On Quitting Your Job: There is No Easy Way, but There is a Respectful Way

Separation is defined as the act of moving away or being moved apart. This word has always been put in a negative light. The word separation is synonymous with words such as disconnection, severance, and dissociation. All of them are very lonely words.  

Quitting one’s job has many reasons. Some reasons are professional and work-related. Some are personal reasons. There are other reasons such as retirement, health, and death.

But if you are alive, young, and healthy, then separation from work is a sad picture. In many companies, there are many suspicions that surround such news. Some suspicion revolves around employee’s issues at work. While some are the boss’s issues about the employee leaving the company.  

Here are some reasons why employees quit their jobs:

Relationships Gone Wrong

One is because of relationships with coworkers. This one could be a very personal reason. However, the impact is felt in the company. When this relationship goes wrong, their performance is directly affected.   Whatever the nature of the relationship is, whether romantic or friendly. When things go down, their work goes down with it. There are also some who just don’t like each other. Some may stem from envy, misunderstanding, or bad impressions. Whatever it is, bad relationships in the workplace may cause employees to leave.  

A Stagnant Career

Another reason is a lack of appreciation and recognition. This is an issue, especially for the performing employees. The appreciation or recognition they are looking for also differs. Some are waiting for a promotion or higher positions. Others are going for higher pay. While for some, a simple pat on the back goes a long way.   But without any of these, people may quit. What’s unfortunate is that the best people leave the company for this reason. Worse is when they turn up in the rival company. So this reason is something that companies should not ignore.

Lack of Motivation and Enjoyment

A man holding his forehead while at work

Another one is plain boredom. It could be when the employee is unchallenged. The employee has no friends. Or he/she is not trusted and left to do the mundane job. Statistics of workers quitting, for this reason, is relevantly small, especially for large companies. But a big percentage of that number, according to research, is from new hires up to three years in the company.  

There are also some who got fired. Either way you quit, leaving the workplace is never easy. But there are respectful ways to do it, so you can keep friendships and respect among coworkers and bosses.

Here are some suggestions:  

Leave on a Positive Note

This will help you leave but keep a good impression of you. Remember that you are not just leaving a company. You are also leaving relationships. These relationships are crucial. They can even make a direct impact on your next employment. Take note that some companies will do a background check. Some will ask for employment references. And if you leave on a negative note, there are chances they will pass the negativity on their feedback about you.  

This is also the best way to keep respect and friendships in your former company. If you are leaving because of a dispute, it is better to keep your cool. Instead of going to court, try to settle matters calmly. Request arbitration from your company union and fix it internally. Then end the issue with a smile and a handshake. Remember that what goes around, comes around. Who knows that one day you would want to re-apply to that company. And when it happens you want former colleagues and ex-bosses to welcome you back. You want them to re-accept you with open arms.  

Provide a Notice

This is one of the most appropriate ways to leave. This simple act will show that you respect the company and your coworkers. Doing this also sends a signal that you are willing to cooperate in the transition process. It could be 2 weeks’ notice or 30 days’ notice, but that amount of time gives the company breathing room for your exit.  

You can use those days to properly say goodbyes. Take time to appreciate the years you have been in the company. Even be open to being a trainer to your possible replacement. When you leave, the last 30 days or 2 weeks will leave a good mark in the memory of your former company.  You need to remember that by being employed you are already a professional. So it is important to show professionalism. And it is good to exhibit professionalism not only when you work. But it is equally as important when leaving the company.  

Whatever you have done in your workplace will forever be in your records. They will all be kept in your employment files. This means they will either hunt you or save you one day. The choice is only yours, so make it very good.

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