You are now faced with the delicate challenge of resigning from your current employer without burning bridges, and saying good-bye to friends and colleagues.
The Exigent Group will help you draft your resignation letter. Then, you will make an appointment with your manager to respectfully explain your decision. Your manager needs to hear that your decision is firm and final and that you are committed to your new employer. Express appreciation for the opportunities that your former employer has given you.
Be careful not to get lured into any discussions other than your resignation, such as how your employer wants to handle your final weeks or the transition of your current responsibilities and projects.
Preparing for your resignation…
The first impression you make on a new job is important, but so is your last impression. Being flexible and adjusting emotionally as you leave one position and prepare for another are essential career-survival skills. How you leave says a lot about you, whatever the circumstances. The process of leaving isn't about packing a box and moving to a new place. It's about cementing relationships and establishing a network that will ensure you a place in the business world. It's also about realizing that the desk next to you at a future employer may be occupied by your former boss.
To stay emotionally grounded while saying good-bye and beginning your transition, apply the following 10 strategies:
1. Express your appreciation and stay connected. Regardless of the circumstances involving a job change, it's important to maintain bridges with co-workers and managers. Their ties to you are important links to your future.
2. Let go. Letting go of security, embracing a new opportunity and exploring the unknown takes courage. Focus on what is instead of what was. Since the primary safety net during periods of change is self-confidence, remind yourself in this transition you will fit in and find a new identity. During change, your ability to tolerate ambiguity and uncertainty will stand as a critical skill.
3. Leave your office in top shape. Be meticulous about how you leave your office. Only take files that belong to you and make sure your desk, computer, records and files are neat, organized and complete. Provide employees with updates and leave notes about on-going projects.
4. Create a morale-building file. Keep a file of positive work evaluations, thank-you notes and other documents that will supply you with enthusiasm, courage and hope in the upcoming weeks. Realize you've made a difference in others' lives and will do so again.
5. Don't be critical. Avoid criticizing your company, co-workers and managers or participating in negative conversations about these subjects. You may feel bitter or demoralized, but letting others know your feelings will backfire.
6. Prepare, reflect and move on. Recognize that every work experience has value, and view your job as a bridge to the next one. Be introspective, realistic and excited. Dream about what might be.
7. Recognize the value of friends. Don’t neglect friends and networking opportunities. Contact with and reassurance from others may be what you need most. You may be surprised to discover that many others have been through similar experiences. Identify supportive people and maintain contact with them.
8. Be open to new possibilities. Change always comes bearing gifts. It's up to you to find them. Your job change can be an opportunity in disguise. Don't be so reluctant to embrace change that you can't see new opportunities that become available.
9. Giving notice. Giving a counter offer when someone resigns seems to be standard practice these days. It is good idea to tell your manager, verbally or in writing, that you have given this job move a great amount of thought and will not entertain" a counter offer.
10. Starting over. Starting over is part of career advancement in today's turbulent workplace. Successfully ending the final chapter of one job will give you a good start on the first chapter of a new one.