{"id":3322,"date":"2020-01-08T17:22:34","date_gmt":"2020-01-08T17:22:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fmpblog-staging.findmyprofession.com\/career-advice\/quit-a-job\/"},"modified":"2023-01-16T05:02:45","modified_gmt":"2023-01-16T05:02:45","slug":"quit-a-job","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.findmyprofession.com\/career-advice\/quit-a-job\/","title":{"rendered":"Quitting a Job: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

At some point in your career, you may need to quit your job.<\/p>\n

That is perfectly normal!<\/p>\n

However, you need to do it as respectfully and professionally as you can.<\/p>\n

But first, let\u2019s explore possible reasons for quitting your job.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>10 Best Reasons for Quitting Your Job<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

So, one thing is clear. You want to quit your job.<\/p>\n

Before you do, it\u2019s important to understand that there are acceptable reasons and unacceptable reasons to quit a job.<\/p>\n

Below we\u2019ll show you some of the best and most acceptable reasons to quit a job:<\/p>\n

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  1. You have a new job that offers better opportunities and\/or pay.<\/strong> This may be receiving a permanent full-time position somewhere when you work part-time, or a job with better pay or the potential for growth.<\/li>\n
  2. Family matters.<\/strong> If your job does not offer flexibility for family obligations, it may not be a good fit for you.<\/li>\n
  3. Relocation.<\/strong> If you have moved to a new place or your work requires you to move when you can\u2019t.<\/li>\n
  4. The health of yourself or a family member.<\/strong> Perhaps the job itself is having a negative effect on your mental or physical health, or you need to care for an ailing family member or yourself.<\/li>\n
  5. Schedules and hours may not line up with your current needs.<\/strong> If the services that you need in your personal life change their schedule, you may need a job that accommodates this change.<\/li>\n
  6. Mistreated.<\/strong> If your boss or colleagues do not appreciate you, this can make the position stressful. Dread in the morning is not sustainable.<\/li>\n
  7. Studies<\/strong>. You may be in school again full or part-time. This may create an unreasonable strain on your schedule, and something has to give.<\/li>\n
  8. Job insecurity<\/strong>. If your position is at risk, you may wish to leave. Either because the company is struggling or because those in charge are reshuffling staff, you may wish to find another option before you are forced to.<\/li>\n
  9. Values not aligning with the company.<\/strong> If your job has you defend what you are unable to stand by, then you may wish to leave.<\/li>\n
  10. Need a change.<\/strong> Maybe your situation does not completely line up with a reason stated above. However, needing to move on is a reason in and of itself. Sometimes your gut just tells you to go.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    All the reasons above will be suitable reasons to quit your job.<\/p>\n

    If you want to see some of the worst reasons to quit a job, just keep on reading.<\/p>\n

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    Top Tip: <\/strong>Having a good reason to quit does not mean that you must quit immediately! Be sure that quitting is something that you are prepared for.<\/p>\n

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    (Learn the signs that it’s time to quit your job for\u00a0being underpaid or\u00a0overworked<\/a>.)<\/em><\/p>\n

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    <\/a>5 Worst Reasons for Quitting Your Job<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

    After specifying some of the best reasons to quit your job, it is worth remembering that there are bad reasons too.<\/p>\n

    If you quit for the wrong reasons, it can actually hurt your chances of getting hired elsewhere.<\/p>\n

    If a decision is made to quit based on a reason stated below, perhaps you should\u00a0reconsider.<\/p>\n

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    1. Not promoted.<\/strong> Your job has not changed and you may clinch the promotion next time.<\/li>\n
    2. Hard times.<\/strong> If you do not have another job lined up, then adding financial instability does not help your situation.<\/li>\n
    3. Colleagues did not like me.<\/strong> This can make it seem that you are personally hard to work with if you are citing this reason to a future potential employer.<\/li>\n
    4. If you do not like the details that you agreed to.<\/strong> Hours, overtime, duties \u2013 anything that you agreed to at the beginning does not reflect well on you if you cite it as a reason for leaving.<\/li>\n
    5. Mom told me to<\/strong>. While she may have your best interests at heart, this is not an acceptable motivation, especially if there are no other issues.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      It is certainly not good to be leaving for any of the reasons above.<\/p>\n

      Future employers will have access to references to why you left your job, ensure that your explanations line up with what your former boss says.<\/p>\n

      Having to leave without having something new lined up will show an employment gap on your resume.<\/p>\n

      Be sure to have an explanation for this.<\/p>\n

      Also, be aware that volunteering is an option when you are between jobs.<\/p>\n

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      Top Tip:<\/strong> Remember that job searching can be a long and stressful process, so try to prepare financially and mentally!<\/p>\n

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      \n

      <\/a>How to Properly Quit Your Job<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

      If you decide that you have sufficient reason to quit, be sure to try to limit any damage that may be caused.<\/p>\n

      That can be to your reputation, to relationships, and to references.<\/p>\n

      However, with the correct approach, this is not an issue for people.<\/p>\n

      It is important to recognize that there are many additional effects as you leave your job. Because of that, it is important to do so without burning bridges.<\/p>\n

      You do not want to slip up.<\/p>\n

      We\u2019ve included this graphic to help summarize how to properly quit your job.<\/p>\n

      \"How<\/span><\/p>\n

      Keep on reading and we will walk you through\u00a0details on how to quit your job.<\/p>\n

      Tell Your Boss First<\/h3>\n

      Be careful!<\/p>\n

      First, inform your boss before any colleagues.<\/p>\n

      If colleagues are told first, they may spill the beans even if you tell them not to.<\/p>\n

      You don\u2019t want that.<\/p>\n

      Your boss should find out from you, rather than through the grapevine.<\/p>\n

      The best way to approach this is to email your boss and set up a meeting about your future.<\/p>\n

      Quit in Person, Then Follow Up in Writing<\/h3>\n

      It is more daunting, but it is also more professional!<\/p>\n

      You can send a letter of resignation via email after resigning in person.<\/p>\n

      Do not go into detail about the negatives behind the position but be gracious and firm.<\/p>\n

      Be thankful!<\/p>\n

      Even if negative reasons have influenced your final decision greatly, it does not help you to emphasize them now!<\/p>\n

      Be polite.<\/p>\n

      Do not talk negatively about the company or your job.<\/p>\n

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      Top Tip:<\/strong> Your employer may want to keep you in your position rather than lose you. You may receive a better offer from your current employer. Be ready, know what you need to stay, or if you would still like to go no matter what the counteroffer is.<\/p>\n

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      Letter of Resignation Sample and Template<\/strong><\/p>\n

      After you have given your notice in person, here is a sample letter of resignation\u00a0to follow up and provide the information in writing.<\/p>\n

      \"Sample<\/span><\/p>\n

      \u2b06\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Download a Word Version of this Template<\/a><\/span><\/strong>\u2b06<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

      Can you see what this letter accomplishes?<\/p>\n

      All the essential information is there.<\/p>\n

      You do not have to go into depth.<\/p>\n

      Additionally, there is written evidence now of the date of your final day.<\/p>\n

      Try to keep negativity to yourself.<\/p>\n

      Offer to help make the process smooth.<\/p>\n

      (Check out this article for more resignation letter samples<\/a>.)<\/em><\/p>\n

      Two Weeks Notice<\/h3>\n

      Be sure to give notice of at least two weeks. Transition is not something that should be rushed.<\/p>\n

      That is at least<\/em> two weeks.<\/p>\n

      It might not go down well if you don\u2019t give ample time to be replaced.<\/p>\n

      Take into consideration that the wheel keeps turning and your former employer needs to continue functioning without you.<\/p>\n

      Maybe there are pressures in the job right now which make resigning very inconvenient for your employer.<\/p>\n

      In cases like these, offering even more time, if possible, will be appreciated.<\/p>\n

      Some jobs in general (like in management) also require a longer time to fill. Accommodate these needs and it will be appreciated.<\/p>\n

      Generally. there is no legal obligation when quitting to give notice. However, it is common practice to do so.<\/p>\n

      Some employers have a notice policy wherein the outgoing employee may forfeit accrued benefits. These are penalties rather than law.<\/p>\n

      \u00a0It can reflect badly on you if you leave a job high and dry.<\/p>\n

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      Top Tip:<\/strong> Choosing to resign at a less busy time is advantageous for everyone. Work will better deal with replacing you if they are not swamped. Additionally, your final 2 weeks will be significantly less frantic in trying to tie up loose ends.<\/p>\n

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      <\/a>How to Leave a Good Last Impression<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

      Last impressions are very important. It says a lot about you as a professional.<\/p>\n

      There are numerous benefits to leaving your employer on good terms.<\/p>\n

      Leave a good last impression by doing the following:<\/p>\n

      Help in the Transition Process as Best as You Can<\/h3>\n

      Replacing you will put more on the plate of your employer.<\/p>\n

      Because of this, it helps to ensure that you do what you can to make this as smooth as possible.<\/p>\n

      Tie up the loose ends you can and offer to get your replacement up to speed.<\/p>\n

      This is partly why giving sufficient notice helps a lot.<\/p>\n

      Underperforming in Your Final Days May Over-Shadow Other Contributions<\/h3>\n

      If you do not end your time with your employer professionally, the end of your tenure is more likely to be remembered than your contributions throughout your employment.<\/p>\n

      Because of this, do your best to end on a high note.<\/p>\n

      You do not want to mishandle this!<\/p>\n

      You Are More Likely to Get Good References If You Work Diligently<\/h3>\n

      Remember that there are positives in it for you too if you work diligently until your last day.<\/p>\n

      You will come across as being much more professional and trustworthy.<\/p>\n

      Giving references and getting references will likely happen, and you can help control that vital last impression!<\/p>\n

      Make sure you represent yourself well every day with your employer.<\/p>\n

      Returning One Day Is Easier If You Left on Good Terms<\/h3>\n

      Burning bridges makes it significantly harder to return down the road if needed.<\/p>\n

      You want to be doing all you can to give yourself options in the future.<\/p>\n

      Even if you do not currently see yourself returning, that may change \u2013 so try to keep the door open!<\/p>\n

      Offer to continue answering work emails and questions for a time.<\/p>\n

      Offer to help beyond your last 2+ weeks, this helps solidify this last impression as you leave.<\/p>\n

      Doing this shows that you want your employer to succeed and are willing to assist in accomplishing this.<\/p>\n

      This also increases the likelihood of receiving good references as discussed above.<\/p>\n

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      Top Tip: <\/strong>Even if you do not get a glowing reference from your supervisor, you can still get one\u00a0from colleagues!<\/p>\n

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      \n

      <\/a>How To Quit a Job You Just Started<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

      Sometimes starting a new job doesn’t go exactly as planned. Obviously, this is a situation that you do not hope for when looking for a job.<\/p>\n

      However, it is still very real for many people, so the advice here may come in handy for you.<\/p>\n