Quitting with Class

The only person who will truly look out for your best interest is you.  With that context, I’ve always struggled with the notion of “quitting” a job, since it has such negative connotations.   

Years ago, when I left public accounting to join SelectOne, it always struck me odd when people would say “wait, you’re quitting?!”  Quitting implies giving up, admitting defeat, being vanquished, relinquishing.  But what I felt was a genuine excitement and exuberance to be pursuing a career with a company I felt aligned much more closely with my talent and aspirations, as well as appreciation for the job and team I was leaving behind.  It was by refusing to accept the “quitting” mindset and embracing the positive elements of what I was doing that enabled me to leave on good terms. Here are a few quick take aways from my experience on how to quit with class:

Show Appreciation – Most companies aren’t just nameless, faceless corporations.  They’re run by real people and managers are impacted by unanticipated departures.  Even if you don’t have the best relationship with your manager, let them know you’ve appreciated the opportunity and mentorship they’ve provided.  Maybe even cite an example of something they did that helped you that they may not be aware of.  This starts a potentially negative conversation on a much better trajectory.

Focus on Positives – If you can’t come up with any positives about the employer you’re leaving, it’s highly likely you’re just not trying hard enough.  Barring a downright hostile work environment, nearly every situation has positives that can be gleaned.  Choose to hone in on those, and make sure those become the emphasis of the conversation.

Don’t React to Negatives – Invariably, some bosses will care more about what you are “doing to them” versus the opportunity you’re running to.  This is the hallmark of weak leadership, and while perhaps contributing to the reasons a person might seek opportunities outside of a current company, should largely be ignored.  Reacting unfavorably to any condescending or overtly negative remarks made when putting notice in will serve to close doors and ruin relationships that could prove useful years later.

Be Decisive – You’ve made your decision, so stick to your guns.  Hedging or appearing to be uncertain is likely only going to waste everyone’s time.  So before meeting with your manager to put in notice, remind yourself why you made the decision in the first place, and what you’re heading toward.  This will help you stay focused and resolute when having a challenging conversation.

Build a Transition Plan – Let your manager know you take your job seriously, and that you’ve worked diligently to come up with a transition plan.  Present them with this plan, and let them know with their approval, you’d like to coordinate and execute it so everything you’ve got in motion continues beyond your tenure with the company.  This goes a LONG way to assuage the inevitable anxiety your manager will feel due to their suddenly increased workflow!

Employer Considerations – The funny thing about most employers is that they are (or have been at some point in their career), at the same time, employees.  Hiring managers and employers – imagine leaving a job you’ve performed well at for an even greater opportunity, only to have your manager beat you on the way out the door.  Not such a great image…  A little dose of the golden rule will go a long way toward establishing a robust, vibrant alumni network.

The days of employees working for one company their whole career in pursuit of climbing a linear corporate ladder are all but dead.  So, for most, job changes, and turnover, are an inevitable, unavoidable part of an advancing career or leading teams and companies.  Quitting with class doesn't come easy, but you can handle difficult conversations like these with transparency and directness, while building your brand in transition!