How to Tell Your Boss You’re Quitting Your Job

You have given it plenty of thought and you just know that becoming a remote worker or digital nomad is the right step in your life.

When you’re at this crossroads in your career, it can be tempting to throw caution to the wind and quit your job without a care for the future. However, no matter your reasons for leaving, you must do it correctly. Not sure how to tell your boss you’re quitting your job? Let us help you!   

How to Tell Your Boss You’re Quitting Your Job

As you prepare what you will say to your boss, one thing should be on your mind – respect.  How and what you say needs to be conveyed respectfully so that you can leave your current position on a high note.

Think about quitting as the reverse experience of an interview.  The preparation and attention to detail you paid to land your job should also be given to your exit.  There are plenty of things you shouldn’t do when quitting.

It would be best if you didn’t tell your boss last.

It would help if you didn’t leave your colleagues in a lurch.  It would be best if you didn’t make rash decisions.  Most importantly, it would help if you didn’t burn bridges with your current employer.

You may decide at some point to enter the traditional employment arena again, and your current employer could be the deciding factor in you getting another job.

Know What You Need to Say.

Be clear in your message.  As you prepare, it may be helpful to write out a list of the reasons why you’re leaving.

The conversation will be awkward and difficult even if you leave on good terms.  You don’t want to stumble or appear uncertain, but you don’t want to seem aggressive.  Strike a tone that you’re firm in your choice, and be prepared for potential questions.

Be Professional

Speaking of questions, be prepared for the hard-to-answer questions a boss might ask.

Are you resolute in your decision?  Will you take a counteroffer?  What if your boss asks you to resume the topic in a few days?

It would be best to have answers ready for these sorts of questions.  The more prepared you are, the better the meeting will go.

So, go directly to your manager when you’re ready to quit.  You have control of the narrative; don’t let anyone get in the way of you and your boss.  Having the news that you’re leaving come from anyone but you look unprofessional.  Resign in person, and if that’s not an option, then a live video conference call.

Calling your boss is permissible if these aren’t options but try to avoid a telephone call and email.

Confirm Resignation in Writing.

Finally, make sure you resign in writing.  Even after discussing with your boss, sending the information in writing to them along with a copy to HR is professional.  This ensures there’s no confusion about your end date and that you gave notice of your departure from the company.

It should be brief but include the last day you plan to work, an explanation of why you’re resigning, and a few words of gratitude.

Remember that keyword respect?  Make sure that comes through in your letter as well.

Leave on a Positive Note.

As your tenure with your company ends, make sure you finish strong.  This means it’s not the time to waste time or tone out.  Leaving on a positive note ensures your relationship is open to future growth.

Documenting processes and steps that might be useful to the worker replacing you is also a great idea.  Knowing what to say when you quit a job and keeping the process respectful allows you to maintain open communication channels.

Preserving professional references will help leave the door open to future possibilities.  Hopefully, we’ve given you some ideas on how to tell your boss you’re quitting your job.  Have more questions?  Please get in touch.