How to Leave a Job on Good Terms

While it may be tempting to tell your boss where he can stick his letter opener when you’re ready to quit, it’s not a great career move.

Step 1: Submit resignation Submit a letter of resignation that includes the position you are resigning from and your proposed last day of employment.
TIP: Provide sufficient notice to your employer. Two weeks is customary.
Step 2: Inform supervisor first Tell your supervisor you are quitting before you tell your office buddies.
TIP: Resist the temptation to brag about your new job or trash your current one.
Step 3: Be productive Continue to be a productive employee until you leave. You’d be amazed at how quickly two weeks of slacking off can wipe out years of hard work.
Step 4: Don’t leave them in the lurch Take the time to write a detailed memo about any projects in the works. Say that you will be accessible after you leave should any questions arise.
Step 5: Send positive farewell If you plan to send a farewell email on your last day, keep the tone positive. Now is not the time for parting shots.
TIP: Include your contact information in your farewell email.
Step 6: Send friendly note A month or so after you leave, send a friendly note to your former colleagues. Let them know that as you continue to settle into your new surroundings, you think of them fondly.
FACT: According to one survey, the most common reasons for leaving a job are better pay, boredom, and lack of advancement.