Welcome back! If you’re new here or want more context about who I am, my philosophy, and what this is all about, check out the first edition.

‘I’m thinking of leaving my job. What do I need to think about beforehand and what’s the best way to actually quit?’

There’s an art to quitting your job. I’ve seen it done exceptionally well and I’ve also seen it go terribly wrong. Putting thought, energy, and intention into how and when you resign shouldn’t be underestimated.

Timing Your Exit

Personal factors: This may seen obvious, but make sure you have a plan. Do you need to have another job lined up right away or are you intending to take a break? Do you have an upcoming bonus, equity vest date, potential promotion, or other change which is on the horizon? All of these things should be considered when planning your last day.

Business factors: Is there a project milestone or deadline that you’ve been working towards? Is your manager going on vacation with their family and you are a single point of failure on the their team? Consider how your departure may impact the business or others and, if possible, adjust accordingly.

Crafting Your Message

Be professional: There’s a big difference between saying “I quit because you’re not paying me enough and I work too many hours,” and “I’ve found another opportunity that more closely aligns with my lifestyle and compensation expectations.” Words and tone matter so choose them carefully.

Plan your order of operations: Your manager deserves to hear the news from you. Consider speaking with them first (yes, before your work besties) and discussing when and how you will share the news with others on the team. There can be factors which you are unaware of which may impact the internal communications around your departure so it’s important to be aligned on a plan.

Consider how to share feedback: Airing a laundry list of the reasons why the company stinks isn’t going to add any fans to your network. It will likely also be dismissed as coming from someone who is clearly disgruntled and on their way out - and then, there was no point in sharing it in the first place. If you have valuable feedback, share it during your exit interview and try frame it with potential solutions.

Be consistent: Even if you’re leaving because you feel undervalued, don’t get along with your manager, or are concerned about the state of the business, think carefully before you say one thing to your manager and another thing to others. This is an easy way to burn bridges and make you seem disingenuous; take the high road.

Facilitating Your Transition

Remain engaged: While you’re closing a chapter, your departure will potentially cause additional work for those around you. Try to support and facilitate the transition of your work as much as possible. Offer to train people, create process documents, and even help hire your backfill (you’re likely the best person to draft the job description!).

Be gracious: Recency bias is real and people will remember how you left. Knowing that your network is invaluable, remember to be thankful and thorough.

If you find ‘Do You Have A Minute?’ helpful, your network might too. Encourage your friends, teammates, and family to subscribe.

Interested in working with me? Visit my website.

What I’ll Answer Next Time:

‘I’ve been contacted to be part of an investigation that’s happening at work. What do I do?’

Want to ask a question for a future edition? Submit it here.

Disclaimer: This newsletter is purely opinion-based and nothing included should be interpreted or construed as legal or professional advice. If you want professional advice, I’d love to work with you. Please reach out.