Resign with professionalism
Resigning from your position can be a difficult experience for many people. It can be a very emotional time and recognizing this will be important for you.
Leaving on good terms
If you are resigning from a job where you are not happy, you may feel like walking into your Manager's office and telling them what they can do with their job. However, this is neither practical nor in your best interest. You may think that you will never come across that company or manager again, however the healthcare sector is small & you never know when that current Manager might show up at your next company. So, collect yourself and your emotions and think clearly before you resign.
References are another reason to leave your employer on a good note. A favourable reference from your past employer could land you the "job of your dreams". The old saying "never burn your bridges" could not be truer in the business world.
Leaving one employer to go to another is a big decision for most people so careful thought and planning should go into your decision making. If you feel comfortable doing it, it is a good idea to discuss your feelings with your employer as there may be some simple actions they can take to retain you in the position i.e. added responsibilities, pay rise etc. It is better to have this discussion prior to your resignation, you don't want to resign to then find that changes were planned that would have made you happy. However, in every case, you must use your own judgement and if you feel your Manager is not reasonable and cannot be trusted with this information, proceed with caution. You do not want to be in a position where your Manager terminates your employment agreement prior to your resignation.
Terms of employment
If you have a contract of employment or letter of offer with your current employer, you need to review it carefully before you resign. Ensure you check whether it specifies a notice period, if it does then this is what you are required to give. Also, note any restrictions on subsequent employment i.e. non-compete clauses etc. Many companies today adhere rigorously to the contract or letter of agreement between them and their employees and you do not want to resign and then discover that you are in breach.
Make a time to meet with your direct Manager
You should have a plan for the resignation day. Be prepared for an adverse reaction, remain calm and try to keep the conversation on a professional basis. Even the most experienced Manager could take the news personally, so keep cool and refrain from explaining too much about "why" you are leaving and do not divulge your intentions to co-workers prior to informing your direct supervisor.
Managing any additional offer by your Employer
Many times employers will try and convince you to stay in the role. Keep in mind that a high percentage (60%) of workers that do stay on after resigning will generally leave within their first year after they accept the offer. There are genuine reasons why you wanted to leave and whilst it is flattering to be asked to stay, you need to keep in mind why it was that you wanted to leave in the first place. Usually those reasons do not change.
Your Resignation Letter
A resignation letter is generally used as confirmation of your resignation which you have already verbally advised. It does not need to be overly detailed and generally will not include the reason why you are leaving but should specify the notice period and last day of employment. If your experience has been a good one with the employer it is always nice to acknowledge this in your letter as a final thank you.
