Career Corner: How to Quit Your Job

I quit placard in hand with crumpled paper pile
Image via iStock.

With the current state of the job market, people are much more willing to leave their current role to pursue new opportunities.

It has become so common that it has been dubbed the “Great Resignation”. And while those new opportunities can be exciting to fantasize about, quitting is still never a decision to make lightly.

The Washington Post had a new article on the subject, outlining the facets to each situation worthy of considering before you put in your notice. And speaking of which, that piece of advice still applies: make sure to give two weeks’ notice.

When you are fed up it can be tempting to just abandon ship, but once that fleeting emotional spurt passes, you will realize you have made a decision that could hurt you.

If you leave your employer in the lurch on the way out, don’t expect them to speak highly of you when prospective jobs ask about you.

Stay level-headed, remain professional, and let your boss know you are planning to leave.

You also don’t need to make some big production out of your reasons. Management would not give you a monologue before replacing you, so just keep things simple and avoid mentioning any grievances.

Simply stating that you have found a new opportunity you wish to pursue is sufficient.

And the most important step to think about before resigning is do you really need to quit? Do you want to leave because you have been dissatisfied for a long time now? Or is it just fleeting pandemic stress making you feel overwhelmed? If it is the latter, even a new workplace could have you feeling the same before long.

Maybe all you need is a talk with your manager to see if some compromises can be reached on work conditions. They might not budge, but they might also surprise you.

Whatever you decide, make sure you have a plan for after quitting. Having a new position secured is always wise, especially if your insurance is provided by your work. Don’t just assume the job market you knew before the pandemic will be as easy to navigate now that so much has changed.

For more considerations to make before leaving your current position, read the Washington Post piece here.

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Wilmington University, the sponsor of DELCO Today – Career Corner, is a private, open-access institution that serves more than 20,000 adults, including those seeking advancement through higher education and traditional-age students who aspire to become successful global citizens.

One of the most affordable private universities in the Delaware Valley, WilmU is committed to the idea that finishing an undergraduate degree or obtaining a master’s or doctoral degree can be affordable and accessible.

The University offers over 200 accredited and career-relevant degree and certificate programs in flexible online and hybrid formats designed to accommodate adults of all ages who work full- or part-time or juggle demanding career, family, and personal schedules.

Learn more about WilmU here or register to attend one of the University’s webinars. You will find information about academic programs, flexible scheduling options, tuition, admissions, student services, athletics, and more.

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