Quit your job, but not your career - Viewpoint - careers advice blog Viewpoint careers advice blog

Quit your job, but not your career - Viewpoint - careers advice blog In a matter of weeks, Nigel Farage, Roy Hodgson, David Cameron and Chris Evans all resigned. They’ve said “I quit” in a variety of ways and for different reasons and aside from all having stated that they’ve been on “a journey” the similarities end there! Remember that your job resignation is part of a formal process; don’t get caught up in the emotion and regret it later. Sleep on it Don’t quit just because youve had a bad day at the office. Sleep on it and consider whether you can turn things around and what solutions might help. Hodgson might have acted differently if he had left 24 hours after the match before making a decision. Your team won’t want to think that you are leaving them in troubled times with a failing business so try and transform things first. Preparation is everything Hodgson might have sketched his resignation speech in the tunnel five  minutes before delivering it, but don’t put yourself under the same pressure. If you have decided to quit, plan how and when you are going to resign and be clear on your reasons for doing so. Tell your manager first Prioritise who you tell and when you tell them. You should always tell your manager first â€" don’t let them hear on the grapevine that you are planning to leave. It will create bad feeling, which isn’t what you need if you want a positive job reference. Follow up in writing Most companies still request a formal resignation letter so have this drafted with a clear outline of your desired leaving date and reason for leaving keep it factual. It will allow HR to process the end of your contract and confirm holiday and other aspects such as outstanding payments. Agree an appropriate leaving date with your boss and don’t assume you can work less than your notice period. Forgo the emotion Be sincere and show you are genuine in what you are saying but don’t get lost in the moment and forget what you are trying to achieve. Cameron’s voice quavered ever so slightly when he resigned but he was still clear in his delivery; if he had stood outside Downing Street in tears it might have been another matter. Don’t compromise your style While you should try and keep it “emotion-free” you should still do it in your own style. Farage and Cameron’s resignations couldn’t have been more different but they sum up their personal brand well. Don’t lose your identity in your resignation meeting, letter or leaving speech because it is how you will be remembered and could pave the way for a future opportunity. Say thanks Don’t forget to pass on your thanks. Chris Evans was very clear that it was his personal decision to leave and not a reflection of the team. Consider what impact your resignation will have on your team and try and address that when you tell them. The news may come as a shock but help them to understand why now is a good time for you to pursue a new challenge. You never know when they might be a useful contact for a future job. No going back Realise that on the whole they’ll be no going back. Farage might have been able to take back his first resignation following the General Election but it is unlikely youll be able to do the same. Once you’ve quit you won’t be able to change your mind and it could mean you have to leave the office straight away â€" make sure you are prepared in case you are put on gardening leave with immediate effect. Very few people can risk isolating themselves from their contacts and at the very least most people need a positive reference. Of course, if you have a drastic career change in mind and don’t mind cutting all your ties there are many ways to resign rather more disgracefully and I’m sure many of you have humorous examples of this! About to start your job search? Reading our job searching tips will help ensure it’s a success 6 ways you can self-promote in the workplace A refresher guide to communicating at work Why your boss matters more than your job title Successful people create their own luck 15 questions to ask your interviewer Focus your interview on fit Prioritising personality in your hiring process Should I stay or should I go? How to know when its time to leave your job from Hays