Dos and Don'ts when you quit you job

So recently I wrote about things to do to get yourself a job which seems like the most important thing for your career but many neglects the importance of ending things on a good note. Yes, I am talking about what you should or should not do when you are leaving a job.

When you get into a job, everyone see something good just like in every relationship but the different part is that getting a job ain't a marriage and it doesn't always have to be till death do us part. People moves around in the corporate world and everyone is or at least should be mature enough to understand that.

Just in case you are not mature enough or not experienced enough, below are some pointers I would like to share.


1. Never ever quit a job via text message 

And you thought sending a text for break up was bad? This is just as bad and in fact worst. Because you might not meet a person anymore after the text break up but a text resignation means another 30 days or more before you leave.

2. When asked for a formal written resignation letter, it means a LETTER not an email

If you really have no idea what to write, search the internet. You can easily find a proper template that you can copy and paste. You are always at your final step of leaving a place. Why not just do it nicely for documentation sake?

3. When off setting your number of days of leaves, please do remember to prorate the days

For example, if you have 14 days leave and you tender your resignation in July. That means you are entitled to a prorated 14days divided by total months which is 12 and multiply by the months of service which is 7. You are not entitled to a full 14 days because you are not working for August - December.

4. After you show your interest of leaving, always talk to you boss and not take leave or MC to avoid 

Avoiding the talk is easy. Avoiding all feelings is not hard but do remember that after you tendered your resignation letter, it doesn't means it's approved which means there might be some negotiation thus if you wish to leave ASAP, it's always good to ensure your boss or ex-boss-to-be agrees to terms and that means talking it out.

5. You have submitted your resignation but you are still part of the company 

You might hate your job, your colleagues or even just your seat in the office but until the very last day, you are still part of the company. You are not allowed to go MIA on the company or simply come into the office and make it like as if it's your home or even start to talk bad about the company

6. Serve your notice period 

You have endured whatever you hated for however long, be professional and finish the last dance. If it is stated as a month, serve that month unless you are ready to pay out or your boss is nice enough to let you go early. There is no such thing as "I want to leave immediately" because any other company would ask you to pay a sum of money for that and by just forgoing your 1 month's pay ain't a big deal here. Else, do not come in as if the world owes you a living. It's nothing personal, it's just business, don't make things difficult for anyone especially your colleagues who still needs help with ongoing projects.

7. Hand over your outstanding work properly

Imagine you are going to die soon and you don't want people to be at a lost. In fact this point benefits you more then the company. I am sure you do not want anyone to keep calling you and asking you things when you are sleeping tight in your coffin. Write a proper Email send it to someone and not just simply say you have uploaded things onto the server and wait for people to clear your mess.

8. Do not burn bridges 

Work is work and it's nothing personal, do not take it personally and when you are leaving, talk to the people around you including your colleagues. Do not scold people, do not make things difficult for anyone just because you think you are leaving the planet. If someone from the office bought you something, take it along even if you don't like or need it. At least throw it only when you are out of the office.

The whole idea of this article is to remind people the importance of being professional. It's almost like a warrior code that I can't explain everything. There is nothing wrong with doing certain things above but you have to be prepared for the repercussion. I can tell you why it is important to be professional even when leaving, simply because this is not the end. The industry is small, the world is small, you never know when you meet again or when you need help and more importantly we do know some companies call up for referral after your next interview.

I might be wrong, I might have missed out something but here's what I am sharing. Good luck!