There are many reasons that you might quit your job. Particularly at the start of a new year and a fresh outlook on the year ahead. But whether you fancy a change or your current role no longer feels right for you, resigning from your job in 2019 is a big move.
It is always an uncomfortable situation for an employee but you have to ensure you're 100% sure you want to resign.
You should also do all you can to aid the company in finding and supporting your replacement. If you’ve never resigned before, or if it’s been a while, here’s how to write your resignation letter.
Writing your resignation
A letter of resignation doesn't actually have to be long or in a huge amount of detail, but it does need to be formal and professional to ensure you leave on good terms as much as possible.
Here is a resignation letter template to help you write your letter for 2019.
Step 1
Start the letter by stating the position you’re resigning from and the date of your final day of work.
Example:
Dear [your boss’s name],
Please accept this letter of resignation from my position as [your job title] with [company name]. Per the terms of my contract, my last day of work will be [date of your last day].
Step 2
It’s also nice to thank your boss for the opportunity to work for them; you want to end things on a good note! Remember, you may need a reference from them down the line so even if you’re thrilled to be leaving, you should avoid burning your bridges!
Example:
I have really appreciated my [number of years of employment] years at [company name] and the opportunities that it brought me. I’ve learnt some great skills that I will take with me through my career, and I have really enjoyed having the pleasure of work with some great people.
Step 3
In your sign off, you should state your willingness to make this transaction as smooth as you can and give the company your best wishes.
Example:
I will do what I can to help make my leaving as easy as possible for both the company and me. Let me know what you would like me to do in the way of handing over my responsibilities during my final [month, two weeks… whatever your notice period is].
Best wishes to you and all at [company name] in the future.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
Prepare for any outcome
Even if you get on well with your boss and they’re usually friendly, you should still prepare yourself for a negative reaction.
Though hopefully, they’ll be accepting, you need to remember that they are losing a member of staff and now have to begin preparing for your departure. This is especially true if your resignation has come quite suddenly. So don’t take it personally if they are uncharacteristically quiet or don’t react as you’d hoped – they’ll come round.
If you have a notice period, generally you’ll be expected to work as normal for the duration of this. However, you should prepare for all eventualities.
Some employers may ask you to leave with immediate effect (although hopefully, this won’t happen!). If it does, you can ask for the reason behind your immediate dismissal. But try not to let it get personal and cause a dispute. Instead, leave gracefully as requested. It’s useful to be aware that if this happens, the company will still have to pay you for your contractual notice period as normal.
You should also prepare yourself for a counter offer. If your current employers really want to keep you, they might approach you with a counter offer in an attempt to get you to stay.
Prepare for this situation by thinking about why you’re leaving – is a pay rise or better benefits enough to make you stay? Or, is it time to move on? You may not be able to make a final decision until you’ve seen the counter offer. But, just be aware that this could happen.