3 Things to Remember As You Prepare to Quit Your Job

Whether you’re taking hold of a new opportunity, something in your personal life has changed, or you just aren’t gelling with your current job anymore, deciding to quit your job gives you a lot to think about. 

Maybe you’re sad to say goodbye or can’t wait to get out of there. Either way, there is etiquette to resigning or quitting your job. 

Sometimes, you aren’t sure if you want to quit your job. You might get a better perspective on what’s happening or gain insight into other warning signs. 

Here is a list of things to remember as you prepare to move on to your next significant chapter.

You Can’t Quit Your Job Like They Do in Movies.

As empowering and cathartic as it looks to stomp out of a lousy job in a hurricane of righteous fury and confidence, those meltdowns aren’t the best example to follow.

Even if you never plan to step foot in that office again, your time with them might not end when you walk out the door. 

References aren’t just to pad your resume. Recruiting companies look to them to determine how good of a fit someone is for their work environment. 

Now, unless you’re working for an actual supervillain, it’s unlikely that your previous boss will purposefully give you a lousy reference just because you left for another job. Instead, most employers will understand that you had needs or ambitions that couldn’t be met at your current job. 

That said, you still shouldn’t quit on the spot, even if you do it politely and without any property destruction. We’re about to get into why.

How to Quit a Job in 14 Days

One of the reasons it’s essential to sit and think about the timing for quitting your job is that you will need to put in two weeks’ notice. For those unaware, two weeks’ notice gives your employer advanced information that you’re leaving the company.

And I know you’re probably thinking two things: 1) “what’s the purpose of spending two more weeks at a job I’m leaving?” and 2) “Why should I give a two weeks’ notice? It’s not like they can fire me if I don’t.”

The reasoning is two-fold. First, you’re giving yourself time to accomplish certain things you need to get done before you quit entirely. For example, you might need to inform people in and outside the company that your duties will likely be delegated to someone new. 

You might also be asked to clean up your space, train another employee on some of your duties, or you might even have to find a replacement.

Secondly, you’re giving your employer time to find someone to replace you or, at the very least, move things around so they can survive until they hire a replacement. 

Recruiting employers may also inquire about providing two weeks’ notices to determine your level of professionalism and etiquette.

Are You Quitting Your Job at the Right Time?

This may sound harsh, but this question is directed at YOU, not your company. So don’t think about whether or not they’re understaffed, don’t think about loyal customers you might be leaving behind.

This is a question about YOU. Do you have a new job lined up? If not, are you in a financial situation where you can be unemployed while searching for a new one? Do you have huge expenses? 

If this job just isn’t right for you and you feel your mental health waning because of it, the answer might always be “Yes”. Don’t stay in a toxic environment if it’s hurting you.

However, you also need to be realistic when making these decisions. 

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