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How to Quit a Job You Have Just Started

Updated on Apr 23, 2018 8422 views
How to Quit a Job You Have Just Started

It is a common phenomenon that people move from one job to the other.  Quitting a new job is not as easy as you think, because you need to be very careful not to mar your existing relationships and network.

Imagine after a long period of job search, you got a new job. After some few days on the job, you discover that the job description you saw is actually different from what you are meant to do.

Sometimes people lift job descriptions from the internet that do not fit the role they are advertising for. It is also possible that after you sign the contract for a new job, a previous job you applied for clicks. The new one might even come with a better package and a whole lot of scintillating advantages like staff bus, higher salaries, lunch at work, HMO, work-life balance and more.

What would you do in such a situation, when you had barely spent a week at a new job and your dream job comes? It becomes more difficult if you are required to start the new job immediately, but there is a way out of this.

First, you must realize that relationships are very important. The world is an interconnection of people, it’s like water.

Also remember to be tactful in your approach, don’t be in a haste to act. In the first place when you go for interviews, don’t tell the interviewers that you will resume immediately when you have a job at hand. Be sincere, tell them the earliest possible time you can resume, they will work out things for you if you have what they need.

 

 

Other things to do are:

 

Resign in person

No matter how bad and uncomfortable you feel to break the news to your boss, you would have to do this in person. This is not a time to send a letter or a mail, although it is important you resign formally. The letter or the mail can come after your meeting with your boss. It is very important you talk to your boss face-to-face. This is more professional.

While talking to your boss, don’t just say anything, give reasons based on aspects of the job that do not fit your strength or interest. Also be confident and sure of what you are saying, however, be kind and polite in your approach.

 

Put it in writing

As much as it is important to say it in person, it is also very necessary that you put it into writing, this makes it official and helps the organization in their record keeping/referencing. Your letter of resignation should be brief, polite and straight to the point.

When you are writing your letter, you should be very careful with your choice of words. Take a look at the sample below;

  • First Paragraph- The introduction or the basics for instance; “I am writing to formally give notice of my resignation from my position as (job title) at (the name of the company or employer). Within the first paragraph, you can go ahead to state the notice period and include your final working day. Example "According to the terms of my contract, the notice period is (state the length of the period), and my leaving date is (state the leaving date)”. If it is shorter than the notice period, you should include reasons for that.
  • The second paragraph- Appreciate/thank your employer “I really enjoyed working here, I appreciate and want to thank you for….”
  • Third Paragraph- State your willingness to hand over   “I will do my best to complete existing project, and to assist in the hand over process”.

You can learn how to write a good resignation letter here including some templates you can use.

 

Keep a Positive Tone

You don’t have to give weak excuses about your reasons for leaving, i.e. no need saying things like the boss is not friendly, or you want to get married and the job cannot give you the money you need. Make it plain that your decision is not hasty, it is well pondered and deliberate.  Your resignation would favor both you and the organization, in terms of your productivity in the organization and not causing harm or demotivation to the team members.  Be bold to declare that, you think leaving is the best decision both for you and the company.

Be truthful and sincere, while you remain tactful about it. Be genuinely sorry for the inconveniences. If you are not the best person for the role, it is your moral duty to say so to avoid waste of time and resources on the part of the organization.

 

Give Adequate Notice

Even if you have been with the company for a very long time, you should also give a notice when you are leaving no matter how soon. Don't just run away for any reason, because you don't want to work anymore, rather you should do the right thing by informing your boss, before leaving. You can give at least two weeks' notice, although most companies have a set rule as to how many weeks' notice is required. If yours is flexible, you can suggest staying longer, to give them time to train someone else. This could be good for you, especially if you don't have a standby job.

Always remember that you are inconveniencing them, and due to that you should also behave accordingly and be dedicated to reasoning with the company or with your boss. You might need a letter of recommendation from your previous employer.

 

Don’t Mentally Check Out

After going the hard process of quitting your job, you should not just mentally check out, meaning that you should not abandon whatever task that was given to you before you decided to resign, rather, you should put in your best effort in the remaining days on the job.

It is not proper for you to abandon your pending tax or relax. You should still put forth 100% effort into the job. This will help your reputation in the company.

Abandoning your duties after resigning your job does not only give a signal that you are irresponsible, it also shows that you don’t have the company’s interest at heart. It could also rip you off your benefits. The best thing to do is to still remain as committed as ever, it tells well of your personality.

 

Don’t Feel Discouraged or Down

It is not uncommon for people to feel down or discouraged after resigning. Since you have thought about your decision properly before taking that bold step, then there is no need to be down. Whether you have a new job or not, not get down or feel bad about the decision you just took.

The best thing to do when you find yourself in a job that did not turn out to be what you wanted is to leave so that you don't stagnate yourself and at the same time pull the company back. While doing that, you should be careful about it and do it the right way. Getting career advice from websites like Myjobmag.com could also be very helpful.

Also see Career change: 12 Things You Can Do Now

 

 

Staff Writer

This article was written and edited by a staff writer.

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