How to Leave Your Job Gracefully: A Story and Practical Advice

When Is It Time to Move On? A Friend’s Story

I recently had a discussion with a friend about how she handed in her resignation and how to leave your job gracefully. For some background, this friend had been working for the company for just over 12 months in the position of Assistant Restaurant Manager.

Before she started the role, the team had gone through a high turnover of staff, and multiple positions were being recruited around the same time. She went through a series of interviews with the HR Manager and the General Manager and was hired by them directly.

At the time of her recruitment, the F&B Manager role was also advertised and vacant. The management team that recruited her was transparent, explaining that they were actively looking for the right candidate and hoped to find someone soon. She accepted the role knowing that, at some point, she would have a new line manager.

When Things Began to Change

Initially, she loved the job, adored the team, and appreciated the flexibility of working a mixture of morning and evening shifts that fit her family commitments. However, things began to change when the company appointed a new F&B Manager.

When the F&B Manager started, she was excited to have him on board and looked forward to being mentored. The first few weeks were relatively normal, and they seemed to get along well. However, peak service periods became stressful as he struggled with planning for restaurant covers, set-up, and team management. She gave him the benefit of the doubt, assuming these delays were due to him being new and still finding his feet.

The Build-Up to Resignation

Unfortunately, weeks of stress turned into months. Her workload increased as she took on more of his tasks, and her roster options became limited because he preferred working only morning shifts, leaving her to handle the evening shifts. She began to resent him for his lack of capability in his role and for leaving most of the tasks to her.

Despite her efforts to address the situation and provide feedback, her concerns were ignored, and their working relationship deteriorated further. After careful consideration, she decided that the company was no longer the right place for her, it was time to leave the job and began searching for a new role.

The Day of Resignation

Finding a new job didn’t take long. On the day she decided to hand in her notice, she felt extremely nervous. She had her resignation letter folded in her yellow notebook, ready to go. The night before, she prepared thoroughly, even writing a script to ensure she wouldn’t fumble during the conversation.

After a managers’ meeting, she asked the F&B Manager to stay back to discuss her resignation. He dismissed her request, saying he didn’t have time and that they could talk another day. Frustrated and unwilling to delay her new role, she emailed her resignation letter that evening.

She received no immediate response. When he finally replied, his tone was cold, and he accused her of being unprofessional in handling the resignation. The final weeks of her employment were strained, with him barely speaking to her and making her last days unpleasant.

Upon reflection, we discussed what went well and the lessons learned from this challenging experience. Telling your boss that you’re leaving can be difficult, but handling the situation professionally is crucial. Here are some steps to consider when resigning.

Steps for a Professional Resignation

1. Review Your Contract of Employment

When you started your job, you likely signed an employment agreement detailing the terms and conditions of your employment, including your notice period.

The notice period is the time between submitting your resignation and your final working day. This allows time for a handover and for the company to prepare for your exit. Ensure you understand this requirement so you can leave on good terms.

2. Prepare Your Resignation Letter

Most employers require a resignation letter for their records and to ensure accurate processing of your final pay. Here’s what to include:

• Professional tone: Write respectfully and professionally.
• Notice period: State your notice period as per your contract (e.g., two weeks from today).
• Last working day: Clearly specify your last day (e.g., Friday, 13 February).
• Gratitude: Thank your employer for the opportunities and experiences they provided.
• Reason for leaving: Keep this brief and generic, such as “to pursue career growth.”
• Offer assistance: Express willingness to help with the transition, such as training your replacement or completing a handover.
• Proofread: Double-check for spelling or grammatical errors to ensure professionalism using tools like Grammarly.

3. Know What You Want to Say

Prepare what you’ll say during the conversation. Writing a script or noting key points can help you feel confident and communicate clearly. Aim for a positive and professional interaction. Be prepared for potential counteroffers, and decide in advance how you’ll respond.

4. Schedule a Meeting

Timing matters. Request a meeting with your manager at an appropriate time—for example, not during a busy or stressful period. Be considerate of their schedule and yours to ensure a productive discussion.

Conclusion

Resigning can be a nerve-wracking experience, but following these steps can help ensure a smoother transition and leave a positive impression as you move forward in your career.

My friend’s story is a reminder of the importance of preparation and professionalism when making this significant decision. While her experience had its challenges, she learned valuable lessons about communication and timing. By reflecting on her journey, we can all approach resignation with clarity and confidence, ensuring that our next steps are taken with integrity and poise.

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to take the leap yourself, check out our article How Do You Know When It’s Time to Find a New Job? for additional insights and guidance.