Eyeing the exit door? Before you go, there are several ways to announce your departure.
A new study published by the Journal of Applied Psychology revealed that there are seven different methods of resigning, ranging from a polite conversation with plenty of notice to an impulsive screaming match. We look at the pros and cons of each method, so you can decide which is best for you.
Have a conversation with your boss
Pros: “When you go by the book, you score points for acting responsibly. You exit knowing that you are likely to get a positive reference should you need one,” says Roy Cohen, career counselor and the author of “The Wall Street Professional’s Survival Guide.” It’s also your best bet for receiving a counter offer.
Cons: If your boss is vengeful, informing him or her of your new position gives them an opportunity to call your new employer and sabotage your next gig, says Cohen.
Resign by the book, but succinctly
Pros: “Once you disclose that you have accepted an offer and will leave on a specified date, you add insult to injury by going into detail about how great your new job will be,” says Cohen.
Cons: If you have a strong relationship with your boss or colleagues, not providing a detailed explanation will seem odd.
Train peers generously with your time
Pros: “Showing that you care about the success of the organization by training another employee will leave a lasting impression,” says Dr. CK Bray, author of “Best Job Ever!”
Cons: Bray recommends that if you are still getting paid, take on the extra duty — with a caveat. “Clarify what project or tasks get taken off your plate to allow time for the training. This should not be ‘in addition to your job’ responsibility.”
Go directly to HR
Pros: “You avoid the disappointed look on your boss’ face,” says Chuck Garcia, a professor of organizational leadership at Mercy College and author of “A Climb to the Top.” It works best if you have a sour relationship with your boss.
Cons: This evasive approach is “unprofessional and cowardly,” Garcia says, adding that it could brand you as “opaque and uncommunicative” in future references.
Keep the boss in the loop
Pros: When you have a great relationship with your boss, sharing future plans — such as moving, attending grad school or starting a family — is often the right thing to do. “You risk damaging the relationship by not keeping her in the loop,” says Cohen.
Cons: If your position is critical to the company’s success, informing your boss that you may see yourself leaving — even if no plans have been set yet — may move you to the front of the line if the company faces layoffs. “You may find your neck on the block before you’re ready,” says Cohen.
Impulsively quit
Pros: “There are no benefits,” says Garcia, who notes that this behavior can influence how an employer feels about you after you’ve exited. “Impulsive behaviors can lead to serious consequences.”
Cons: “It is unprofessional and lacks courage,” says Garcia. It also doesn’t bode well for recommendations and weakens valuable connections.
Burn bridges
Pros: “It’s possible that social media evidence of an epic goodbye could play in your favor, as [you] could be seen as a sympathetic character who stood up for himself,” says John P. David, author of “How To Protect (or Destroy) Your Reputation Online.”
Cons: On the other hand, it “could be a source of lasting digital damage,” says David. “If a co-worker decides to post about it or captures a tirade on video, then a digital record could easily find its way to social media sites,” a major red flag for future gigs.