Monday, September 17, 2012

On resignations

From the Examiner:


There comes a point in almost every job when it is time to resign. The reasons vary, but usually can be lumped into one of a few broad categories: new job, unbearable working conditions, moving, and family/health circumstances. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind as you leave a company:

Notice
Traditionally, the mindset given by employers is that they want two-weeks of notice. Some employers will withhold benefits or PTO (Paid Time Off) payouts if a full two weeks notice is not given. In some states, payout is required regardless of length of notice.

Some companies will walk an employee out the door within moments of a given notice. Usually, these are companies that handle sensitive client data. Usually, the employee is given opportunity to gather all personal belongings - either at that time, or at a later agreed-upon time.

An employee needs to keep in mind how the company handles resignations when planning to hand in a notice. For example, if finances are tight, and that necessitates transitioning to a new job immediately after leaving a present employer, an employee will want to consider things like whether the current employer will immediately want to escort you out the door. It would be advantageous to give notice on the day you intend to discontinue work for the present employer as opposed to some time in the future. If PTO is paid out, it could seem like getting paid for two jobs at once, and that can certainly help a tight budget.

Burning Bridges
There are also circumstances when an employee needs to leave a job without two weeks of notice. Dangerous or hostile working conditions come to mind as an example. In this or a similar situation, it is important to remember not to burn bridges while leaving. One never knows when one will need those bridges anymore.

A common objection to avoiding bridge-burning might sound like this: "but I will NEVER work for Smith again!"

That's fine. However, Smith might get a job at a future employer of yours. Smith may or may not be in a position of subordination, leadership, or may simply be a peer in some capacity. It is not uncommon for a person like that to have been a supervisor in a previous position, and then be forced to take a job lower on the totem pole later because of inability to handle supervisory responsibilities. Be kind to people like Smith, who had to take a reduction in role: they are often outstanding workers at the lower level.

Alternately, that unbearable person might hold a position at a vendor or client in the future, and it would be inadvisable to sever those ties simply because "Smith" couldn't handle a supervisory position.

Work Ethic
Finally, if you turn in a notice, and still work for two weeks (or two months, or two hours, or whatever), make sure to give a full effort for your remaining time. Again, you may have opportunity to work with the same people in the future in one capacity or another, and leaving a positive taste in their mouth will be crucial.

Alternately, if there are coworkers whom you never plan to work with again, nothing shows more class than to demonstrate how you give 100% even in the "toughest" of situations.


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