“Making a big life change is pretty scary. But, know what’s even scarier? Regret.” ~ Author Unknown

Almost everyone feels some degree of job dissatisfaction at some time. You may feel overwhelmed, undervalued, anxious, or stuck. And I know that when you do, it may be tempting to tell your boss everything that has been wrong with his her leadership for the last year. Don’t do it! It will come back to bite you. No matter how right you are or how wronged you may have been, you will be the person who’s shed in a negative light if you exit like that. What do you gain besides a moment of self-satisfaction? Zip. So, regardless of the reasons for your exit, do it graciously. Guard your reputation, and be comforted that you are moving forward to new and wonderful career or life adventures.

There are right ways and wrong ways to quit your job, no matter what the scenario. Here’s how:

• Write a formal resignation letter.

Here’s an example of a classic letter:

Dear [recipient]:

This letter is to formally announce my resignation from [company name], starting today. My last day will be [two weeks from today]. It has been a pleasure to work for [company name]. Please let me know how I can help to make a smooth transition during my remaining time here.”

Regards,

Your name

• Give a minimum or two weeks’ notice, a maximum of three weeks’ notice.

I know many of you are very loyal employees. Please take my warning to heart. If your boss or current employer asks you to give four weeks’ notice, do not do it! I see folks do this all the time. The first two weeks are fine. The third week gets hard. The fourth week is excruciating – for everyone. It’s the too-long good-bye. It’s far too long for people to stay in this mode, and it will be too long for you. I’ve known many great people with good intentions try to do the right thing by giving four weeks. It’s too hard.

• No matter what, be positive and professional.

It’s not always easy to be positive on your way out the door – particularly if you’re not feeling the love. But it’s a small world, and there is karma. You may very well run into your colleagues or bosses later on. And even if you don’t, you need them in your corner. You want them to speak well of you. There is nothing at all to be gained by being negative or citing a list of do-not-likes for this current employer. Do that with your bone marrow people, where you know it will not come back to bite you in the you-know-what.

• Flesh out a transition plan to review with your boss when you quit.

If you approach your boss with a very sophisticated list of what you feel needs to be transitioned and suggestions for how to do that. Your goodwill toward their well-being will go a long way.

• Practice your resignation speech.

Make it short and sweet. No matter how you feel, do not give a morally righteous speech in the middle of the break room or parking lot. Avoid grand gestures. You want internal allies left behind who can vouch for you as references should a future employer do some checking. You want your supervisor’s and colleagues’ memories of you to be of someone competent and professional who moved on quietly.

• Prepare for the counter offer and/or guilt trip.

It’s very likely that the counter offer, a guilt trip – or both may follow. What will you respond when your boss says, “You are my chosen for the VP role. Who could I replace you with? I don’t know how we’ll do it without you.” Blah blah blah. Don’t even engage in this conversation and ask questions like, “Why am I just hearing this now?” You know deep down why, and those reasons are not going to change.

• Think smooth and solutions.

If your boss pushes you for more than three weeks’ notice, or says, “We can’t do this without you,” then move into solution mode. Ask about his worries, what he thinks you can do in that fourth week that you can’t handle in three weeks. Assure him that while you will not be there to get ____ initiative delivered, you will make serious effort to ensure this is a smooth transition.

This is important! You have worked hard to get to this point. There is no shame, and there should be no guilt. It’s exciting and you are taking an important new step for your own personal development and satisfaction. The company will take care of itself first, and you must take care of yourself first. Your manager will understand that. He or she may not exhibit it immediately, but it will become evident.

You have come this far. Take this one last step to leave gracefully. You are always CEO of your career. Your reputation is your career identity. It’s worth nurturing!