You’ve landed a new job, so why do you feel so stressed?
Part of the reason in probably the worry over handing in your notice. It can be
challenging to part ways with an employer, particularly if you’ve been there
for a long time. After all, you don’t want to seem disloyal, or like you’ve
gone behind their back to secure a new role. You may also be worried about
burning bridges or impacting long term-relationships. We’ve provided some
helpful tips that should make handing in your notice a stress free experience.
Bringing it up
Don’t hang about when you’ve been offered a new role and
look to book a date in the diary as soon as possible when handing in your notice.
Leaving it until later will only mean the issue is hanging over you and it
could even begin to potentially eat into your notice period.
What to say
The vast majority of meetings will only be awkward if you
make them so. Your manager is most likely an experienced professional so this
won’t be the first time they’ve dealt with someone leaving. They’ll probably
ask you where you’re moving to, and why, and if you want to avoid burning
bridges, focus on the opportunity you’ve been presented with, as opposed to the
reasons for you leaving the current firm. It’s advisable to resist the
temptation to criticise the company and instead focus on confirming your
resignation, telling your boss about the new role and thanking them in person
for the support you’ve received.
The counter offer
Unless your boss has been counting down the days until you
hand in your resignation it’s possible that you’ll be made a counter offer in
the form of a promotion, pay rise or potentially even both. But what do you do
when you’re intent on handing in your notice?
Whatever you do, don’t accept anything there and then. Weigh
up your current options and consider whether a pay increase or change of role
is actually what you’re looking for. Can your current company keep up with your
ambitions? If so, why haven’t they already? It can be tempting to accept an
offer on the spot, but if the same problems will reappear a few months down the
line, then it’s probably not worth taking it.
What to write in your
resignation letter
When it comes to your resignation letter, keep it
professional and as straightforward as possible. Inform your manager of your
decision and, if you’re genuinely sad to be leaving, write something along the
lines of “it is with regret that I have decided to move on.” Then you should
confirm when your last date will be, state that you are happy to assist with handovers
or training and end on a positive note and again thank them for the support
they’ve provided during your time with the firm. You can, if you like, go into
greater detail about why you’re leaving, but it’s likely you will have broached
this in the meeting.
How to deal with
workplace emotion
If you’re a valued member of staff and have a good
relationship with your boss then they may find it hard to mask their emotions,
but in this instance it’s ok to be empathetic and express your sadness about
your departure. However, it’s also advisable to keep a level head – this is
still a professional relationship and you’re, hopefully, doing what’s best for
your career. You might feel a touch of guilt once the decision has been widely
announced but, again, this is only natural, particularly if you’ve got friends
at work and/or a supportive boss. Just remember, if they really care for you,
they will want you to succeed so shouldn’t have any ill feeling towards you.
Handing in your notice can be stressful, but it doesn’t need
to be. Follow our handy tips and get in contact if you’re considering finding a
new role at a new firm.
Check out some of our blogs to gain more cutting edge
career advice
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