How to Quit Your Job Without Burning Bridges

For many of us, confrontation is something to be avoided at all costs. Telling your boss that you're quitting is usually awkward and somewhat embarrassing. You don't want your boss to feel like they did something wrong but you don't want to seem like you did something wrong either. Here are some easy tips for quitting but maintaining a healthy relationship with your boss.

The Basics

While you should always put your resignation in writing, it's somewhat of a formality. You'll always want to sit down with your boss and explain the situation. If you've been offered another job in the same field of work but they are offering you more money, it's ok to say to that. They may even counter that offer, and who doesn't want more money? It's important to level with your boss in order to give them the opportunity to keep you.

Show Appreciation

After giving your resignation, always follow up with how appreciative you are to have had the chance to do what you have. Showing gratitude will make it nearly impossible for anyone to dislike you because you're giving them all the credit for being in a position to earn more money. It's also important to leave a good taste in your boss's mouth. After all, you're new job might not work out.

Two Weeks

Not under any circumstances other than the company not needing you, should you ever give less than two weeks notice. Your new job should understand this. If they don't, you should seriously evaluate the kind of company you are about to work for. You should never become complacent during those two weeks either. There is nothing worse than showing your boss that you don't care about the position you are about to leave, simply because you're moving on to bigger and better things.

Two weeks notice is extremely important for your former employer to replace you. Realistically, two weeks is probably not enough time to replace you and to train the new person. It would also be ideal for you to be part of training your replacement. You've done that job for a while and it is your responsibility to help make the transition as smooth as possible for your former employer.

Stay in Touch

Keeping in touch with your former boss is important if for no reason other than networking with contacts. It's not what you know but who you know and if you keep a friendly relationship with people in the professional world, they may end up helping you later.

Your boss will likely be promoted before he/she retires, and they will need a trusted assistant or the like to run their professional office. It's a good idea to always be in the competition for these types of things. You should also send business their way whenever possible. Your former boss will surely return the favor and it will help you continue to work with the company and their employees. Staying in touch will undoubtedly keep you in the loop and in the running.

Remaining in good graces with a former employer really is quite simple given that you don't just get up and leave them or do something terrible to get fired. Remember that each and every job you've had or you will have is merely a stepping stone to get you to the next great thing. Always be networking and looking for the next opportunity.

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