There are many reasons why you want to leave your job. Yet quitting without thorough preparation is full of risk. Consider these points before you submit your resignation letter.
Resigning from a job is a big decision. There are various reasons why people choose to leave their previous job. For instance, TIME’s new research found that a worker is much more likely to quit when they are being assigned to do a streak of many hard tasks in a row. Other reasons include poor company management, lack of career advancement, low salaries, and some people simply want a different work environment and need more challenges.
Resigning with another job already secured is one thing, but leaving your position without a replacement lined up is risky. Without thorough preparation, the decision may lead to lasting regret. Before submitting your resignation letter, consider these key points to ensure a well-informed and strategic approach.
Think Before You Act
Evaluate the reason for your resignation. Do you feel underpaid or looking for a higher salary? Are you feeling uninspired about your current role? Does your current workplace have an unhealthy environment?
No matter the reason, you need to weigh every pros and cons of your decision. Determine whether you can solve your problem without quitting. For instance, if you are looking for a higher salary, try talking to your manager about your expectations. Evaluating your choices like this can help in reaffirming your decision.
Form a Plan
After ensuring your decision to quit, you shouldn’t immediately hand in your resignation letter. Generally, it’s safer to look for new roles before you leave. This way, you don’t have to worry about supporting yourself without a stable income. In this stage, evaluate what your professional needs are. Focus on finding the most suitable role and work environment for you.
Review Your Employment Contract
Once you have your resignation plan settled, review your employment contract to follow the proper resignation process. Different companies have different regulations, such as submitting resignation notice within a certain timeframe. Additionally, check whether you still have unused employee benefits, including annual leave, work compensation, or health insurance.
Ask for Recommendation or Reference
Documents that endorse your qualifications may be valuable in the future. Reference letter is a general endorsement of someone’s work ethics, while a recommendation letter is usually more focused on someone’s skills and experiences.
When submitting your resignation notice, ask your HR or manager whether you can get one of them. These letters can help if you still don’t have a job ready after you quit, adding more credibility in your CV or resume and making you stand out from other candidates.
Say Goodbye Nicely
Before you leave, express your gratitude to your colleagues. Thank them for the experiences, especially if they helped in your professional career growth. Leaving on a good term with colleagues and your previous company helps in maintaining professional connections that may be valuable in the future.
Essentially, evaluating your professional needs is a critical step when considering resignation. Leaving your current job needs careful thought and thorough preparation to minimize the risk of regret. However, resigning can also present an opportunity for a fresh start, allowing you to rediscover your motivation and renew your passion for your career.
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