Quitting Your Job

United States
December 8, 2009 4:28pm CST
When you quit your job, how do you approach your boss? What if he's really unreasonable and usually not understanding? I really need help here, I'm nervous!
2 people like this
10 responses
@maezee (41997)
• United States
8 Dec 09
I would say, from my experience, you should always put it in writing. Have it dated, and write a nice resignation/quitting letter. Sign it, and put it in his office or mail it out or give it to his secretary. The customary time, in the US, is to generally give them about 2 weeks notice. But I personally prefer to give much more notice than that, 3 weeks to a month is actually a NICE gesture because then it gives the company more time to find someone who will fit in your shoes once you're gone. After you send the letter, or give him the letter, I would say do a one-on-one follow-up with him and let him know straight-forward why you're quitting (in a respectful manner), and thank him for all of the opportunities within the company and for the experience (this always seems to make it easier.) He has no reason to be.. unreasonable, but if he is, you should see HIS supervisor about it. But anyway? My tip? Be reasonable, submit it in writing first - try to give as much notice as you possibly can so that they can find someone and aren't in a time crunch, and make sure you keep a copy of your resignation letter so that you have proof that you submitted it. There comes a time in everyone's lives when they just need to .. move on, to bigger & better things! And this is your time. So don't be afraid. They can always find another employee.
• United States
9 Dec 09
I think this is excellent advice! Extending the notice til the position is filled makes it much easier on the employer. You never know when you might need a good refernce in the future. Try to leave on the best possible terms.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
13 Dec 09
theweerouss in this present economy I would not quit my job before lining up another one then give two weeks notice and your boss cannot stop you from going.once you have a job to go to just walk in , say sir here is my two weeks notice so you will have time to replace me. I have to leave for personal reasons. then just walk out with head high and smile on your face.let him be crabby you will know you have a better job to go to when your time is up.
@rsa101 (37952)
• Philippines
9 Dec 09
Well I guess there's no other way but really to face your fear. I think you should try to just be yourself there. I think there's nothing to fear because your leaving anyway. Think of it as your last time to face your boss and resignation is a form of courtesy to your employer to inform them of your intention to leave the company. I think that is just it.
@ladym33 (10979)
• United States
12 Dec 09
The proper way is to write a letter of resignation giving 2 weeks notice if possible, or as much of a notice as can be. I had an unreasonable boss as well, and placed my letter of resignation on her desk when she was not in her office. Of course she called me in later and I had to face her, but it was actually more painless then I thought it would be. My best to you.
@bird123 (10632)
• United States
9 Dec 09
This is easy. Walk up to them and say. I'm giving my two week notice.In two weeks, don't show up.Once you have given your notice, it becomes your bosses problem and not yours.People moving to better jobs is a part of business. If they really want to keep you, they will pay you more money. Don't be nervous. They are the ones with the problem.
@DenverLC (1143)
• Philippines
10 Dec 09
Do not be afraid if you have the right reasons of quiting. Never reason out that you have finally found a better job because it will just complicate things and you will not be understood by choice. Just a proper approach is needed, an early notice and a perfect explanation will guarantee your release easily. All of us have the right to chose when and where to start or end our employment at a reasonable bargain.
@smacksman (6053)
8 Dec 09
It may not be convenient for your boss if you leave but no one is indespensible - all jobs can be filled. If you are reasonable then give your boss a months notice so that a replacement can be found and even be in place for you to train them up before you leave. If the association is more difficult then just give the legal minimum notice. In the UK is is period of payment. Weekly pay = 1 weeks notice; Monthly pay = 1 month notice. If you signed a contract on joining then the terms would be in the contract. Don't worry too much. You will be forgotten quite quickly once you leave.
@trisha27 (3494)
• United States
8 Dec 09
Its always best when quitting your job that you give them a 2 weeks notice and thats about it. There is no way that your boss can make you stay at your job if you are looking to quit. So just go to the boss and ask them what would the procedure would be in quitting your job. If they ask why and you don't want to tell them you don't have to tell them just let them know its for personal reasons.
@Fulltank (2882)
• Philippines
8 Dec 09
One way or the other, you will approach your boss to discuss your plans. Quitting a job doesn't have to be an awkward situation for you. Bosses are trained to handle this kind of situations. The more nervous you will, the more you'll be eaten-up by your boss. Quitting jobs are part of our "moving" to greener pastures and you're boss would definitely understand you. Yeah, most of them do. The best thing you can do is to rehearsed you're reasons for living and explain to him/her what are you're thoughts. Usually, if you're boss thinks that you're an assets to the company, there would be a counter offer. But surely, if you already decided to leave, then there's no one that could stop you.
• China
9 Dec 09
hi,theweerouss,i have changed three jobs,when i want to quit my job,i will directly find our manger said this job cannot fit me,alought here i can learn a lot of knowledge ,but so sorry.then the manger will agree with me ,but i had to stay about two weeks to finish the jobs and teach the new person.