The Covid-19 pandemic brought on a brief, but impactful job crisis. Following the height of the pandemic in 2021, more than 50 million people quit their jobs in what would become known as the Great Resignation. This mass quitting hit a fever pitch between November 2021 and April 2022, seeing almost 4.5 million people calling it quits every single month. 

That movement lost steam in 2023, though, and by the time the October 29th, 2024 Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary (JOLTS) report rolled out, those numbers were around 3.1 million per month. If you’re thinking of breaking it to your boss that you want out, you’ll join their numbers.

Quitting a job can be a pivotal moment in your career, and how you approach it can impact your professional reputation. Leaving respectfully ensures that you maintain valuable connections, demonstrate professionalism, and leave the door open for future opportunities. Don’t opt for the “quiet quitting” route. Instead, here’s how to exit a role gracefully and with integrity.

Make Sure You Actually Want To Quit Your Job

It might sound ridiculous, but part of quitting your job respectfully is making sure you actually want to quit at all. Before you turn in that two-weeks notice, make sure you really, really need a change of pace. Consider the pros and cons of leaving this role – if you don’t already have a new position lined up, will you have enough savings tucked away to ensure that you can continue to pay for bills and necessities until you get your first paycheck from a new role?

If you’re considering quitting because you’re unfulfilled, frustrated, or overwhelmed by your current position’s demands, consider talking about it with a supervisor or member of your HR/People Ops team.

Another factor to consider is the fact that, if you haven’t already signed on for a new position, leaving your job without one will create an employment gap in your resume. According to The Business Journals, resumes without employment gaps typically see a callback rate of over 11%, and those with gaps of one to two years still get called back about 10% of the time. Gaps that move into the three, four, or five year timespans and beyond see dropped callbacks considerably: 4.6%, 3.7%, and 3.1% respectively. Consider how much time it might take you to find a new position, especially if you work in a hyper-competitive field.

Plan Your Timing Carefully

Timing your departure can make a difference in how it’s perceived. If possible, avoid quitting in the middle of important projects or during busy periods when your team relies on you most. It’s often best to give at least two weeks’ notice—this gives your employer time to adjust and find a replacement or cover your responsibilities.

Leaving your old place of work high and dry when times are dire could sour opinions of coworkers and management. Depending on your field, this might reflect poorly on your performance. Or worse, it could lower your chances at using your old colleagues or bosses as a reference going forward.

No matter what, try to avoid the old ‘no call, no show.’ You’ll be burning multiple bridges, and doing so could come back to haunt you. Make sure you’re giving enough time for your position to be refilled. Two weeks is standard, but more time is better.

Speak To Your Manager Or HR First

Before sharing the news with colleagues, arrange a private meeting with your manager, or with relevant members of a Human Resources or People Ops team.  Being the first to know shows respect and helps control the narrative, allowing your manager to prepare for the transition. During the conversation, express appreciation for the opportunities you’ve had in the role, highlighting positive aspects of your experience and what you’ve learned.

Give Feedback

Legally, you’re not required to tell your employer while you’re saying goodbye, but it can be helpful for upper management to learn more about their own turnover rate. Have a conversation with a human manager. Some businesses will arrange an exit interview where they’ll ask you for details about your experiences with the company and why you’re leaving.

Make sure your feedback is constructive, and will help you maintain a positive relationship with your old place of work. Still, be honest – if you’re leaving because you’re frustrated with your pay, your working conditions, your management, or something that can (and should) be changed, let them know.

Even if they don’t schedule an interview and you have feedback to give, you can still get the ball rolling and touch base with a supervisor or HR professional yourself.

Keep The Resignation Letter Professional

A formal resignation letter is essential, even if your workplace is more casual. The letter should be clear, polite, and free of negativity. Mention your last working day, offer thanks, give a reason for the separation and briefly express your desire to assist with the transition. Keep it brief and direct, focusing on a positive farewell rather than detailed explanations.

Resignation Letter Example: “I am writing to formally announce my resignation from [Position] at [Old Company], effective two weeks from today. Upon leaving, I’ll be starting a new leg of my professional journey at [New Company], an opportunity I could have never had without the experiences I gained at [Old Company]. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a talented team and learned from invaluable experiences. I look forward to supporting the transition in any way I can during my final weeks here.”

Offer Help With The Transition

One of the best ways to leave on good terms is by offering support during your transition period. Whether training a successor, documenting processes, or completing open tasks, showing a willingness to help goes a long way. Your manager and colleagues will appreciate your efforts, and it will leave a positive impression.

Avoid Negative Comments

It can be tempting to air grievances when leaving a job, especially if you’re moving on due to frustrations. However, expressing dissatisfaction, whether to your manager or coworkers, risks tarnishing your professional reputation. Instead, keep your interactions focused on the positives—what you’ve learned, the friendships you’ve made, and the career growth you’ve experienced. This ensures you leave with professionalism and respect.

Stay Focused Until The End

Part of quitting your job respectfully involves not “phoning it in” or getting the professional equivalent of “senioritis” in your last weeks. Some might fall into the mindset of ‘what are they going to do, fire me?’ Not only could they still in fact fire you, but a sudden drop in performance will be noticed.

Even though you’re on your way out, maintaining productivity and enthusiasm will show your commitment to finishing strong. Give your best effort during the last few days, which will not only support your team but also set a positive tone for your departure. Future employers will view your continued dedication as a testament to your professionalism.

Thank Your Team

Before leaving, take the time to thank colleagues who have supported or inspired you. Send a group email or message expressing appreciation for the experience and wishing everyone success. This not only leaves a lasting positive impression but also shows that you value the relationships you built.

This is the time as well to get in any last bits of networking that you can. Connect with your colleagues on sites like LinkedIn and make sure you have contact information for key players who might make for strong references later. Don’t let this be a one-sided transaction, either – make sure your coworkers know where to find you when or if they’re ready to move on and begin the application process as well.

Building a professional network is valuable – extremely so. Networking helps fill a whopping 85% of open positions. Maintaining those connections could lead to future career opportunities or collaborations. LinkedIn is a great tool for staying connected, allowing you to endorse each other’s skills, share updates, and celebrate career achievements.

Moving Forward Gracefully

Quitting respectfully isn’t just about professionalism; it’s about setting the stage for the next phase of your career with confidence. Leaving on good terms shows that you value your career and relationships and that you’re capable of handling transitions with maturity. By quitting respectfully, you ensure that you’ll be remembered positively and keep doors open for future professional growth.