Career Change -- How to Quit Your Job With a Smooth Exit Strategy

"I quit!"In other words, don't schedule your departure when
In the movies, unhappy people always quit their jobsthe office is in the middle of the year's Big Project.
with great fanfare. They throw open a door, hurl theirThat's just common courtesy. And if you're planning
resignation letter into the boss's face, then storm out,your exit and suddenly hear that a project is looming,
often to the cheers of their equally disgruntledyou owe it to the crew to reveal your plans right
co-workers.away so they can make arrangements.
That may work in the movies. But in real life, if you2) If your boss is on vacation, or out of town for any
truly want to quit your job, whatever the reason, youother reason, save your resignation for their return.
need a good exit strategy.You never want them to come back to a note on
Why?their desk or, worse yet, their assistant's exaggerated,
Well, whenever possible, you want to leave on gooddramatic re-telling of how you left the job.
terms. Don't "burn bridges," as they say. I know, it may3) Don't make your resignation cold and impersonal.
seem unlikely that you'll ever deal with those peoplePutting your resignation in writing is a fine idea, and it will
again. But karma dictates that if you quit in a state ofhelp you firm up in your own mind just why you're
high drama, anger, and bad feelings, those folks willleaving your job. But it's not such a good idea to stop
come back to haunt you. Guaranteed. I don't like itthere. No matter the circumstances, I think you're
either, but that's just the way the universe works.obligated to give notice to your employer or supervisor
Here are three pointers for creating a smooth exitverbally, in person, face-to-face. Sure, it might be
strategy:uncomfortable. But buck up. That's life.
1) Never leave your boss and co-workers in the lurch.