You are not “at will” if you have an employment contract. [1] X Research source Think back whether you signed an employment contract before you started working. Go through your papers and see if you signed anything resembling an employment contract at any point in your employment. Also think about any promises that you might have made. You can create an employment contract by making oral or written promises. For example, if you promised a boss not to quit without giving a month’s notice, then you might have created a contractual obligation. [2] X Research source
If possible, don’t leave during a rush period. For example, if you work in sales, then you might want to wait until the Christmas rush finishes before giving your boss notice.
If you got a great new job with better pay, then you should certainly tell your employer. They are often interested in knowing what the market pay is for jobs like yours. You might not want to give a reason if you hated your job and only have negative things to say. In this case, you might just want to shake your head and say, “It’s for a lot of reasons. ”
After telling your boss in person, you should follow up with an email. Be gracious but brief. You can simply state, “I wanted to follow up on the conversation we had this morning, when I told you that I intend to leave the company on April 16, two weeks from now. It’s been a pleasure to work for you. ”
If you are higher up in your organization, then you might need to give more than two weeks’ notice. However, you shouldn’t give notice too much time in advance. [7] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source Your continued presence in the office can make you seem like an outsider and might make people uncomfortable.
However, you must tell a consistent story. [8] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source Don’t tell one person that you are leaving because you have found your dream job but tell someone else you are leaving because you hate your boss. Your colleagues talk to each other. Word will get out, and people will lose respect for you if you are telling different stories about why you are leaving. Come up with one reason and stick to it.
At a minimum, you should get your files in some sort of order. Many people let documents pile up around their desk because they instinctively know where something is in the pile. A new employee, however, needs documents stored in an orderly file cabinet. For tips on how to organize files, see Organize Office Files.
If you absolutely cannot finish everything, then try to leave detailed instructions for how your replacement can complete the project.
office supplies client information business records phones or computers
If you choose to give an exit interview, then don’t unload on the interviewer. You might be tempted to explain everything you disliked about the job. It is in your best interest not to. Word travels fast. Although you might be promised anonymity during the exit interview, you can’t be guaranteed it. [12] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source Your best bet is to remain positive. If you have criticisms to make, then offer them in a constructive manner. For example, if a boss berates his subordinates, you could say, “I’m not sure Jim is really happy in his role. I don’t know. Maybe he should discuss transitioning to something more comfortable for him. ” In this way, you tip off Human Resources that there might be a problem, but you couch it in a way that expresses concern.
Create a LinkedIn profile and add the person to your network. [13] X Research source You can also add close colleagues to Facebook or Twitter. [14] X Research source However, only do this if you maintain your social media accounts for professional purposes. You shouldn’t add people if your Facebook page contains pictures of you getting drunk or behaving inappropriately. Send an occasional email. Send an email every now and then and catch up on what people are doing. Try to get personal email addresses, since those follow a person around after they leave the company.
For example, you might be paid on the last business day of the month. If you quit on the 12th, then you should wait until the end of the month. However, if you are not paid by that time, you should contact your employer.
A court will consider a variety of factors. For example, being demoted or receiving a reduction in pay are two factors a court will look at. A court will also consider whether you were harassed or badgered. Often this type of abuse, when coupled with a demotion or reassignment, is proof of constructive discharge. You also should gather evidence that you complained about the work conditions. There should be a paper trail of complaints using your employer’s grievance system. If you claim harassment without having ever formally complained, then a court might disbelieve you because you never documented the abuse while you were working. You shouldn’t bring a constructive discharge claim lightly. Indeed, you should talk with a lawyer before proceeding. Nevertheless, it is an option if you were severely harassed at work.
You can find an employment lawyer by contacting your state’s bar association, which should run a referral program. After getting a referral, you can call and schedule a half hour consultation. During the consultation you can discuss whatever legal issue you have and ask the lawyer for advice.
