Insights

Resigning from your job can be a difficult decision, but it's one that nearly everyone has to make at some point. In this article, Warren Kemp, MD of Recruitment Matters International, goes through what you can expect after handing in your notice.

Announcing your resignation can be uncomfortable, but, handled well, both parties will be better off in the long run. When you quit, it's important to stay professional, graceful and tactful. Wherever possible, give adequate notice to your employer, write a formal resignation letter, and be prepared to move on as soon as you've submitted your resignation.

Feelings

You initially considered changing companies because your present position can no longer offer the growth potential to match your experience. It is true to say that your present company has helped you progress professionally and as a result, you may feel uncomfortable resigning. You will be leaving fellow managers and colleagues. You may even see some of them out of work as social friends. These people may have been instrumental in advancing your career. All or some of the above may make you feel uneasy, but there is no need to burn bridges.

What can I expect when I tender my resignation?

Your company will be sorry to lose you. You have contributed to their sales and profits. You are probably involved at the moment in a project within your workplace that requires your talents. Put yourself in your boss' position. What would you do?

The Counter Offer

It is natural to resist change and disruption. Your boss will be no exception. He will want to keep you and will attempt to do so with a counter offer. In his eyes, your acceptance of a new job is definitely a mistake.

Counter offers have many variations:

1. "This is confidential and I shouldn't really be telling you this, but we were looking at promoting you in the next six months."
   
2. "We will match your new offer and put it into effect next pay day. I had meant to review it anyway."
   
3. "Don't make a decision now, have a think about it and we'll sit down next week and discuss it."

Implications of the Counter Offer

Of course it is flattering that your company is concerned to hear that you are leaving, so your emotions can obscure the reasons behind your decision to leave. It is natural to be apprehensive about leaving and to let that one final nagging doubt about doing the right thing grow out of proportion the more your boss tries to convince you. Stop and ask yourself these questions:

1. I made my decision to leave because I felt the new position offered me the best environment to fulfil my career needs. If I stay, will the situation here really improve just because I said I was leaving?
2. If I stay, will my loyalty be suspect and affect my change for advancement once the dust has settled?
3. This rise makes me very expensive for the job position I'm in. How will that affect any future rises?
4. I got this counter offer because I resigned. Will I have to do that the next time I think I'm ready for a rise or promotion?

The Professional Attitude

The professional manager will make a career decision objectively. It will be free of the emotional pressures one is likely to feel when being urged to reconsider. Advice will be offered by well meaning friends, relatives and business associates. Depend primarily upon your own judgement because quite simply you are the only one who can fully understand the implications.



Remember: The counter offer is only a belated recognition of the contribution you have made to your company. If it had come unprompted, wouldn't that be a lot more flattering? Move ahead with the goal of making yourself as valuable to your new employer as you know you were to your old employer.