Six Terrific Tips If You're Thinking About Resigning

You're considering moving to Paris to become an artist, or you want to become a freelance photographer. You may have been offered a better position, or your present position offers no advancement opportunities. But before you scream your resignation from the rooftops, here are some things to keep in mind.

Don't Make A Snap Decision
Just because you've had a bad day or week at the office doesn't mean you should quit. Before you resign, give yourself some time to cool off and think about whether you really want to leave your current company
Make A List
Why are you leaving? If relocating, how much additional stress will that add to your life? Do you want more responsibility? Is your work unappreciated? Do you have any clues that these things will be different if you change companies? Put your reasons for leaving on paper, along with the advantages and disadvantages of staying where you are.
Be Prepared Financially
If you're leaving your present job and don't have another one, can you handle it financially? Industry experts agree that you should have at least three months' income in the bank. If you do have another job, how long will it be before you're paid? Do you have enough money to pay your bills in the meantime?
Resign In Writing
No matter what you do, never resign orally. Always put together a resignation letter, even a brief one. Be succinct: don't list every complaint anyone could have. Be respectful and don't attack anyone in or anything about the company you're leaving. If you're resigning because of an issue you have with the company, you can include this information in your resignation letter with constructive criticism. Your boss may thank you for that. Kelly McGaha wrote a resignation letter to the large department store where she worked.

"I quit because my boss was verbally abusing me. But she chose to ignore my letter and wrote up papers the next day, telling personnel that I had been fired. If you're fired from this store, it's a lifetime deal. That one lack of a positive reference is still an embarrassment to me today. I learned from that experience to always give a copy of a resignation letter to the human relations department at the same time you give it to your boss. That way, there can never be any question as to whether you quit or were fired."
Make a Stylish Exit
If you leave your job with grace and style, people will remember that. Don't burn any bridges. You may see your co-workers and bosses again, and references can make or break you.

Don't forget to say good-bye to everyone you know in the company. But don't tell tales about why you're leaving. Consider this story from Joe Mack, who used to own a computer resale business.

"An employee once told me he was leaving because his mother had a heart attack. Ironically, the mother came into the store, and we started talking. She indicated that her son had moved out of the area and told her that he left my employ on good terms. He had the nerve to say that I had given him a 'glowing recommendation.' Needless to say, he never received a good recommendation from me."
Oh-oh, They're Making You A Counter-Offer!
If the terms are good, you may want to accept the offer. You'll have to apologize to the new company for accepting a job and then not taking it, and that company isn't likely to make another offer later. Your boss may ask her/himself, "I wonder if this person will be loyal to us the next time a better offer comes along." If you accept, reiterate your loyalty to the company.

Few folks wind up staying in a position for twenty-five years these days. Most of us have good reasons for resigning jobs. No matter why you're leaving, if you follow the tips in this article, your life will be easier, now and in the future. By the way, don't forget to pack your favorite plant and coffee cup, and good luck in your new job.

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Six Terrific Tips If You're Thinking About Resigning