How to Say, I Quit and Feel Good About it

The days of working for one organization all the way to retirement are fading out fast end -- that is, if they haven't already ended. These days it's normal to accept that an individual will probably change jobs at least 5 times during a career. Easy enough I guess, but once you've accepted the offer with the new employer you need to let the current employer know you're leaving.

What do you do? Send flowers? A fax? Nope. Keep it simple and walk. Better advice could not be given.

Write a brief letter of resignation with emphasis on the word BRIEF. The only information your letter needs to contain is the following handful of items:

- You are leaving

- What the last day of your employment will be (two weeks is the norm)

- And if you feel comfortable you may want to add a line or two saying you enjoyed the experience and opportunities afforded you.

Your letter DOESN'T need to include such melodramatic nuggets as why you're leaving, where you're going, what you'll be doing when you get there, how much you'll be getting paid and how happy or sad you feel about leaving.

Don't mail the resignation letter. Make an appointment with your boss, reach down and grab whatever is down there and deliver the letter in person. Tell your boss the same thing that is in the letter.

Why do it in person? Because it is the right thing to do. If that isn't enough, do it because it is courteous and professional.

When you talk to your boss, state that you're leaving and hand over the resignation letter, several things may happen:

- Your boss will thank you for your honesty and for not leaving him or her hanging while they scramble to find a replacement

- Ask you what it will take for you to change your mind and stay

- Act in shock disbelief that you're leaving when in reality he or she is happy because now they can hire someone else.

The best way to resign -- say experts -- is to cut to the chase, hand over the letter and walk. It's actually very similar to breaking up with a significant other. Only hopefully the break-up won't include a letter. You are commended - however -- for breaking up in person.

But I digress.