Choosing to leave a job is a significant decision. 

Whether you are leaving your current job for a new opportunity, leaving a toxic workplace, or you’re retiring (lucky you), quitting a role is a decision you should fully consider and prepare for. 

Follow these tips to ensure a smooth transition! 

Is quitting the right choice? 

First, determine if quitting is the best path for you. Various factors to consider include: 

  • Whether you have another job lined up. 
  • If you have enough financial security to manage while finding a new job. 
  • Needing to prioritize your mental and/or physical health. 
  • Focusing on raising a family. 
  • Weighing available job opportunities and challenges. 
  • While there are many factors to consider, by simply searching for and reading this article, you have likely already made your decision. 

Telling your manager 

Step 1 – Find a good moment to inform your manager. The best times to speak with your manager are during a slow time of the day, when your manager appears to be in a good mood, and/or on Tuesday or Wednesday (typically the slowest workdays).  

Step 2 – Schedule a time to speak together. Quitting in person is usually favourable over email. If you work remotely, a brief phone call or Zoom meeting will also work. 

Step 3 – Before quitting, practise what you will say. Nerves often get the better of us, so go into your conversation as prepared as possible. 

Step 4 – When quitting do the following: 

  1. Show gratitude (e.g., “I appreciate all the opportunities I’ve had in this role”). 
  2. Be direct (e.g., “I have decided to resign from my role as [role name]”). 
  3. Be professional in your reason, and remember that it’s okay to be vague (e.g., “I am hoping to transition into a new field”). 
  4. Tell them your intended last day (e.g., “My last day in the office will be on March 15th”). 
  5. Offer assistance with preparing for your replacement (if you are able to) (e.g., “I am happy to support a smooth transition plan. For example, helping to train my co-workers to manage certain tasks in my absence”). 
  6. Thank them again and inform your manager that you will send a formal resignation letter shortly after (e.g., “Thank you again for everything. I truly appreciate the opportunities I’ve had here. I will be sure to send you an email as my formal resignation letter”). 
  7. Expect some pushback from your manager. However, stay firm in your decision (e.g., “I have fully considered this decision and am confident in the choice”). 

Step 5 – Send a follow– up email to your manager as your formal resignation letter. CC’ another manager and/or HR if applicable. It is always important to have a physical record of your resignation. State your last day and show gratitude. Here is an example email: 

Subject: [Your Name] Resignation Letter – [Your Role Name] 

Dear [manager’s name], 

As per our conversation on [date of conversation], I will be resigning from my role as [role title]. [Date of last day] will be my last day of employment. 

I sincerely appreciate and value all the opportunities I’ve had at [organization name] and value the support you and the team have given me. Please let me know if there is anything I can do on my end to help ensure a smooth transition for the team. 

Cheers, 

[Your full name] 

[Your number] 

Transitioning out of your role 

In your final days in your role, once it has been announced to your co-workers, follow these tips to ensure that you leave on good terms. 

  • Be respectful. For example, don’t brag about your new job. 
  • Offer help. For example, allocate tasks to your co-workers in conjunction with your manager if needed. 
  • Talk to your manager to see if an exit interview is required. 
  • Keep extra organized. 
  • Assist with training your replacement or co-workers as needed. 
  • Thank your co-workers and say goodbye to everyone on your final day. 

Is giving 2 weeks’ notice outdated? 

Giving 2 weeks’ notice is the custom of continuing to work at a job for 2 weeks, or equivalent, after you have informed the organization that you are leaving your role.  

The intent of this practice is to help ensure a smoother transition for the company who will need to replace you (e.g., helping train your replacement or co-workers who will help to manage your tasks).  

However, while it is custom to give 2 weeks’ notice, it is largely not a legal requirement and is instead deemed good career etiquette. While quitting with little notice to your managers can burn bridges, depending on the situation (e.g., leaving a toxic workplace)  and if there are no legal requirements in place, leaving earlier than 2 weeks is okay for you to do if needed. 

As always, check your provincial legislation and your employment contract and get legal advice where necessary. 

Final thoughts 

While leaving a job is scary, by being prepared you can leave your role respectfully and professionally. You got this!