What is the best way to resign from a job?

Question

I have worked the same dead end job for 6 years. After 2 and a half years without a pay raise they finally gave me a 50 cent raise a month ago, which IMO was a slap in the face after 6 years of service and many broken promises and excuses. I felt like they never really treated me that well, even though we got along OK on a personal level.

I have already enroled in college and am going back to school in a few weeks. I am really nervous about how to resign as I can see an altercation with the owner who is a bit of a hot head. I want to quit the right way, but I feel like I owe them nothing more than the bare minimum.

What is an acceptable way to put in my two weeks without starting a fight? Has anyone used a letter of resignation? If so how do you deliver it in a way that is professional???

Answer 1

Even the most difficult job situation should be left graciously and courteously. This is not the time to tell your boss what you really think of him or to offend your ex co-workers by assigning blame. Even weak bridges should not be burned!

A formal, brief resignation letter should be given to your current boss. Do not discuss any negative reasons for your leaving. Simply say that the new offer provides you with new challenges and opportunities. Your letter and discussion should be positive in all respects.

Tip

If you are leaving in good terms, take the time to continue your contacts with your former co-workers and superiors. They might be useful networking contacts for you in future job searches.

Peace and blessings!

Answer 2

Okay, I think you've learned your lesson now ... no matter how bad it is, you always stick it out until you have something else to go to. It's much easier to find a new job once you're already in employment. But, that doesn't help you now. I think there are two things that you could say: - Due to budgetary constraints, you were given inadequate resources to do your job. This is true - people are resources. You felt that this shortage was detrimental to your ability to work productively, and you decided that you'd rather move on than have your work compromised. BUT you need to be careful that it doesn't sound like you're slagging off your ex-employer. - Or, lie and make up something completely different. I would probably say that your commute to work involved a journey that was two hours each way and you couldn't take it anymore - this can't really be questioned because even if it was a well-known company so the new employer knows where they're based and they also know where you live, you can say that you've moved. Just wondering, though - did you tell your old employer why you were leaving? Because they are within their rights to disclose this in a reference. It's unlikely that they'd be asked - it's probably more common that someone would ask them whether you left voluntarily or were dismissed, and when they're told that you left voluntarily that should be the end of it.

Answer 3

Keep uppermost in your mind that this company will be giving input into your future job aspirations so don't make any enemies on the way out. Maintain a totally professional attitude about your termination letter and give at least a two week notice (if you are so inclined, offer to stay until they find your replacement but not more than ____ weeks). Indicate that at this time you wish to pursue other opportunities and that you have enjoyed your tenure with the company. End by saying that you will never forget the time you spent in their employ and the experience they have afforded you. When you sit down with the boss to hand him your letter, tell him this is one of the most difficult things you have ever had to do. Remember the worst your boss can do is tell you to get your junk and leave now (he can't kill you--which is what you are imagining right now is the worst he can do). Above all, keep smiling--you are just beginning your journey to a better position somewhere else.

Answer 4

You explain that after much soul searching that you want to go to college and get your degree, as simple as that. DO NOT do or say anything that could be taken in a negative way as someday you will need that place for a reference. Instead, comment how grateful you are to have been with such a fine company for the past six years.

And stop being afraid! What are they going to do to you? The hot head isn't going to shoot you, and chances are he will understand and wish you well. Unless you have a contract of some kind, you can leave as soon as you hand in a formal letter of resignation, but that wouldn't be very professional. Give a two weeks notice at once. This allows them time to find a replacement, and you are not sticking them with being short handed. But no matter how it comes down, congrats to you. It is your life and you are making the most of it. Many many people just go along week to week, unhappy and unsatisfied. It takes real courage to return to school.

Answer 5

Write a letter that simply states you are resigning and the effective date (two weeks later). Do not explain why.

When you give it to them, BEFORE you hand him the letter, tell him that you appreciate the years of experience, but you have decided to go back to school, and you will be leaving on July XX.

PERIOD.

Don't get into anything you said above. If you went 6 years without saying it, it will do no good now.

I'm sure they will understand your true reason when they think about it.



Note: Don't hand him the letter and expect him to read it. Tell him you are leaving and then hand him the letter. It should be no more than 3 sentences and he really does not need to read it. The letter is just a formality.

Answer 6

Tell your boss in person. Be polite and confident. Practice what you want to say in your head or in front of the mirror if you feel nervous about the conversation.

Just remember, slavery is ILLEGAL. You have a right to end the relationship at any point, with or without good reason. Put in your two weeks notice, give your boss an acceptable reason to avoid confrontation, and leave.

I'm glad you're going back to college!

If you want to put the job on your resume and expect to need good input from your soon to be ex-boss down the line, then ending on good terms is important

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There is certainly something to be said for vindication. It's okay to want to tell off your boss. However, don't burn bridges as a "junior" employee. You have no leverage. You can do it when you get older.

Answer 7

Dear Mr. Boss;

Please accept this letter as my resignation and two week notice. My last day will be _________. I have enjoyed my six years at ABC Company and wish you all the best in the future. However I have decided at this time to enroll in college and pursue my degree. I look forward to working with you over the next two weeks and transitioning my work.

Sincerely,
detroitlionsstink

OK, so type that up and give it to him first thing Monday. Good luck.

Answer 8

You write a very simple letter of resignation.
"Dear Mr. Smith ,
I wish to submit my resignation from my position with this company . effective Friday Aug 17, 2007.
Thank you for the opportunities which have been offered to me.
Very truly yours,

Joe Jones."
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Don't go into any reasons here.
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You ask him if he has a minute, and you hand it to him. Wait for him to respond, and if he doesn't, just go about your duties.
Above all,don't say anything negative.You're going back to school, that's all he needs to know. I
Remember, leave with class, not like an ***. You may wind up with the same person as a boss in your next job. Don';t give him any ammo to use to screw you with.
That's all there is to it. And don't back down.

Answer 9

You are to be commended for wanting to resign from your job in the correct manner even though you have justified negative feelings about your employer and how you have been treated the past six years.

Submitting a letter of resignation is the best professional manner of resigning. It keep it short and simple. No negative comments whatsoever even though you might be tempted.
(This is where the saying of "Don't Burn your bridges behind you." comes from)

Simply state that I wish to give you my two week resignation notice, My last day will be____________.I have enrolled in
___________college which will be starting___________.
Then state that you have appreciated the opportunity of working for (the name of your company) for the past six years

Sincerely,


I'm certain that your boss cannot possibly be angry with you with a letter like this.

You are to be congratulated for deciding to go back to school and giving yourself more employment opportunities in the future,. Good luck.

Answer 10

Just be honest and tell them that you want to pursue you're education. Tell them you're willing to put in 2 weeks, but if they blow up, stay calm. You're just trying to better yourself and it has nothing to do with them... at least that's the story you can stick to.