The process of quitting a job can induce anxiety in the most confident people. The days before and immediately after sending your resignation can feel like years, but if you do it right, quitting your job can be a breeze. If you’re thinking of it and wondering how to resign in a way that won’t send you on a guilt trip, here are a few tips to follow.

Adhere to the notice period requirements in your contract

Notice periods can feel like a nuisance, especially after your resignation has been accepted. You can’t wait to leave, but according to your contract, you still need to stick it out for 1-3 months. Notice periods are generally mentioned in the employment contract you sign while joining, so it should come as no surprise. Since you have to be at work during this time, don’t throw your weight around and make the company regret hiring you in the first place. Do the job you are meant to do for a little longer and count down quietly to the day you can walk out of that office for good. Not showing up to work during your notice period could also invite legal and/or disciplinary action from the company and you don’t want to give your next employer any reason to rescind their offer.

Be honest but professional in your exit interview

People quit jobs for a reason, you most likely have one too. Be honest about it in your exit interview with HR but be professional while throwing out truth bombs. Stick to the facts more than your opinion on a colleague, manager, or the nature of the job. If you do have suggestions to give, lay them out in a constructive manner rather than giving into the urge of being sarcastic or emotional with human resources. And never use abusive language at any point during the interaction.

Speak to your manager before mailing your resignation

Catching your manager off-guard with an email titled ‘Resignation’ won’t end pleasantly for anyone. Whether or not you inform them in advance about your intentions of leaving, you will have to talk to your manager about it. So, you might as well make it a pleasant conversation by telling them verbally of your plan before sending an official email. But talking to your manager doesn’t mean walking into their office and just telling them that you quit. Even if you’re angry and frustrated, take some time to calm yourself and then be prepared to have a discussion with your manager.

Don’t go back and forth on your decision after making it official

If you’re convinced that you’re going to leave, stick to your decision. Your boss might offer a salary hike or a promotion to retain you. They might ask you to take some time to reconsider your decision. Stick to your position regardless. If the rise in salary is tempting enough to make you change your mind, think of why you wanted to quit in the first place. Is there anything other than the money to keep you at this job? Money is a good reason to stay, no doubt, but if it’s at the cost of your mental health, it’s probably not worth it in the long run.

Make sure someone is willing to give you a good reference

It doesn’t have to be your immediate manager if you think they won’t have nice things to say about you. However, it should be someone senior in a relevant position at the organisation. Choose wisely and ask them before putting their name and contact details in your resume. Be polite to them, and if you’re friendly, that’s great but don’t use the friendship as leverage. Don’t put them in a spot that could make them rethink their relationship with you.

Return all office supplies on time

Your laptop, ID card, and any other official items that have been issued to you should be returned on time. Follow the administration and HR department’s timeline for these returns so that you don’t have to end your tenure on a bitter note and risk delaying your full and final settlement.

Don’t flaunt your new job in front of your colleagues

If you’re leaving a toxic workplace for a better job, don’t flaunt it in front of your colleagues who are being left behind. It is absolutely unnecessary to give anyone details of your new job. If your colleagues haven’t been supportive, you owe them nothing except dignified silence at this point. If they have been friendly with you, you can choose how much to tell them but try not to make them feel bad.

When you’re thinking about how to quit your job, remember that the cost of burning bridges can be high. You never know, you might need to come back to the same company in another role or even in the same team. Don’t limit your career prospects by completely ruining your relationship with this company or your current manager.

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