| In the aftermath of the recession, many British workers | | | | time comes, otherwise all the hard work you put into |
| value job stability and security over career | | | | your projects could go to waste. |
| advancement. But for those of you who are keen for | | | | Craft your resignation letter |
| a change or a new challenge, here are some ways in | | | | As tempting as it may be, this should not be viewed as |
| which you can make your resignation as smooth as | | | | an opportunity to tell your boss how unhappy you've |
| possible. | | | | been for the past few months. Rather, an ideal letter |
| Consider the consequences | | | | of resignation should be as concise, non-confrontational |
| Before you approach your manager, make sure you | | | | and professional as possible. |
| have fully considered the consequences of leaving | | | | You needn't give a detailed reason for resigning, simply |
| your job. How will you earn a living? Quitting before | | | | state the fact that you will be leaving to accept a new |
| you have another position lined up is highly risky in the | | | | position or explore new career options. You also need |
| current labour market, unless you've managed to save | | | | to detail the starting and ending dates of your notice |
| up enough money to survive for a few months. | | | | period. |
| If this isn't the case, consider searching for a stop-gap | | | | Make an appointment to speak to your boss |
| position, even if it's a part-time role, so you'll be able to | | | | While it may be much easier to send an email, it's |
| support yourself while you make your career change. | | | | better to resign in person. A good time to approach |
| Keep it confidential | | | | your manager is towards the end of the afternoon, |
| Once you're certain that you're making the right move, | | | | when work is winding down for the day. |
| keep your lips sealed. Resist the urge to tell your | | | | If your boss is always busy, make an appointment so |
| friends at work in case your boss hears about it | | | | you can be sure that you have their attention and you'll |
| before you've had a chance to draft your letter of | | | | have enough time to discuss all the details. |
| resignation. | | | | Plan what you intend to say. That way, you'll feel more |
| Discussing your intentions will also affect your | | | | confident when you enter your manager's office. |
| colleagues' morale. It's better to deal with this delicate | | | | Resigning can be an extremely stressful experience, |
| situation as tactfully and cautiously as possible. | | | | but try to remain unemotional and speak in a polite |
| Plan your notice period | | | | tone. |
| The next step is to check your employment contract, | | | | Don't end the conversation without agreeing on your |
| which should detail the notice period you're required to | | | | notice period and thanking your boss for the |
| work, as well as any restraints of trade you've agreed | | | | experience and confirming whether you should |
| to. | | | | continue with your usual workload during this time. |
| Depending on whether you're a temporary or | | | | Don't burn your bridges |
| permanent employee, this notice period could range | | | | Even if you're leaving because you've been unhappy |
| from a few days to a calendar month. It's also wise to | | | | or unfulfilled in your job, act professionally and politely |
| make sure of these details before accepting a new | | | | throughout your resignation. Thank your manager for |
| job, so as to avoid any disputes. | | | | the experience, walk out the door and calmly inform |
| If you don't work out the notice period stipulated in | | | | your colleagues that you will be leaving. |
| your contract, your manager will have to rush to fill | | | | Resigning is never easy, but by remaining polite at all |
| your position and your workload may end up landing in | | | | times and fulfilling all your contractual obligations, you |
| your colleagues' in-trays. Be prepared to write | | | | can move on to greener pastures while keeping your |
| handover notes or train your replacement when the | | | | dignity and reputation intact. |