How to Quit Your Job: An Instruction Guide

Today is my last day of work (I resigned) and I have a little time on my hands so I thought I would share some things I've learned over the past two months. When employee decides to quit their job, they do so with certain goals. First, to not work any harder than you have been previously in your last weeks of employment. Second, to control your separation date with your current employer. Third, most importantly, to resign in a way that guarantees you future recommendations from your current employer. Here is how I accomplished those goals.

Don't Drop Hints
Don't let coworkers know you are considering quitting and never discuss your decision over work email or the work computer. If you have to take off work for interviews, personal time is the most appropriate time to use. You may consider coworkers your friends but you can not predict how they will react to the news of you searching for another job. Your resignation can either hinder or help them but only at your expense.

Give Notice
It is proper to give two weeks notice when you resign but it shows your dedication if you can give 2.5 weeks notice. However, if you are expendable to the company and you give too much notice you will be out of the job early. To control the date you leave make sure you have work that remains incomplete and make sure no one else knows how to complete it; be secretive if you have to. Create side work that prevents you from finishing this task until your very last day.

When you give notice, meet with your supervisor one on one and tell him or her to their face that you have decided to resign before turning in your resignation letter. Write and turn in your resignation letter within 24 hours of telling our supervisor.

The Resignation Letter
Your resignation letter should be short and positive without hinting to any emotions. You should state that you are leaving your current position, your last day, and some ways the company has benefited from your employment. Your resignation letter is your last formal communication with your company and you should use this time to gloat. A line from my letter said, "I have learned so much from [my company] and enjoyed starting an annual event, getting two grants, and being named employee of the quarter."

On you r last day, write thank you notes to everyone you worked with, stay five minutes late so you are remembered as a hard worker, and never look back. Congratulations, you have successfully quit your job.