4/04/2006
Revisiting the Job Resignation
I read an article the other day titled “Resigning with Class: How to Diplomatically Resign From Your Job” by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D. In it, he makes several suggestions on how to resign diplomatically.Once a resignation is tendered there are some important things to remember. The first thing is that you may be escorted out of the building (which I discussed in Ciao For Now ).
The next thing to be aware of is being guilted by your boss or co-workers. It’s possible that others may be envious of your new move. They may even attempt to make you feel as though you’re deserting them. The thing to focus on here is your own responsibility to your job. It’s important to wrap up any projects you may be working on or training your replacement. The key is to remain positive.
Of course it’s entirely possible that you will receive no response whatsoever. This is what’s happening in my case. Not only was no one surprised to hear my news, it was expected and unbelievably, something that my manager wanted to facilitate. As it happens, my management wants me to go! So, while I know it’s important to be diplomatic, I will not play by all the “rules” set up by others that think they know best. Only I can be the judge of that.
Another thing to think about is what to do should you receive a counteroffer. It hasn’t been often in my career that I’ve heard others receiving counters, but I suppose it is possible. If you’re in a bad situation (like me) don’t eliminate the chance of being walked out. Incidentally, my management asked me to stay for the remainder of two weeks. Of course, they may do this to get whatever they can out of you before you go.
In that case, it’s important to remember that you can only do so much. You can’t be expected to do it all before your departure. It would probably be nice though to help where you can since the responsibilities may fall to those you don’t want to see tortured. It can be a hard thing to do, but think about if the tables were turned. If you’ve been on the receiving end of that you’ll know what I mean. Then, if the situation is so god-awful that you can’t stand it any longer then you have my permission to do what you need to do in order to survive.
The other thing to think about in regards to a counteroffer is that it may end up hurting you. For starters, studies show that the majority of people that accept counteroffers don’t stay long with the job. It puts your loyalty in question. If you’ll “so easily” be ready to go, it may destroy any remaining trust. Be very careful with this one.
The last thing I want to bring up is the exit interview. I know, I know, you’ve heard me moan about this before. I used to think there was no point in giving one since the chances of any positive action going into effect as a result was slim to none. However, my personal feeling is that if there’s something you feel very strongly about then by all means, submit to one and state the facts. In order to remain credible it’s important to stay unattached. Don’t whine and complain randomly. State things as they are plus some suggestions as to how to make things better. Of course the other option is to remain positive.
At the end of the day the way you go out is really up to you. It’s true you never know who you’ll run into down the road or what favor/recommendation you may need. The place I’m coming from makes me really want to push all that advice to the side. Before doing anything, be sure you’ve thought things through and weighed the advantages and possible consequences. If you’ve done that and still want to let it all out, then good luck to you.
I can speak about that since it’s my situation. I know I will not need (or ever want) my manager’s recommendations or help down the road. Aside from that one individual, there are many (many) others whom I can rely on for a good referral should I need one.
Good luck.
Copyright 2006 Pied Piper Consulting
