Career Information Online

Unless you really hate your job and/or your boss, resigning from a job will be uncomfortable.  You’ve spent a significant amount of your life with your fellow employees, and you probably consider many of them friends.  If your supervisor doesn’t know you are looking for a new position he/she will be surprised when you give your notice.  He/she might express some sadness, disappointment or even hostility towards your decision.

When you turn in your resignation keep in mind why you are doing so – it’s to take an opportunity with a new company that’s better (for whatever reason) than the one you have right now.  It’s going to be uncomfortable for a few minutes while you give your notice, but you’re taking a step that is better for you in the long run.

Don’t feel guilty when you give your notice.  The company wasn’t doing you a special favor by giving you a job.  You worked for them and they compensated you for it.  It was a business relationship, not a personal one.  You’re not doing anything that could be considered a personal attack.  Don’t let yourself feel that way, and don’t let your current supervisor make you feel guilty for leaving.

You’ve determined the new position is a better one for you, whether it’s because of the company, salary or career path.  The few minutes you feel uncomfortable while giving your notice will quickly be forgotten when you start this excellent new opportunity.

There’s a financial cost associated with every job.  Many people don’t consider this fact when they accept a new position.  It’s important you know how much money you will need to make in order to bring home your desired salary in this new position.

So what kind of expenses do you have with a job?  The most obvious one is health care.  Depending on the plan and the size of the company there can be a significant difference in out of pocket expenses.  And don’t forget things like office visit and prescription copays – they play a role in the cost of health insurance.  Other factors to consider include:  commuting expenses, paid training, tuition reimbursement, and health club memberships.

Before accepting a new job, compare the costs that you will be required to pay out of pocket.  You might just find out that the salary offered to you is a raise on paper but in fact a step backwards in what you bring home every two weeks.

When it’s time for you to give your notice of resignation you’ll of course tell your manager verbally.  The company will probably ask for you to give this notice in writing as well.

The resignation letter is not a time to list all your complaints with the company.  It’s the time to tell your employer you are terminating your employment – nothing more.  Keep the letter brief and to the point.  Here’s an example:

Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from (company) effective (date).

If your experience has been positive you can always add a statement that your enjoyed your tenure with the company.  No matter what, never include any negative statements or comments.

In my previous life in staffing I heard some horror stories about people being offered a job, accepting it and giving their two week notice to their current employer only to have the new employer change their mind and rescind the job offer.

Most companies are ethical and when an offer of employment is made it is solid.  Other companies might rescind an offer but give the person a severance package.  No matter what the position or company, get the offer of employment in writing, and give written acceptance of the offer.

It’s just common sense to want to get an offer in writing.  It will confirm your title, salary, start date, and possibly benefits like vacation time.  Many companies put a spot on the offer letter for you to sign to indicate acceptance.  If they don’t, here is an example of wording you could use in a letter or email:

I am pleased to accept your offer of employment and look forward to starting with (company) on (date).  I look forward to a long and productive tenure with this company.

Getting the offer in writing is not 100% guaranteed that the company won’t be sleazy and take back the offer.  It will give you piece of mind, however, as most reputable and ethical companies won’t go back on their written word.