How To Politely Quit Your Job Without Burning Bridges

One thing is for certain – You’ve decided you are going to quit your current job. The question now is… How do you politely quit your job without burning down bridges you may need in the future?

You would certainly like to leave on good terms. Afterall, who knows what the future could hold. You may need this employer one day for something unexpected.

Maybe your next job goes downhill and you would like to keep the door open for future employment. Perhaps the job you’re going to be searching for in five years wants to call all your previous employers.

There are a variety of reasons why you shouldn’t burn any bridges.

Let’s cover the steps you should take to quit your current job (as politely as possible).

Decide On When Your Last Day Is

Please, give two weeks’ notice.

The main reason I’ve been annoyed with resignations in the past has been because of the small amount of notice given. Two weeks most likely isn’t enough time for your employer to fill your position. It isn’t about filling your void completely before you’re out the door and on to greener pastures.

It is about respecting your employer enough to give them plenty of time to make a game plan. Trust me, to not burn this bridge, you’re definitely going to want to give two weeks’ notice.

When I hear of someone resigning, usually the first question I ask is “How much notice did they give?”.

Be respectful and hang in there for ten business days. This is the standard acceptable amount of time that should be given.

I do not believe in giving longer than two weeks, but every situation is different. If you feel it needs to be longer, then think on it for a bit and stick with whatever your final decision may be.

Housekeeping Before You Quit Your Job

Before you tell anyone of your decision to leave, complete a bit of housekeeping.

Spend some time cleaning up your emails.  Do not delete any company communication that could be important for people to be able to find after you are gone.  Clean up should consist of any personal documents. For example, if you have your cell phone bill sending notice to your work email, delete all of those messages.

Make sure other personal items (such as pictures) are removed from your computer.

Without making it obvious that your days are numbered, also clean up any miscellaneous drawers that you may have.

Have your area in order so that if you are immediately dismissed after you turn in your notice (which is unlikely, but it could happen), you’re able to easily pick up a few things and walk out.

Write A Resignation Letter

Do this first before you discuss your resignation with anyone. It will help you get your thoughts straight.

Make sure your letter is professionally written. This document will be kept in your file and who knows the people that could read it.

You are to follow proper etiquette. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Use a subject line. Keep it simple and easily discoverable down the road. “Notice of Resignation – First & last name” works.
• State when your last day of employment will be.
• No details on where you are going or why should be shared in the letter.
• DO express thanks for the experience you have gained.
• DO offer any assistance that you can provide during the transition.
• Provide contact information (outside of your work email and phone) where your employer can reach you if they need anything.

Read the message over at least twice. Sleep on it and read it over again. Most likely, you will not be writing a ton of resignation letters in your lifetime so let’s get it right. For reassurance, let your significant other or a family member read it over.

Letter Example:

This resignation letter is to be sent after an in-person meeting.

In-Person Resignation Meeting

Although this is the harder way out compared to sending an email and hiding, this shows respect.

Schedule a meeting with your supervisor or manager and break the news in person. First, come right out and say it.

Be ready to give the reason why you’re leaving. Without using any negativity, be honest and put it out there. There’s no wrong answer.

• Found a new position elsewhere
• Starting something new on your own
• Going back to college
• Taking time off for a baby or family reasons

The reason isn’t as important as your offering to help where needed. Make sure it’s known that you’re thankful for the time and trust they have placed into you.

You are willing to help in any way possible to get your replacement up to speed.  You are also available by phone or email after your two weeks are up if anything else is needed.

Your goal is to make the transition a smooth one.

No Negativity (Before Or After You Quit Your job)

No matter what you may have been through at this company, you’re leaving.  It’s all over.

At this point, no negative conversations should be taking place.  No emails, texts with co-workers, phone calls, nothing. 

Keep smiling and radiating positivity as you stick out these last ten days.

Once your ten days are over, do not dog your previous employer.

Show Appreciation

Finally, be thankful. You may cross paths with any of these people down the road. You may not. Regardless, let them know the things that they have done to make an impact on your life.

Perhaps some small gesture they did months ago changed your entire day for the better. Maybe they were a mentor you truly looked up to.

This is not the time to hash out old disagreements. Let them go and leave on a positive note.