Whether you voluntarily resign or not, what matters is the way you do it. Let’s make your departure as pleasant and smooth as possible! Why? Well, why not? You need a good record and references, for starters. Read on to find out more! 

What to Do

• Time your exit early

If possible, give a 30 days’ notice period when you resign. So there’s time to take care of everything. Don’t forget to let your boss know first-hand, and inform your team too.

• Transition your work

Start planning on transitioning your work to the team or the person who will take your position next. Wrap up your projects and prepare the ground for the next person to take over without too much difficulty.

• Thank people
  

Now is a good time to thank your colleagues for their help, cooperation, knowledge sharing, etc., and let them know you will keep in touch.

• Ask for recommendations and/or referrals

Anyhow, building good workplace relationships from day one is always the best policy, for you will get much more meaningful and solid relationships.

Gather What’s Yours

• Clear All Eligible Benefits and Welfare
  

Don’t forget to clear all of your eligible benefits and welfare to date on a pro rata basis (if you can’t convert them into cash)—unless your job comes to an end exactly at the end of the year.

• Save Your Own Work and Portfolio  

Especially the most outstanding ones, that you have done throughout your months or years of service at the company. There is no doubt that this will come in handy in the future whenever you need to refer to it.

What Not to Do

• Bad-mouth Your Soon-to-be-ex Employer
  

  This is a sure way to hurt your career. No one wants to hire employees who speak badly of their organisation.

• Burn Bridges

  While you may be holding grudges against certain people and/or the company and find an irresistible urge to devise creative ways to get back at them, don’t let your emotions get the best of you. You’re better than that. Besides, who knows if in the future you need to collaborate with these people again.

• Slacking
  

  You are still on the company’s payroll and therefore should do your duty. Stay productive! Better not ruin your hard-earned reputation and good relationships with your co-workers. It’s only 30 days after all, you CAN do this!

Final Words: Reputation Matters

It’s a small world, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t do things that you will later regret.

It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it – Benjamin Franklin

Keep up the good work and as Eric Betzig’s quote goes: “In my opinion, the only real asset one has is one’s reputation, right? I mean, any company and institution can go belly up at any time. But if you have a good reputation, you know, you can usually find somebody who can—who thinks they can use what you have to offer.” 

Ready for More Opportunities?

By following all of these tips, you can be rest assured that you got everything covered, and you are good to go start your bright new journey anywhere!

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Want to explore your opportunities or seek more career advice? Try browsing through GetLinks jobs or take a look at our Factors to Consider When Changing Your Job article for thorough decision making.