In your career, you’ll most likely reach a point where you have to write a resignation letter. Even if you have a job you love, a better opportunity might come along. Sometimes, you just need a change. Resigning from a job is especially difficult if you work with people you respect or if you’ve worked for the company for a long time. Your team members have come to see you as family, so they might take you resigning personally. If you resign in a manner that is unprofessional, your managers and peers may feel abandoned. They might even resent you and that could hurt your reputation in the construction industry. Here’s how to resign from your job on a positive note.
Be Thoughtful
While leaving behind friends can be sad, you’re also about to start a new journey. You likely have mixed feelings. On the surface, focus on the positives. Your boss and your co-workers are partly responsible for your career development. Thank them for their part in allowing you to grow and move on to a new opportunity. You were a well-loved employee who performed your job well. You’re going to be missed. Understand that your coworkers are sad to see you go and be mindful of their feelings. Also understand that it will be a challenge for the company to replace you. Keep in mind that you have a long career still ahead of you. It is entirely possible that you will have future interactions with your former coworkers and managers. This is one of the reasons you need to approach your resignation with class and gratitude.
Resign in Writing
If you resign in person, you could end up in the awkward position of having to explain your reason for leaving on the spot. It is an extremely uncomfortable situation so chances are high you will say something you will later regret. If you resign in writing, you can take the time to communicate exactly what you want to your boss. In-person resignations can also become confrontational, which you don’t want. In your written resignation, make sure you don’t say anything remotely negative about your boss or the company. Keep it simple. Make it clear that your decision is final and there isn’t room for negotiation. If you are a valued member of the team, the company will likely give you a counteroffer. The fact is 90% of people who accept counteroffers end up leaving within a year anyway. It ends up wasting your time and the company’s time. You want a clean break. Communicate to them that you’re grateful to them for everything they’ve done for you, but a new opportunity has arisen that you can’t pass up.
Leave on Good Terms
Before you leave, talk to your coworkers individually, as well as any support staff. There are likely several people you want to maintain relationships with. If you leave without clearing the air, you could end up sabotaging valuable friendships. You also might want to send a farewell email to the whole team. Give them an easy way to contact you to make it easier to maintain relationships. Offer to help with the transition. This will help make sure that they don’t feel abandoned. Most importantly, don’t forget to say goodbye to everyone.
Resigning from a job you love is hard, but no matter how emotional you are, do everything you can to leave on a positive note. Your career is advancing so you don’t want to say or do something that will come back to haunt you.
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