How to quit a job gracefully

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Anyone have any advice on quitting a job without burning too many bridges? I just started my current job about three months ago. Some of my co-workers are extremely nice and I will feel very guilty for leaving them.

On the other hand, I am still fairly new and therefore can be easily replaced. Also, I am quitting in favor of another job that will help me in applying for Ph.D. programs and in my career down the road. It's just too good to refuse.

This is my first major full-time job, so I'm in the dark about how to approach this - beyond the two weeks notice thing. Any tips - or stories of your own experiences - would be appreciated.

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2001

Answers

Just be sure to mention what a great experience your job was and that you feel like you learned a lot and how much you appreciate all that your co-workers and/or boss did to help you out.

Make sure you don't lay it on too thick though or they'll think you're being a smartass.

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2001


You answered your own question with the words: "It's just too good to refuse."

When quitting a job you should always tell them how much you liked the job (being as sincere as possible) and then explain that the new job "is just too good an opportunity to pass up."

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2001


I agree with Dave. Explain to them your situation. Everyone has the careers and dreams they want to pursue and if given the opportunity, they would be insane to pass them up. They should understand that what your doing is good for your future plans and they shouldn't hold that against you. I'm in a similar position, but I have to leave my current job to find one that will give me more money because I'm moving out. I just explained to my boss that I wasn't leaving because there was anything wrong with my job. I just need more money and I know that he's not in a position to give it to me. He was completely understanding. Who can deny that a person needs to make a living in what they want to?

Tell them you've enjoyed working there, you don't have any problems with anything there, just that this new job fits better into your life plan and goals. Be as helpful as you can in the transition without jeopardizing your opportunities.

Good luck with your new job!!

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2001


I've got a similar but different problem. I never want to leave my job and I may have to because my husband is graduating school (finally!) and will have a real job making about 2-3 times what I do. *sigh*

I just don't want to leave. I love my job.

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2001


I've got a similar but different problem. I never want to leave my job and I may have to because my husband is graduating school (finally!) and will have a real job making about 2-3 times what I do. *sigh*

I just don't want to leave. I love my job. They've had about one year of notice though, so it's not a bad thing. I'll just have to give an end date, I think. I'm just feeling sad about it.

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2001



The darned server died halfway through...sorry for the doubles.

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2001

Wendy, i don't understand - how come you have to leave your job because of your husband's graduation? Is it because you'll be moving?

Another point was brought up that i must "me too!" on - ask, sincerely, if there's anything that you can do to make things easy for your replacement, explain any systems that you have created that may make it easier for someone to step in. If they have a replacement right away (say, they bump someone up who already works there into your position or they just hire really quickly), take the time to sit with that person and go over any tips or things that you feel will be useful. This is just a nice thing to do and employers remember and appreciate that which is handy if you need them as references down the line.

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2001


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