Thinking about leaving your job? This is how to resign from your job professionally, maintain your reputation, and leave on good terms with expert tips and real-life advice.
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So, you've had enough... now what?
We've all been there.
You wake up, stare at the ceiling, and think, "I cannot do this job for one more day."
The boss is unbearable, the meetings could have been emails, and your enthusiasm is dwindling.
The urge to go full Jerry Maguire - Who's coming with me? - is real.
But before you flip a desk and walk out in slow motion while "Eye of the Tiger" plays in your head, let's talk about resigning with class because how you leave a job matters just as much as how you get one.
Why quitting properly is a big deal
Most of us don't think about our exit strategy until we're halfway out the door. But here's the thing: how you quit follows you.
Burn a bridge, and you might find yourself stranded when you need a reference, an industry contact, or ironically, your old job back.
Resigning from your job well means maintaining your professional reputation, keeping future doors open, and avoiding becoming an office legend for all the wrong reasons (more on that later).
So, let's break it down step by step.
Step 1: The Decision – Is It Time to Go?
Before you start mentally packing your desk, take a breath. Ask yourself:
- Am I leaving for the right reasons? Are you making an emotional decision or a strategic career move?
- Do I have another job lined up? If not, can you financially handle a break?
- Is there room for improvement in my current role? Have you tried to fix what's frustrating you first?
If you've thought this through and still hear a resounding GET OUT NOW - congratulations, you're ready to move on.
By the way you are not alone a survey by McKinsey found that 40% of respondents across six countries were considering leaving their jobs in the near future.
In India, this figure was notably higher, with 66% of workers contemplating resignation.
Step 2: Plan Your Exit – Timing is Everything
Timing matters. Quitting in the middle of a critical project or during budget season is like breaking up with someone on their birthday - technically allowed, but a bit of a faux pas.
- Give enough notice – Check your contract for required notice periods. Even if it says two weeks, offering more can sometimes be a goodwill gesture.
- Have a transition plan – Make your departure as smooth as possible. Wrap up projects, document processes, and offer to train your replacement. (Even if your boss is the reason you're leaving, be the bigger person.)
Step 3: The Counter Offer – Should You Stay or Go?
If you have made up your mind about leaving, be prepared for a potential counter offer. Your employer may suddenly realise your value and try to persuade you to stay with a salary increase, a promotion, or promises of change. While this may seem flattering, think carefully.
Ask yourself:
- Why did it take my resignation for them to offer me more?
- Will the issues that made me want to leave actually change?
- Am I staying because I truly want to, or just because it is easier?
Step 4: The Resignation Letter – Short, Sweet, and Professional
Keep it simple:
- State your resignation – No need for your life story.
- Thank them – Even if you have to dig deep, find something positive.
- Offer to assist with the transition – This makes you look professional and mature.
Example:
Dear (Manager's Name),
I would like to formally resign from my position as (Your Job Title), effective (Last Working Day).
I appreciate the opportunities I've had to grow and contribute during my time at (Company Name). I've particularly enjoyed working with the team on (mention something positive).
I will do my best to ensure a smooth transition and assist in any way during my notice period.
Thank you again for the experience, and I look forward to staying in touch.
Regards,
(Your Name)
See? No drama. No unnecessary explanations. Just polite and to the point.
Talking about drama perhaps you shouldn’t follow Joey DeFrancesco who became a viral sensation, at the height of the Great Recession, when he brought in a marching band to quit his job.
“I was fighting back against working conditions there for a while and trying to organise a union,” DeFrancesco told ABC News (DIS), in 2011. “I was constantly butting heads with management.
I knew if I was going to give them the pleasure of leaving, I had to go out in a big way.” DeFrancesco triumphantly left his job and a video of the incident quickly racked up 9.4m views on YouTube.
On the same theme, these resignation letters are undeniably entertaining, and there is no denying the creativity behind them.
From cakes to sympathy cards to full-on theatrical performances, some people certainly know how to make an exit.
However, while these methods might get a few laughs (or go viral), they are not the best way to protect your professional reputation.
A dramatic departure can leave a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons.
Future employers, colleagues, and industry contacts may remember the spectacle rather than your actual contributions.
The smartest move?
Keep it professional, exit on good terms, and leave doors open rather than slamming them shut.
While an outrageous resignation makes for a great story, a well-handled departure ensures you are remembered for the right reasons.
Step 5: The "I Quit" Meeting – Handle It Like a Pro
This is where people mess up. Keep it professional, even if you secretly want to launch into a TED Talk about why you're leaving.
- Schedule a private meeting – Don't blindside your boss at the coffee machine.
- Be direct, but positive – "I've decided to take on a new opportunity" sounds way better than "I can't stand this place."
- Resist the urge to overshare – You don't need to justify everything. Keep emotions out of it.
- Prepare for counteroffers – If they suddenly throw money at you to stay, be ready with your answer.
Step 6: The Notice Period – Don't Coast, Finish Strong
You've quit, but your work here isn't done yet. How you handle your last few weeks says a lot about your professionalism.
- Keep working – Don't mentally check out.
- Document everything – Help your replacement (or your poor boss) by leaving things organised.
- Stay positive – Gossiping or complaining now won't help anyone.
- Exit interview? Be smart – If they ask for feedback, be constructive. Saying, "My manager is a control freak with the patience of a toddler" won't help your reputation – even if it is true.
Step 7: Your Last Day – Make It Memorable (For the Right Reasons)
Real-Life Stories: The Good and The Ugly
The Good – How a Mine Manager in Mongolia Quit with Class
A client of mine was a mine manager in Mongolia who had a fantastic reputation but wanted a change.
He gave ample notice, helped transition his team, and left on good terms.
Fast forward five years - his new South American project shut down unexpectedly.
He reached out to his old employer, and guess what?
They welcomed him back with open arms.
His graceful exit left doors open, proving that quitting well can be an investment in your future.
The Ugly – When an Engineer in Australia Blew It
Then, there was the engineer who... well, let's just say he quit in the worst way possible.
He wrote a resignation letter on a post it note, told his boss, "This place is a joke," and spent his last week doing absolutely nothing.
On his final day, he stole the office coffee machine.
Surprise, surprise - he needed a reference later, and no one would vouch for him.
Word spread, and his name became synonymous with how not to quit a job.
Don't be that person who’s now known as Flat White Felon
Final Thoughts: Quit Like a Pro, Not a Drama Queen
Quitting a job is a big moment, and how you handle it matters.
Be professional, stay calm, and don't let emotions get the best of you.
You never know when you might cross paths with your old colleagues again.
If you need career advice, we're always here to help minus the fluffy corporate jargon.
Now go forth and quit with class.
