Here at Network Marketing we speak to people moving on in their careers day in, day out, and we know how daunting this can be, in particular the thought of resigning. If your boss scares you at the best of times, the thought of telling him that you want to leave is likely to leave you in cold sweats. We’ve come up with a few do’s and don’ts to put bravery into your heart!

Do

Make sure you hand your notice in face to face

Leaving a letter of resignation or email with your boss is impersonal, as is using any form of social media to break the big news. Writing “I’m leaving” on their Facebook wall might help you avoid an awkward conversation, but you’re best biting the bullet and doing it the old fashioned way, face to face.

Expect them to try and advise you stay

Prepare for the possibility that your employers will offer you more money to stay, and remind yourself that your reasons for leaving are most likely career motivated. Most people that accept counter offers will leave anyway within the next six months, it’s more than the money!

Put something in writing

This doesn’t have to be War and Peace, just a concise and formal letter making clear your intention of leaving. This will also crystallise your thoughts on the situation and protect against any pressure to change your mind.

Don’t

Bring up home truths

Yes, you’re leaving, but remember – this is a positive move. You’re here to inform your boss you’re leaving, don’t use this as a platform to burn bridges and deliver the revenge speech you’ve been crafting at your desk.

Hand it in until you’ve had your other offer in writing

Working in recruitment day in day out, we know that nothing is certain until the contract has been signed and all loose ends are tied. No matter how likely it is looking that you’re going to join another company, don’t take it as gospel until it is legally binding. It’s not over till the fat lady sings!

Underestimate the importance of timing

Your boss will appreciate you picking up a moment where they don’t look like they’re tearing their hair out to have a chat with them, and the conversation will be more likely to remain positive and civil. Five minutes before a meeting on a Monday morning isn’t great. Aim for late afternoon so management have time to let it sink in and suggest discussing leaving dates at a later point when people are less emotional.

We hope this helps the process of you handing in your notice. Have anything you’d like to add? Let us know!

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