Resignation Tips

Resignation can be an intimidating task for many people. Maybe you found a better paid job, maybe you want to change your career, or maybe you want to pursue a higher education. However, your boss always thinks that you enjoy your job here and you are going to stay here forever. You might feel guilty to resign or you might just be afraid that your boss will get angry. So how are your going to handle the situation? Here are some tips for you:

1. Before your resignation, carefully think about your reasons and make sure it's a right move. Ask yourself why do you have to resign, have you tried all avenues to advance your career with your current employer, and can you be better off in your new job. Talk to your family and close friends and see what they have to say.
2. There is no need to feel guilty if you decide to resign. It happens all the times, as often as companies have to lay off their employees.
3. Once you make up your mind, stick to it. Your employer may make a counteroffer to you when you submit your resignation letter, but don't get excited and jump at the chance to take this advantage. First of all, once you submit your resignation letter, your loyalty to the company is in question. If your employer has any financial problem later on, you might be the first target to be laid off. Second, the counteroffer might just be a temporary way to keep you until business slows down or a replacement is found. Third, numerous studies have shown that the basic reasons for wanting to change jobs in the first place will nearly always resurface. Changes made as the result of a counteroffer rarely last beyond the short-term. Four, the National Employment Association claims that over 75% of employees that accept counteroffers are no longer with that company six months later, either through voluntarily leaving or dismissal.
4. Study your company's resignation policies before you submit your resignation letter. You may need to give a minimum of two weeks notice, but some companies consider the date you resign letter as the last day of your employment, and you may not be able to access your computer once your submit the resignation letter. If that's the case, be prepared and remove and copy all your personal files in your computer before you resign.
5. Think about what you're going to say before you meet with your boss and submit your resignation letter. Your boss may get surprised, upset, or even angry, but no matter what, you need to stay cool and keep your composure. Thank your boss for his help during the past years but make it clear that you're leaving.
6. Your employer may probe your real reason by asking some "constructive critics" from you. You may feel tempting to point out a few things, however, it's never a good idea. Nothing is wrong with your former employer. Your only reason to resign is that you have been presented a career opportunity that you just can't pass by. Tell the same story to your colleagues, rumor travels faster than you can image.
7. No resignation is a true farewell. You never know when your career will cross paths with your former employer again, and your future employers may check references from your former employers back to 10 years ago, so don't burn bridges behind you.
8. Work hard until your last day. Finish what you're suppose to do if time permits.
9. Write a letter to your boss and coworkers after you settle down with your new job. Give them your new phone number and email address, you may want to keep in touch with them from time to time
10. If you're leaving in bad circumstances and want to sue your employer (sexual harassment, for example), you may need to consult a lawyer before you say or do anything. Collect evidences quietly and keep your mouth shut.