It’s okay to resign from your job if you’re not getting what you want. Making the decision to resign from your job has never been an easy one, simply because it does not only affect you but also those around you, including your employer. Whether you decide to resign in person, via email, or through a phone call, you should always consider doing so gracefully.
Not only does resigning in a dignified and respectful manner reflect your gracefulness and professionalism, but it also helps your chances of getting a good recommendation from your soon-to-be former employer and colleagues. Not to mention the scenario where you might have to work with your employer again in the future (well, what can we say… a person’s career path moves in mysterious ways). Whichever it is, it remains important to leave on a good note with your coworkers and employers.
Generally speaking, resignation involves proper planning, as it’s not one to be taken in a hurry. But rest assured, because, in this article, we’re listing some factors which you should consider if you want to resign gracefully:
You must maintain a positive mindset while resigning from your job, as it will affect your interaction with your coworkers and employer. It doesn’t always have to end negatively, even if you already have a great job waiting for you. It is best if you can communicate your reasons for wanting to resign positively and respectfully. Let your focus be on all the skills you must have learned, and the positive relationship you’ve built at work rather than the bad experiences you had.
You must notify your supervisor first about your decision to resign, before they hear it from someone else, as this will reflect negatively on you. If you are not available to inform your supervisor in person, ensure you do so via phone call or email, as soon as you’ve made up your mind. You also need to understand that it is not enough to inform your employer about your decision to resign, but you also need to communicate the following:
You can submit your resignation letter before or immediately after informing your supervisor of your decision to resign, instead of waiting a few days after passing the information. A resignation letter is a formal notice to your employer that you no longer wish to work with them in a particular position. Before drafting your resignation, you need to know if your company would prefer it emailed or submitted in hardcopy. A good resignation letter should contain:
A sample of resignation letter can be seen below:
Subject Line: Resignation - Jane Doe
Dear Mr. Patrick
I am writing this letter to inform you of my decision to resign from my position as the Deputy Graphics Designer at Ellen Comics. My last day of work will be the 13th of November, which is in three weeks.
I truly appreciate all the training and support I received from Ellen Comics during my five years here. I am grateful to you for treating me like family and not just as an employee. I learned so much from you and my coworkers.
Please let me know if there’s anything you would want me to do during this transitional period. At the beginning of the month, I must have settled as the Chief Graphics Designer at Betty and Friends Comics but, I am always available whenever the company needs me. My email is email@example.com, and my phone number is (243) 567-8910.
Thank you again. It has been an honor to work with you and my coworkers. I wish everyone at Ellen Comics all the best.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
The period before your last day at the job is your notice period. Most companies usually specify the length of time suitable for notice before a person fully resigns, in the employment contract (it’s usually not more than four weeks and not less than two weeks). If you’re it is not mentioned in your contract, or if you’re not sure about the exact duration and when it is effective, you could always reach out to your company’s HR department, or your direct manager, or other senior coworkers. Within this period, it is important that you still maintain work ethics and not be a nuisance to the company. Maintain punctually and ensure that you deliver all the tasks that are still in progress. Organize your documents in a manner that will make the handover of work easier for whoever is taking over.
Ensure that you have separated company files and devices from your personal property before your last day of work, and make sure to leave your office neat enough for the next person who will fill your position. Return the company's properties in your possession, like laptops, vehicles, smartphones, stationary, etc. All devices should be cleared of all your personal information and returned in the condition in which you’ve gotten them.
Generally, people get offended by the little things about their jobs. It could be as a result of an unhealthy environment, attitude from coworkers, a limiting job, or even the long hours with no break. Whichever the case may be, you only resign when you hope for a better experience. Most times, you may love your job, but you have to consider the option of change which is why this article is here to encourage you. Wishing you the best of luck as you make the best decision.
