Making a Graceful Exit

There are many reasons for you to move on to new opportunities and quit your current job. For example, it may not be challenging enough, the culture may not be a good fit, the commute is long, the pay is low, and maybe you just need a more exciting opportunity. Although quitting is in your best interest, doing it in a professional manner provides long run benefits to you.

First, make sure your next opportunity is a great one, as is should be better than your current opportunity. There will definitely be times where you just want to stand up and quit as it may turn into one of those bad days at work, and sometimes your emotions will get the best of you. Ensure that the decision you are making is not solely based on your emotions and that the next opportunity is here to benefit you and your life style and future goals. Never quit when nothing is planned for the future!

Second, be strategic. Plan for all scenarios that come with quitting and when you choose to quit. You may be out of a job for a few months, so make sure your finances are balanced. When you are ready to submit your resignation letter, keep it short and unemotional. This is NOT the time to air any differences you may have but to let them know you are leaving and that you appreciate the opportunity and what you have learned. Make sure you resist “badmouthing” the company to your colleagues and burning bridges as you never know when may need to use your old colleagues and superiors as a reference.

Finally, beware of the counter-offer. A counter-offer may be a good idea at first, but keep in mind the employer is only willing to give you a counter-offer because you decided to move on. Employers will always try to give a counter offer for you to accept because it will earn them time to find your replacement. For example, if Company A decides to give you a $10,000 pay increase, they will try to find your replacement within 2 to 3 months. This means that the employer will only have to pay you the pay increase broken down to 2 or 3 months which would be $835 a month.

Keep in mind the above tips on how to make a graceful exit, so you can make smart decisions versus hasty ones, for your bright future!

Career advice from:
Michael Kim
Manager, IT Recruitment
Marketers on Demand Inc.