How to Quit Your Job With Grace
“Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance” (Colossians 3:23).
As I sat in my office and closed my computer down for the night, I began to reminisce over the last three and a half years. I remember my first day on the job—receiving a tour of the manufacturing plant, shaking hands with workers and supervisors, and trying hard to remember names and faces. I was so nervous and unsure of myself, yet I was excited to start working. It was my first “real” job after college, and I was hired as a training and employee development specialist, with the goal of starting up a new training department with my manager.
Fast-forward several years with a now-robust department in place, I felt called and ready for a new professional adventure. I had recently received a job offer at a different company and was excited about the opportunity. Although I was confident about my decision, I still faced the difficult next step of informing my employer and saying goodbye to the many colleagues whom I had come to know and respect.
“How do I leave without burning bridges?” “How can I ensure my manager and team are supported and set up for success after I’m gone?” “How do I write a professional resignation letter?”
These were the questions racing in my mind once I decided to resign. After much research, I followed the following steps and have continued to employ them in subsequent job moves over the years. These recommendations made for smooth transitions for my team members and earned the gratitude of my managers.
1. Inform your manager about your resignation first and in person (if possible).
Your manager should be the first person to know that you will be leaving your position. Set up a meeting with them to share that you will be resigning. Begin the conversation by thanking them for their support and stating what you have learned from them and/or the position. Then, share that you will be resigning from your position.
Remain positive, and briefly share why you will be leaving (e.g., to pursue an area of keen interest, to start your own business, to be closer to family). However, be mindful of oversharing. Be prepared for what you will say if they give you a counter offer, keeping in mind that 50% of employees who accept counter offers search for jobs again within 60 days. Know why you want to leave, and be confident in your decision before you meet with your manager.
2. Prepare a formal written resignation letter.
In the letter, thank your manager for their support, and inform them that you will be resigning from your position. Include your last day of work, and state that you will wrap up projects and leave a transition document before you leave. Give at least two weeks notice—possibly more, depending on the nature of your position, your relationship with your team, and your start date at your new company.
The website Indeed.com offers examples and templates of resignation letters to help you craft yours.
3. Prepare a transition document.
Include the names of open and upcoming projects, timelines, and the contact information of those involved. Make sure that all your work files are clearly named and saved in a shared drive or folder. In addition to informing your team members of your resignation, inform any employee from external departments you work with that you will be leaving. If appropriate, be open to training your replacement.
4. Finish strong.
It is normal to experience “senioritis” as you near your last week and days of work. However, continue to work diligently, attend requested meetings, and complete your work well.
Not only will your manager and co-workers appreciate it, but the Lord will, too. As St. Paul encourages us, “Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance” (Colossians 3:23).
5. Be positive during your exit interview.
Sometime during your last week or last day of work, you may meet with a human resources professional or your manager to conduct an exit interview. During this interview, you will be asked for feedback about the company and why you are leaving. (Read this Glassdoor.com blog post for common exit interview questions and how to answer them.)
Remain positive, professional, and concise, taking time to prepare what you will say. If you had a negative experience at the company, do not vent or be rude. If you are upset about a specific situation or person, release frustration beforehand by praying, journaling, or speaking with a friend so you can enter the conversation calmly. If you choose to share the critical feedback, be tactful, and provide constructive solutions—for example, regarding the need for hiring more employees or better training.
Be respectful and diplomatic throughout, keeping in mind that you are leaving a final impression. End the interview by sharing what you liked about the company or something you learned that you will take with you to your next position.
6. Celebrate!
Take the time to reminisce with co-workers about the positive experiences you have shared, and thank people who have had a positive impact on you. If you’re comfortable doing so, share your personal contact information, and save the contacts of anyone with whom you wish to remain in contact. Take pictures and plan a lunch (if one isn’t already planned for you) to say goodbye to your team.
Also, take time to give God thanks for the opportunity, challenging or not, and for what is to come.
Following these six steps will help you quit your job with grace and earn the gratitude and respect of your team and management. However, most importantly, it will ensure that you end your tenure at your company in the same way you started—strong and with your best foot forward.
Valentina Imhoff, MBA is a career coach helping women encounter God through their work. She has lived and worked in 6 countries and has over 10 years of experience in a variety of industries. In addition to coaching, she facilitates Called & Gifted workshops to help others discern their charisms. Her greatest loves are her husband, son, and trying new recipes in the kitchen. Connect with Valentina at fiatcareercoaching.com, or tune into her podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.