers might contact your former employers as far back as ten years or more.

Below are "do's and don'ts" to avoid burning your bridges, before and after you hand in your letter of resignation. For related and supplemental topics, including resignation letter samples you may download or copy for free, just click the links within the text below. .

Resignation Do's
Do Prepare to Resign
So there's no question about what belongs to you or the company, compile your portfolio, take personal property home, and remove personal files and software from your computer before you resign. Since you might get locked out of the building and computer network soon after quitting, you might not a get a chance to do all of this. Worse, it might look just a tad suspicious if you wait until after you resign to remove stuff from your office, especially from your computer and file cabinet.
Do Give Ample and Proper Resignation Notice
The minimum resignation notice that U.S. employers typically require is two weeks, and they usually want it in writing. Check your company’s policy manual to be sure. If you don't follow company policy, not only might you burn a bridge, but you might also deprive yourself of termination benefits, such as accrued vacation pay. If you’re leaving at a particularly vulnerable time for your company, consider giving up to double the minimum notice. But, if you've got to go, that's certainly generous enough. Don't jeopardize your new job or let your current employer exploit you.

Do Offer to Help
Consider offering to

Assist in finding and interviewing your replacement
Help out until your replacement is on board
Break in your replacement
But don't make promises you can't keep and again, don't let your current employer exploit you.

Do Ask for Recommendation Letters
If they're not too ticked off that you quit, ask bosses, coworkers and direct-reports for recommendation (reference) letters, while they can still recall your finer points. Even if you've already landed a new job, look further down the road. It doesn't hurt to keep recommendation letters on file for later use. They have several advantages, the biggest of which is that you'll already know what your references have to say about you. Not everybody knows how to write effective recommendation letters or might draw a complete blank when you ask, so it's a good idea to offer samples and examples. They might be glad you did. It will also give you at least some control over the quality. One mediocre or poorly-written recommendation letter is all it takes to lose a job opportunity.

Do Say Good-Bye
Take the time to talk with each of your bosses, coworkers and direct-reports. This is especially important to help squelch nasty watercooler rumors, such as you hated your job or were pressured to resign. But keep it positive and light, while choosing your words carefully. If asked why you're leaving, make general statements such as, "It's a career opportunity I just can't pass up." Avoid expressing too much regret, as it probably won't appear to be sincere. (Why would you have submitted your resignation if you truly regretted it?) Instead, express your appreciation and say that you’ll miss working with them. If appropriate, distribute simple thank-you cards, notes or emails.

Answer 8

Bridges will be burned, but a graceful escape is possible. Every one understands that you must do this in your own self interest, therefore place anyone who matter to you (at this job) in your shoes. Don't answer the question, just leave them to think about what they would do. People will be pre-occupied in their own self interest...leaving you an easy escape.

Answer 9

Tell your boss first than everyone else either in group or individually. Just be honest they'll understand,say you need a change. Then make it official by putting it in writing. Good luck.

Answer 10

circulate an email (or a letter) saying : HEY, GUESS WHO'S HAD IT!! lol. tell them u need to quit cz that's life, it's all about making influence on people then quit *sigh* but u'll always be there if they need anything or ur help on some job-related issues. yeah that's all blah blah blah, u don't have to help them later if u don't want to ;p