How to resign a job gracefully?

[NsXMas]

I love my job, except for the travel. I've been blessed to find another opportunity to work closer to home and am considering taking the opportunity.

I really liked everyone I work with, but am finding it tough to tell my boss that I want and taking the local opportunity. The people I work with will probably hate to see me go, and I don't want to burn any bridges.

Need your guys' help on how to approach and present my resignation.

Thanks.

 

[PoohBEAR]

Tell your boss this:
I am so sad, I am so blue
I can't think nor I know what to do.
but just know, that I am quitting,
you and me still be cool.
.................. and dance.

 

[NRG]

It doesn't sound like you're burning bridges by moving on for the better life, etc. I think the standard 2 weeks notice is sufficient enough. They'll understand. If better opportunity arises for any of them, then you'll probably be the one giving them a farewell party.

Unless you just walk out with very little notice, then you're burning bridges.

Good luck in your new job!

 

[peiserg]

i found in the past that a bowel movement on the boss' desk usually does the trick.

 

[NsXMas]

LOL Gerry. I'll have to try that sometimes, but not with this job, in case I decide to come back.

Thanks NRG for the advice. Appreciate it very much.

Funny post, Calvin

 

[Dtrigg]

Just be honest and tell them that the travel has gotten you burned out, and that you have a new opportunity that doesn't require the travel, more opportunity, etc.. Once you tell them you are leaving, DO NOT TURN BACK! Counter offers never work. That leads to burning bridges. If you tell them you're leaving. Leave with the appropriate notice.

 

[djdrock]

Or, just call in sick for as long as you can and stay on their payroll until you get canned. Only kidding of course. :biggrin:

 

[queenlives]

I love my job, except for the travel. I've been blessed to find another opportunity to work closer to home and am considering taking the opportunity.

I really liked everyone I work with, but am finding it tough to tell my boss that I want and taking the local opportunity. The people I work with will probably hate to see me go, and I don't want to burn any bridges.

Need your guys' help on how to approach and present my resignation.

Thanks.

my experience is that jobs / resignations are all unique and that offering a poem and a dance and/or taking a dump on your manager's desk may not be appropriate in this particular situation

my suggestion would be that, should you decide to accept the offer (from your post, you're still "considering" it), make sure to take the time to mentally prioritize the reasons you're accepting the new opportunity, then ask to speak with your manager. when you meet, let them know how much you've learned and grown working with him/her and the company, but that you've been offered - and accepted - a position with another company that will allow you to spend more time at home / with your family, etc. based on your comments, my sense is they'll be sad to see you go - and frustrated because they'll have to manage your workload while finding / bringing up to speed a qualified replacement - but will be pleased for you on a personal level... quality managers and co-workers are pleased when a friend gets closer to achieving their goals.

i have mixed feelings about considering a counter-offer... if the counter were for less travel or a career advancement upgrade, i might consider it. i was in a similar situation 8 years ago and when i let the owner of the company know i was leaving to spend more time with my family, less time at work, he said, "sounds great, how 'bout you work from home just handling XXX for us and let's see how that works out?". uh sure - i wasn't running from the company, i simply wanted a reduced workload. it worked out fine, i still hung out with the team/people i liked, the biz continued to grow and we eventually sold the company... and i cashed out. so, re a counter: it depends.

i'm with you, though: don't burn your bridges.

let us know the course you take.

best,
hal

 

[TucAZNSX]

Just be honest and tell them that the travel has gotten you burned out, and that you have a new opportunity that doesn't require the travel, more opportunity, etc.. Once you tell them you are leaving, DO NOT TURN BACK! Counter offers never work. That leads to burning bridges. If you tell them you're leaving. Leave with the appropriate notice.

Ditto Frank. You can tell them the truth and say you want to be able to spend more time with your family. They should all understand that. Good Luck!

 

[nchopp]

I've always found a letter explaining simply that you are taking another job, and that you have appreciated the opportunity to work with them works well. Doesn't burn bridges, but also doesn't say more than it has to.

 

[nsx2tall]

I just sent your boss an anonymous link to this post. That should take care of everything! :biggrin: Just kidding.

This is such a common tale that I'd be shocked if your boss hasn't already considered your departure long before you did. Jobs with lots of travel usually have high turnover, so a good manager ends up planning for it anyway. As long as you don't leave in a huff, you won't limit your future opportunities.

 

[NsXMas]

Thanks all for the advice!

Why is it that all new employers want you to start tomorrow! The new employers respect and appreciate that I want to give proper notice and transition out of my job gracefully, but they are also very eager for me to start too.

It's pretty bad timing because my boss is taking a 2 week vacation out of country in a few days, so I hate to call him right before his vacation and give notice, but it's got to be done.

An exciting transition, but I hate changing jobs because I feel so loyal to my current employers always.

 

[NsXMas]

Well, my boss took the news rather well. I really enjoyed working for him, but I want to better take care of my family responsibilities at home.

Thanks all for your help, especially Gerry who suggested leaving some some souvenirs.

 

[NSXFreak00]

Just be honest and tell them that the travel has gotten you burned out, and that you have a new opportunity that doesn't require the travel, more opportunity, etc.. Once you tell them you are leaving, DO NOT TURN BACK! Counter offers never work. That leads to burning bridges. If you tell them you're leaving. Leave with the appropriate notice.

On the contrary, I accepted a counter offer about 6 months ago. Looking back, I am happy I stayed!

If your boss really likes you, he may try to find an opportunity that may have less travel involved within the company.

Congrats on the new job!