For one reason or another, a person may realize that the role they are currently in just isn’t the right choice for them. Whether it’s not their true passion or they have simply grown tired of their work, there’s no shame in resigning from a role to find something that makes you happier. With that said, submitting a formal resignation still isn’t something that should not be taken lightly.
To ensure you leave your current role on a positive note without making enemies at your current company, use the following guide to learn how to successfully resign with grace.
How Many People Resign Yearly?
In the past, resigning from a role was something of a rarity as most people valued job security over finding a career that potentially suited their interests more. However, the Covid-19 pandemic sparked a fascinating trend of resignations with the onset of remote work and more people beginning to place an emphasis on finding an employer who cares about their work-life balance.
This resulted in over four million Americans quitting their jobs on a monthly basis in 2022, which was a slightly raised amount from the 3.98 million workers who quit monthly in 2021. Clearly, resigning from roles has become far more common than ever seen historically.
The Job Market in 2023
With 2021 and 2022 taken into consideration, many workers are considering what the state of the job market currently is in 2023. In short, despite what people may be saying amidst tech layoffs, the job market is booming in unprecedented ways. Unemployment is at its lowest point in multiple decades, meaning more job requisitions are being posted on a daily basis. For those who have the right skills, there is certainly a role out there that suits your needs.
5 Best Practices to Keep in Mind When Resigning
Resigning from a role is a very serious matter that should not be taken lightly. Therefore, learning how to do so with style and respect is undoubtedly important. There are five primary tips an employee should keep at the top of the mind as they think about how to resign:
1. File a two week’s notice written or electronically
While it isn’t technically a written rule at most companies that employees need to give a formal two weeks notice, it is always best practice. Focus on learning how to craft the best two weeks notice letter so that you leave your company on a good note and in such a way that your employer gains a little insight into the motivating factors behind your decision.
2. Never burn any bridges with your coworkers
While it’s certainly possible that there may be some coworkers who you never got along with, don’t use your resignation as on opportunity to vent your mind. As tempting as it may be, you never know if you will need a referral, connection, or if somebody simply checks your reference against people from your old company.
3. Keep the situation as positive as possible
Even if you are leaving your company for a negative reason, it’s important to keep the situation positive. You don’t want to be remembered as the person who killed moral for everybody in the office, so take the necessary time to put a positive spin on your decision.
4. Offer to train your replacement up
One of the best things an employee can do for their employer before quitting is offering to train up a replacement. If you aren’t in a major rush to leave the company, consider extending the time before you leave the company to allow yourself enough time to train someone on everything they need to know.
5. Be prepared for any situation that may arise
It’s entirely possible that your resignation will not be taken in the best way by your employer or other coworkers. You don’t owe anyone an explanation, but be prepared to diffuse tensions if necessary.
Set yourself up for a new role
Leaving a company is always a serious decision which should not be taken lightly, especially if you are an established leader within your organization. However, it comes as no surprise that not many people are truly satisfied with their jobs, which is why it’s important to learn how to quite your role. The last thing you want to do is ruin your chances of getting a new job by burning bridges, though, which is why all of the above tips should be used to quit with style.
