Resigning Is For Leaving, Not For Dickering With Boss

Reprinted from our newsletter: by Amy Lindgren from Knight Ridder on October 1, 2000.

There comes a time (or a couple of dozen times) in everyone's career when you need to pack your bags and move on. Last year, I wrote a column on job-leaving etiquette. Since that column, I've received several requests to describe the actual process of resigning. It seems people know they want to leave; they just can't picture saying it out loud.

To begin, make your decision firm in your own mind. A resignation should be just that: the announcement that you are resigning.

If you are only considering leaving, or hoping desperately that someone will talk you out of it, you are using the wrong tool. Instead of learning how to resign, you need to learn how to discuss your work issues with your boss. After which you may want to know how to resign.

Start your leave-taking process by making two lists: "Things I want from my boss" and "Things my boss may need from me."

Things you want from your boss may include a relaxed schedule over the next month while you job search, a written recommendation or the opportunity to return to the company at a later date as a contractor.

Things your boss needs from you could include an extended notice period or help training your replacement.

Once you have completed your lists, it's time to devise your strategy. Is there a better time to leave, based on your own needs or the workload of the company? Pick the final date and work backward to the date to give your notice.

There's no law about length of notice, but two weeks is a standard period. If you are on good terms with your boss, or if you will be difficult to replace, it is nice to give a month's notice. Of course, there's always the chance the boss will say, "Why wait? Pack up and leave now." Probably won't happen though.

Now, it's time to put your plan into action. The next step is a two-parter: a letter and a meeting. A lot of people try to get away with just a letter, left surreptitiously on the boss' chair, or worse, an e-mail fired off on Sunday night after a weekend of wrestling with the decision. Nope. Both methods are impersonal and just a little cowardly. The e-mail is especially spineless. And don't even consider voice mail.

The better plan is to write a brief resignation and carry it to your boss. If he or she is an "open door" boss, you won't need an appointment for this. The letter itself causes far more agony than it should. Copy this down and use it whenever you need to:

Dear (name of boss):

I am planning to leave ABC Co. effective (date). I have enjoyed my work here and appreciate the training and skills I have received while employed at ABC Co. I have also appreciated the opportunity to work to my full potential as a (job title). Thank you in advance for helping me make this a smooth transition in the coming weeks.

Sincerely,
(your name).

Notice the letter gives no details about your future plans, the co-worker who drives you crazy, or the fact that the entire company should be reported to O.S.H.A. None of that belongs in writing in your employee file.

If you feel compelled to have last conversations on these topics, bring them to a meeting on the day you leave. Better yet, don't. Copy this letter to the Human Resources Director, but wait until after you've met with your boss to deliver it to H.R.

The last step in this resignation process is to bring the letter to your boss. Start the meeting respectfully: "I wanted you to be the first to know that I am planning to leave the ABC Co."

Then, explain the options you can offer: "I'm able to stay a month, and help train a new person if you need. I'd also consider coming back as a contractor for overload periods."

Then, ask for the things you need: "I've enjoyed working here, and I'd appreciate a short letter or recommendation that I can show to future employers."

What if things don't go as smoothly in person as they do in a newspaper column? You can always fall back on Plan B and leave in a huff. Just in case, photocopy your Rolodex or clean out your locker before you start the ball rolling.

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