In a tale of career growth tinged with personal conflict, Sabina faced a poignant workplace dilemma. After expressing concerns about being underpaid in her current position, Sabina was pleasantly surprised when her current boss, whom she greatly respected and adored, secured a 20% pay raise for her.

This gesture underscored the manager’s appreciation and effort to acknowledge Sabina’s value to the company.

However, fate had other plans. Around the same time, Sabina received an offer for a better job as a Regional Director position at another company, which included a staggering 100% salary increase over their new pay.

The opportunity was too good to pass up, but it left Sabina grappling with a deep sense of guilt for considering leaving her current job shortly after her manager’s hard-won gesture.

Leaving a job with a two weeks’ notice shortly after getting a raise can feel awkward. However, if you’re in a situation like Sabina and have decided to move on and submit your letter of resignation, it’s important to handle the situation with grace and professionalism.

Here are ten tips to help you navigate this tricky situation:

• Reflect on Your Decision: Before you submit your formal resignation letter, make sure your decision to leave for a new opportunity is well-considered and not just a reaction to a temporary issue or impulse.
• Prepare Your Points: Know why you’re leaving and be ready to explain it in an exit interview in a way that is respectful and professional.
• Timing Is Key: Avoid resigning immediately after receiving the raise; give it a few weeks if possible.
• Schedule a Meeting: If possible, the best way to resign is in a face-to-face meeting with your supervisor to show respect for your professional relationship.
• Express Gratitude: Acknowledge the raise and thank your employer for their investment in you.
• Be Honest but Diplomatic: Share your reasons for leaving tactfully, focusing on your career goals and future opportunities.
• Offer to Help with the Transition: Propose training a replacement or documenting your responsibilities to ease the transition.
• Stay Professional: Maintain your work ethic and commitment until your last day.
• Avoid Gossip: Keep your decision and reasons for leaving confidential, sharing them only with those who need to know.
• Leave on Good Terms: Aim to maintain positive relationships with your colleagues and supervisors.

Remember, leaving a job is a normal part of professional growth. Handling it thoughtfully can keep your professional reputation intact and leave doors open for the future.

To further soften the impact of your departure from your current employer, especially after receiving a raise, consider these five additional gestures that demonstrate gratitude and respect:

• Write a Glowing LinkedIn Review: Publicly acknowledge your boss’s support and leadership by writing a positive recommendation on LinkedIn.
• Express Personal Appreciation: Tell your boss how much you’ve valued their support and how they’ve helped you grow professionally. Make it heartfelt and genuine.
• Do Something Nice on Your Last Week: A small gesture like bringing in flowers or homemade cookies can go a long way in showing your gratitude and leaving a lasting good impression.
• Ensure a Seamless Transition: Go the extra mile to document your tasks and train your successor. Leaving everything organized and offering your contact information in case your current boss needs to contact you, will demonstrate your commitment to the team’s ongoing success.
• Offer to Connect Your Boss with Your New Company: If appropriate and feasible, offering to recommend your boss for opportunities at your future employer can be a significant gesture of goodwill.

These actions can help maintain a positive relationship with your boss and colleagues, making your transition smoother and keeping your professional network strong.

Leaving a job after receiving a raise can be awkward, but with the right approach, you can exit your current role smoothly and maintain a positive relationship with your ex-boss. The thoughtful strategies outlined here—from scheduling a respectful resignation meeting to making a kind gesture in your last week—ensure you leave on good terms.

Remember, these actions make your transition easier and help preserve and even enhance your professional relationships long-term.

By handling this transition with class, you’re not just closing a chapter but setting the stage for future opportunities and connections in your professional journey.

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