Quitting your job during the Great Resignation? Do it the right way.

Millions of people have quit their jobs this year. Some are looking for better opportunities while others are simply taking their leave from the American workforce. Collectively, the massive exit wave — nicknamed the Great Resignation — is a surprising effect of the coronavirus pandemic.

As a result, there are more than 10.4 million open roles across the United States, according to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In a recent study, credit score tracker Credit Karma found that 41% of employed respondents are thinking about quitting their jobs in the next six months.

Chances are you could be one of them, and luckily for jobseekers, it’s a competitive market out there.

When you land that new job with a bigger salary, better work-life balance, or greater benefits, don’t make any hasty decisions when leaving your old post behind. Experts agree there is a right way to leave your current role before starting a new opportunity that will keep you from burning any bridges along the way.

“If you’re considering leaving your job, remember it’s in your best interest to leave on good terms,” Colleen McCreary, chief people officer at Credit Karma, told Yahoo Money. “Plus, the job market is small, particularly if you’re looking to move jobs within a specific industry, there is a likely chance your paths could cross with those you’ve worked with previously.”

Don’t leave if you don’t have to

Leaving a job can feel daunting, McCreary said, but it doesn’t have to be. Before making a switch, give yourself time to think about whether you really need to leave your current job.

“The first thing to consider before making the jump is understanding why you want to leave. If there are things you like about your job, think hard about the things you dislike and if leaving your job is the only way to fix them,” McCreary said. “If you’ve been at a job for some time and need a change, that’s one thing, but if it’s higher pay or a new manager you’re looking for, those are things you can try to resolve at your current job.”

Give notice

Even if you’re leaving a less-than-ideal workplace, giving notice is recommended. Vicki Salemi, Monster career expert, said two weeks is still accepted as the standard and you should first try for a face-to-face conversation with your boss, whether it’s in person or on video chat.

“Talk to your boss confidentially and this begins by asking for time on your boss’s calendar, send a meeting invite and prepare what you’ll say ahead of time,” Salemi said. “Keep it short and sweet. Try to be positive even if you’re exiting a toxic workplace and you can’t wait for your last day to finally arrive. Be professional, light, and polite.”

Then, send an official written resignation clearly stating your last day of employment to your HR department.

Resignation letter resign with penResignation letter resign with pen
After you notify your direct supervisor, Monster career expert Vicki Salemi says your next step should be sending an official resignation letter with your last day of employment clearly stated. (Getty Creative)

Keep it positive

After you submit your resignation, it’s best to keep up with your responsibilities as you normally would. Career Development Coach Michelle Enjoli said that could also mean offering to make your departure a smooth transition.

“Offer to assist with documenting any necessary information or procedures for training, transferring information to another colleague, and recommending candidates internally or externally that could be a good fit,” Enjoli said.

Salemi suggested that even if you’re leaving a bad situation, try not to badmouth your employer, boss, or the situation.

“Stay positive and avoid the grapevine,” Salemi said.

Take an exit interview

You could be asked for an exit interview, and experts suggest taking the opportunity to share feedback about why you’re leaving. Mark Herschberg, author of “The Career Toolkit,” suggested using the interview to share insight that will help the company improve.

“Talk in affirmative changes, instead of negative critiques. For example, saying, ‘You made us work very long hours,’ is seen as a negative criticism, even if true,” Herschberg said. “Instead say, ‘I’m looking for a place with better work-life balance,’ or ‘I think people like me would want to spend less hours at work.’”

Say thanks and keep in touch

Even though you’re moving on, you should take the time to thank the colleagues you worked with. And in most cases, networking with such colleagues could prove to be valuable in the future.

Consider sending goodbye messages either via email or handwritten notes, Salemi said.

“You may want to send your group your email address/phone number if they don’t already have it. It’s a nice touch to mention if they have any questions when you’re gone to reach out and stay in touch,” she said. “Be genuine and authentic. If you don’t really want them to stay in touch, don’t mention it, just state something like, ‘If any questions come up, you know where to find me.’”

Trending Ideas

Featured Stocks On The Move

Daily Rundown

Top 3 Stocks in Leading Sectors
  • 3 Oil Field Machinery Stocks To Buy Now

    Matrix Service Company (MTRX) Matrix Service Company provides engineering, fabrication, construction, and maintenance services to energy and industrial markets. The company operates through segments such as Storage and Terminal Solutions,... Read More

  • 3 Restaurant Stocks To Buy Now

    Brinker International, Inc. (EAT) Brinker International, Inc. is a leading casual dining restaurant company, operating well-known brands such as Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy. The company focuses... Read More

  • 3 Coal Stocks To Buy Now

    Natural Resource Partners L.P. (NRP) Natural Resource Partners L.P. is a master limited partnership that owns, manages, and leases a diversified portfolio of mineral properties in the United States. The... Read More

  • 3 Real Estate Developer Stocks To Buy Now

    IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima (IRS) IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anónima is a leading real estate company in Argentina, engaged in the acquisition, development, and management of diversified... Read More

  • 3 Gas Distribution Stocks To Buy Now

    New Jersey Resources Corporation (NJR) New Jersey Resources Corporation is an energy services holding company that provides regulated natural gas distribution services through its subsidiary, New Jersey Natural Gas. The... Read More

  • 3 Food Product Stocks To Buy Now

    The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (CHEF) The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. is a premier distributor of specialty food products, serving high-end restaurants, hotels, and gourmet food stores across the United States and... Read More

  • 3 HVAC Stocks To Buy Now

    Featured Content Lennox International Inc. (LII) Lennox International Inc. is a global leader in energy-efficient climate control solutions, specializing in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) products. The company... Read More

  • 3 Hotel Stocks To Buy Now

    Featured Content Hyatt Hotels Corporation (H) Hyatt Hotels Corporation operates a global portfolio of luxury, full-service, and lifestyle hotels, as well as vacation properties. Known for its premium hospitality offerings,... Read More

  • 3 Tobacco Stocks To Buy Now

    Featured Content Turning Point Brands, Inc. (TPB) Turning Point Brands, Inc. is a consumer products company that manufactures and markets tobacco products and alternative smoking accessories. The company’s portfolio includes... Read More

  • 3 Life Insurance Stocks To Buy Now

    Featured Content F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (FG) F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. specializes in annuities and life insurance products designed to meet the long-term financial planning needs of clients.... Read More

  • 3 Soft Beverage Stocks To Buy Now

    Featured Content Westrock Coffee Company (WEST) Westrock Coffee Company is a leading integrated coffee, tea, and extract service provider, offering comprehensive solutions from sourcing and roasting to packaging and distribution.... Read More

  • 3 Medical Info System Stocks To Buy Now

    Featured Content Clover Health Investments, Corp. (CLOV) Clover Health Investments, Corp. is a healthcare technology company focused on improving health outcomes for America’s seniors. The company offers Medicare Advantage plans... Read More