How to Resign from your Job
There are a few basic but important things that should be kept in mind when resigning from any job, and preparation should begin by taking a good look in the mirror and asking yourself, “Am I sure I’m ready to do this?” Quitting your job is generally a final decision, and you’re going to have to be able to support yourself afterwards. Do you have a job lined up for sure that you can quickly transfer to? If you don’t, be prepared to reevaluate your budget!
Now that you’re sure you want to quit, it would be wise to execute your resignation as respectfully as possible if you plan on using your superiors as references for future jobs. A formal resignation letter can also be helpful communication, as it can be passed around to whatever administrators need to see it. They can read your reasons for leaving without any room for miscommunication or rumor. Of course, how important these points should be emphasized depends on the seriousness of and level of commitment you have to the particular job you are resigning from.
Most people, if you ask them, would say that you should give two weeks notice to your employer before resigning. Unless you’re working in a fast food place where training takes all of a few hours, I would recommend giving a bit more warning. Use your discretion when deciding how much more. Again, the more difficult your job is, and the more time you have invested in the place and people that you’re leaving, the more slack you should give them. Good workers can be very hard to find, and if by chance you put the company and your employees in a bad spot, you might not get the endorsement you’re looking for when it comes time to use that person as a reference.
If you’re planning on leaving on bad terms because you weren’t good at or didn’t do your job anyway, grab a stapler on your way out. It probably won’t make much difference. (Just kidding). Good luck!