What should you expect when you resign? Well, assuming you have done a good job, your employer will be sorry to lose your services. Depending on how much, you may get a counter offer from the employer, making your decision that much more difficult.
How to Resign
Resignations are best if kept short and positive. Lengthy discussions about new opportunities or past grievances can serve to make the process more difficult. It is a good idea to let the employer know about your decision first. Employers do not want to hear about your decision by overhearing a conversation at the water cooler.
Many employers prefer to hear of your resignation face to face, through a verbal resignation. They want to know why you are moving on and perhaps what your future plans are. Resigning orally can be difficult if you are asked questions you are unprepared for. Choose your words carefully, it is not a good time to ramble. Keep the message short and positive. Be thankful for being able to work in the company and maybe take the time to mention your co-workers. If possible, refrain from trying to explain your decision on the spot. An explanation of your decision can sometimes give the opportunity for the employer to reason away each factor, which can be particularly awkward.
Other employers prefer, and in some cases insist, on a written resignation, which does have a few advantages over an oral resignation. Writing gives you the chance to choose your words carefully, allowing you to say what you want to say, nothing more and nothing less. After receiving your resignation letter, your employer will almost certainly want to meet with you to discuss your decision. For one thing, there seems to be more finality to a written letter, making it seem more like a considered career decision than a salary renegotiation strategy. Just remember, there is usually no turning back when the letter reaches the boss's hands.
Upon hearing of your resignation, employers and co-workers may take the news of you leaving personally, especially if you're going to another company that may be perceived as a competitor. How you deal with this will be personal to you, but the reality is that most people leave a job sooner or later. Whatever you do, and whatever your reason for leaving, do not encourage other members of staff to leave for the same reasons you do. Not only is it completely unethical, but other people's circumstances may be different in ways you do not understand. It is unlikely that another member of staff would leave on your advice alone, but it can serve to sow the seeds of thought.
When it is your last day, take the time to say good-bye to your co-workers, support staff, and anyone else you worked with. It is a courteous thing, but in IT there is a secondary motivation. Many successful IT professionals have a wide network of other professionals to call on when they need a hand or information. Leaving a job on a positive note allows you to maintain past co-workers as an information resource.
Remember, leaving on the right note means that you can keep a door open. The nature of the IT industry means that it is not uncommon for people to return to the same company at a later date, either in a permanent or a contracted role.
Counter Offers
Considering the shortage of skilled IT professionals, companies can scarcely afford to lose their IT staff. When faced with a resignation, some employers may choose to sweeten the pot to retain its staff. Some IT professionals tender a resignation in an attempt to motivate the employer to add a little incentive. Best be careful with that strategy; it has been known to go entirely the other way.
Counter offers can serve to muddy the waters. It can be very flattering to get an incentive from an employer to stay at the job, making the decision to leave that much more difficult. In a counter offer situation, take the time to consider the option, and keep in mind your original reason for leaving.
Whether a counter offer is involved, resigning a position can be difficult made worse when you have established relationships and become part of a team.These are the people you have spent long hours with on the job and often off the job as well.You have depended on them as they have on you. Fortunately, in today's world of email, there is no reason not to keep in touch with them if you want to.
