Advice on Quitting Your Job
There are many things to consider about writing a proper resignation letter. Below is the summary of the things you will read about on this page.

• Be prepared
• Make sure it's legal
• Keep a cool head
• Reveal your reasons only if it benefits you
• Try to get a good reference

Resignation Letter Tips

If written the wrong way, a resignation letter can cause all kinds of problems. Think of it this way, your letter to your boss is your written legal agreement that announces your intention to quit that will probably be filed in his/her file cabinet for future reference. And let's face it, in today's world of business, a corporate lawyer can really screw up your future plans.

Are you prepared?

Some companies have policies in place that require you to be removed from the office immediately. Have you considered what that means to you?

Have you gathered all of your personal files from your computer? Have you cleared your computer and desk area of any questionable material that your boss may use against you? What if they decide to ask you to leave that day, have you explored the possibility that you may not receive a paycheck for the next few weeks?

Think about what loose ends you need to tie up before you send that letter. You may thank yourself in the long run.

Legality

First, you need to make sure your letter says all the right legal things. Does your letter include today's date, as well as your official last day? This is very important.

Why? You have no legal obligation, unless otherwise specified in your employment contract, to stay for longer than you want after you resign. However, it is a common "courtesy" that you give your company a period of time such as two weeks.

Similarly, your boss has no legal obligation to keep you on for two more weeks. It is the company's discretion really. They decide whether or not they want you stay or not, you have no choice in the matter. This is usually a company policy that dictates this action.

Your resignation letter is your official written document that seals the deal. Any future questions come up about your last day, just pull out the letter for reference.

Keeping A Cool Head

You're angry, and you really want to stick it to your boss with a scathing letter that makes his/her head spin.

Bad idea. Sure, you may hate your job, and your boss. However, what do you really gain from making them angry with you (besides a warm fuzzy feeling inside). Probably nothing really.

Lots of bad things can happen if you make them angry. For example, you can most likely forget about receiving any severance pay, or you may even have trouble attempting to collect your final paychecks. Also, don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Your boss may have friends in high places in your community.

Chances are, if you're quitting because you're upset at your boss, then the best thing you could possibly do is break all ties with him/her and start fresh.

Reasons For Quitting

You're quitting because something has happened. Either you found a new job, or you just can't stand working for your current job, there's a reason.

The question you need to ask yourself is, 'How does it benefit me by explaining my reasons for resigning?' In the long run, it probably doesn't.

Say your new job is for a local competitor, how does it help you to tell your boss that? Or maybe you're changing your career from a web designer to a fast food worker. Why bother to tell your boss?

Again, it depends on the relationship you have with your boss. Reveal what you think will help you, and nothing more.

Getting A Good Reference

You may want to ask for a reference in the letter. One way to do that is to make sure you say some nice things about your boss, or the company. Chances are, if your letter is cordial and professional, you stand a better chance of receiving a positive reference.