How to Quit a Job

Depending on your circumstances, leaving a job on a professional note can be one of the more difficult challenges one can face in the current job market. While the same principles often apply to more sophisticated obligations, the following essay deals largely with "at-will" job situations and the many difficulties one can face while trying to obtain gainful and decent employment that will provide advancement opportunities.

Often times, to keep a job, and gain a favorable position in most job settings, one must do much more than simply meet the basic requirements. It is important to continue seeking other opportunities, and to try and keep several irons in the fire, to keep your employers on their feet. Employers are often averse to contentment, and it is for this reason that one should project a sense of discrimination and initiative to make a good impression. There is a tendency toward excessive diligence and micro managing in the current job climate, and these are trends that will only pass when participants begin to assert a certain level of autonomy and will power to protect their own needs.

Taking initiative in one's own spare time can present many challenges, but it is this extra effort that can bring one's career track out of the wage-mire and into a more professional milieu. One should stay active with at least one volunteer opportunity on a regular basis. This kind of effort will, over time, build one's confidence, and may bring about some bargaining leverage in make-or-break negotiations. A common pretension within the current managerial climate is that underlings and ground level employees are characteristically inconsiderate and unconcerned with broader issues, and a documented extracurricular volunteer or community service sends a strong message that these assertions are unfounded. It's the most important first step in building a stronger career track.

The next step is to continue applying and seeking out other opportunities. It's often said that you shouldn't leave a job without having secured another opportunity to take its place, however, these kinds of situations are often rare, and there are times when an unproductive or unsatisfactory occupation must simply be forgone, in the interest of professional development. To leave such a scenario on a professional note is fraught with obstacles; one can be fired in the interim of notice, but it's simply a risk that has to be taken.

Often, one does not really discover the true nature of an organization's shortcomings until it's too late. The new employee is often willing to acquiesce to organizational dysfunction in order to secure a situation that will hopefully improve. There are times when this is what we must all do in order to succeed, and many of the great entrepreneurs of history are often people who survived and persevered through unfair situations, discrimination, prejudice and many other challenges.

However, it is my experience that a more rigorous standard should be applied toward unfair treatment in the current job market. Nation-wide retailers, restaurant chains and other established concerns are notorious for availing themselves of the pitiful economic situations with which many of their employees struggle. Leaving these kinds of situations can often be important, as they maintain a cycle depravation that can be debilitating over time.

To be truly effective, a notice of resignation should be submitted in writing. It should be brief and to the point, and one should avoid sympathetic overtures or divisive assertions, or frankly, any explanation of why you are leaving. These are things you may explain in person, if you are asked why once the notice has been processed. Should these discussions arise, one should have something to say in advance. You might explain to them you have found a different opportunity or simply tell them that "something has come up" or "certain needs have presented themselves". In "at-will" situations, it isn't the employer's concern necessarily to know why you wish to leave, and you're notice will speak for itself in plain terms. Additionally, any explanations that you give verbally, after the notice is received, really have no bearing on the fact that you have chosen to search for other opportunities, which should be everyone's right.

In drafting the notice, simply state the date at which you will no longer be available to work and sign the letter. The notice should usually be mailed. A sample letter might read:

" As of [Date], I will no longer be available." Signed

Be sure to specify to whom the letter concerns and include the date of writing or the date mailed. Of course, you're letter will be postmarked, and it's good to have the date of the letter coincide with the postmark, though it's not entirely necessary. Also, double check for spelling and grammar before sending.

This is a brief and oversimplified explanation of what should be a very trying endeavor, maintaining your status against an unprofessional or unfair situation. Submitting notice will test your mettle as an individual, although it is important to learn how in order to preserve a positive career track over the long term.