Leaving a job can be very stressful especially if you’re close to your co-workers and boss. You’ll want to make it as painless as possible for both of you while still maintaining a great relationship for a future reference.
If this is your first time to do so (like it was mine), you’ll want to make sure you do it right. Luckily, I had great advice from my husband and dad.
Here’s what you should do:
You don’t want the news spreading to your current boss before you have a chance to put in your two weeks.
This can be the most stressful part. Before I told my boss, my stomach was completely in knots. Try to do this as early as possible during the day.
Here’s the script I used when telling my boss:
[Name], I have something important I need to speak with you about. I’ve accepted another position. First, I just want to say I love [company], but I think it’s time for me to move on for my career and I think it’ll be good for your company as well. Thank you for being my mentor and giving me the opportunity to work for you for [time frame]. I will be giving you a full two weeks notice and will help with whatever you need until then. How would you like me to go move forward with this?
Whatever you do, don’t put your two weeks notice in until you have signed your offer letter AND confirmed they have received the signed letter.
A lot of people don’t think about doing this and then people get offended, stressed out or upset by not being told. When I put my two weeks notice in last week, I immediately called my employee, the office manager and the rest of the sales and marketing department to let them know what was going on. Not knowing can cause complete chaos in a company. So try to give them some information like we’ll be promoting someone from within or we’re putting out ads for the position.
I would even suggest telling your close friends at the company. Nobody likes being kept in the dark when it comes to important changes like this.
The Sales & Marketing Handbook
At larger companies, there might not be much you can do and they may just send you packing – especially if they already have processes in place. However, at smaller businesses, there’s a lot you can do. A lot of smaller companies don’t have written processes.
I offered to train my employee to take over my position which my boss accepted, but I also offered to put out job ads and help with the hiring process.
Make sure all of your processes and passwords are written in a booklet. I created a 150 page handbook for my post-decessor.
I would hold off on this until half way through your two weeks notice, then ask your boss for this. Every job that you leave willingly, you’ll want to get a letter of recommendation. My dad said that is one of the things he wished he would’ve done.
If you have already accrued your vacation time, then you’ll definitely want to ask for it. Some companies may have it written in the handbook that you forfeit your vacation time when you put in your two weeks notice.
Honestly, I think this is very subjective. If you’ve been an exemplary employee, then there’s a 80% chance you’re going to get your vacation time paid.
Me and My Boss on My Last Day at Work
Unfortunately, our world is mad about social media like Facebook. More than likely, you’ll want to make a post about your new job. Be mindful of the company you are leaving. Surprisingly, my father gave me this advice which is ironic since he doesn’t have social media.
Here’s what I posted:“Today is bittersweet… it’s my last day at BIS… What an amazing 3.5 years it has been…full of memories and new friends. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of the BIS team. I have learned so much and have had the best mentors a girl could ask for. Thank you BIS for everything! #askbislife”
Whatever you do – don’t badmouth the company you’re leaving. It’s really not a smart move because you’re already leaving. Just leave on a good note!
There was a girl one time who put in her two weeks notice and everybody loved her. She was helpful, hardworking and caring. However, she decided to badmouth the company, her job and her boss. Not very smart! Everyone found out about it and some severed ties with her.
It’s always best to leave your company on a good note. However, sometimes leaving on a negative note cannot be avoided. One time I worked for a company that refused to pay the over time rate although I was an hourly employee. They required me to work over time and then didn’t properly compensate me for it. I even called the Department of Labor and they agreed that the company was in the wrong.
When I went back into the office, I let them know what I had discovered and that I’d accepted another position. Instead of being happy for me or wishing me luck, they proceeded to argue with me about the over time. At this point, I explained to them that I would not put up with this type of treatment and walked out. Not necessarily the most professional, but this company was in absolute shambles.
Hope this helps!
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