101: Stepping Down
In these days of economic downturn, we don’t hear much about employees resigning, but they do. However, there are ways to step down gracefully. “I quit,” though dramatic, is generally reserved for the movies. Here are three things to keep in mind if your job is less than blockbuster:
No matter how horrible the situation, be diplomatic. This means giving as much notice as possible, telling your superior first and submitting a resignation letter. Deb Perelman, in an article by J.D. Roth at GetRichSlowly.org, says your goal is to avoid burning bridges: “Resignation letters can be as much or as little as you would like. Keep them positive and remember that the end goal is to maintain a positive relationship with the employer.”
Work until the final minute. Offer to help find and train your replacement, suggests Randall S. Hansen at QuintCareers.com. Your boss may not take you up on it, but it’s advantageous to remain a team player until your last day. “Avoid taking a short-timer's attitude or aligning yourself with any discontented co-workers,” he cautions. You never know when you will need your former supervisor or a co-worker for a reference down the line.
Plan ahead. When you hand in (never email!) your resignation letter and announce you’re leaving, you could be asked to clean out your desk. Security may be required to escort you out, says Stephen Viscusi in a Monster.com article by Susan Bryant. “Be sure you have already collected the things you really need the week before you resign,” he said, “such as email addresses; business cards of clients, coworkers or supervisors; information you may need regarding projects you've worked on, etc.”
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