How to Quit Your Job in 2020

Quitting a position is an uncomfortable reality that nearly every working adult will face at some point in their career. When you think of quitting, you might think of Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) making his rousing speech in Jerry Macguire or Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) tossing her phone into a Parisian fountain in The Devil Wears Prada. While these emotional exits might be satisfying, unlike Jerry or Andy, you might want to avoid burning bridges. 

In 2020, the competitive job market and unusual working conditions have made leaving a position even harder than usual. If you are trying to make a career transition without burning bridges, use these tips to guide you through your resignation process.

Tidy Your Files

In a brick and mortar office, your replacement would likely take over your desk when you leave making it easy to transfer files and resources. In a remote position, the transition may not be as seamless. To help your manager, organize your files and tools and summarize the locations in a document. This will give your successor a helpful place to reference as they get acclimated.

Setup a Virtual Meeting

When it is time to leave a position, the first thing you might think to do is give your supervisor a heads up and submit your notice letter. In an in-person office, that meeting with your manager would happen face-to-face but online, it is not as clear. The best practice is to plan a formal phone or video meeting even if you primarily communicate through email or chat.

Outline Your Talking Points 

Resigning can be an emotional task. You might be angry, upset, excited, or scared and if you aren’t careful those emotions can get the best of you on your way out. To preserve your relationships it is helpful to outline your talking points before your meeting. This will help you clearly articulate your notice and provide thoughtful feedback if it is appropriate.

Thank Your Coworkers 

The classic farewell office party is a great opportunity to thank your coworkers and wish them well. In remote positions, signing off for the last time is a little more abrupt. Though it is not as natural, send a thank you email or message to your coworkers and initiate a continuing relationship.

It doesn’t matter if you love or hate your current job, resigning from a position can be difficult. As you approach quitting, communicate with grace and professionalism and you will help your career in the long run. If you are considering making a career transition, use these tips to maintain your references and network in 2020.