Is there a proper way to quit a job?

[KevShmev]

Why is he quitting?  Maybe he didn't like his boss. Most bosses now days aren't face to face.  All they do is sit in their office and send emails all day.  An email notification could be right up his alley.

I doubt that was the case, as our boss is pretty easy to like.  He is a personable guy, does not micromanage at all, and pretty much leaves us alone to our jobs (and as long as you do it, he won't ever have a problem with ya).

It is also worth noting that our company had such a great 2021 that we all got Christmas bonuses, including the guy who just quit.

Incidentally, the guy that quit came in yesterday acting like a real clown and talking about how he had no reason to really work much.  He is a clown in general anyway, ya know, the kind of guy who needs an audience for his stupid and childish comments, but he took it to a new level yesterday.  When he got back from lunch, the boss pulled him aside and basically told him, "Let's make today your last day, and you can pack up your stuff and leave now."  The guy was almost begging to be told to leave, so I suppose he got wish.  From the chatter I heard in the office for the rest of the day, he will not be missed by many.

[ganpondorodf]

Honestly, some of these comments seem like old man "Back in my day" comments.

Who cares if it's over email?  It's not a matter of blood honor, it's leaving a job.  As long as it's in writing (and professionally written), and gives at least 2 weeks, I really don't see an issue.

Totally agree.

You know what your company thinks about the proper way to fire you? They'll do it the nastiest way they're allowed to, unless they really like you.

Guy obviously found something better - he doesn't owe anyone anything.

This, pretty much. I would say there's no universal 'right' way to go about it, a lot depends on the kind of company it is, what the relationships are like etc. I essentially rage quit my last job because I was being majorly exploited and then my boss tried to get me to break the law, so I just quit on the spot. I wasn't giving two weeks notice at that shit.

[Orbert]

Short answer: No.  There is no single "proper" way to quit a job.  It depends on the job itself, the people involved, and the circumstances.

Back when I was a short-order cook working hourly to pay for college, I walked out of two different jobs that were screwing me over.  Conditions sucked, I talked to them, nothing was done, and finally there was a "last straw" event and I walked out the door.  Bridges burned, don't give a fuck.

In my "professional" career working in my field, I give as much notice as possible, and keep up until the last day.  In other words, the opposite of burning bridges.  In both cases, there was a downturn in the company and good people were being let go.  I was still there, but the writing was on the wall; it sucked, everyone knew it.  I found a new job each time, set up a meeting with my boss, and told them face to face.  In each case, I asked them what should be in my letter of resignation, and they told me.  Both were jobs I liked, and if things changed and I could go back, I would.

I keep in mind that if the circumstances were reversed, it's the same thing.  I might get some heads-up that my job was being eliminated, but I might get escorted out and they send me my personal stuff in a box later.  There's no single way that it goes down.  It's always different.

[Stadler]

I mean this kindly, and I'm not responding to any one person or any one post here, but just as a short of existential idea to help others...

I don't believe in the idea of "owing" someone in this context (obviously that doesn't apply to favors or money, etc.), or the notion of "deserve"?  What do any of us "deserve", and who decides that?  Certainly not me.   So I figure given that, I really only have to be able to sleep at night; for me, I can't live with myself if I shit where I eat in this context.  I remember a boss (and a friend) told me once back on an early performance review that I should cultivate relationships BEFORE they are important, BEFORE I need them.  They are more meaningful that way.   

And I think back, easily half of the jobs I've gotten in my career have SOMETHING to do with the people I worked with on previous jobs.  When I was laid off, I was getting desperate, and I sent an application to a job at GE (a company I had worked for previously) in Erie, while I lived in Philly.  I went through the interview and got the job, and it was almost easy.   Like my second day there, the HR person said something to the effect, "we basically hired you because of your reputation in this company." and as we talked, it came out that someone on the hiring team knew someone I worked with on the previous stint (someone who had been a General Manager then but was now a Vice President, rarified air at GE).   I didn't cite them as a reference, but they were asked nonetheless, said good words about me, and bam.

To each their own, but industries are small, people talk, and I'm not taking any chances on what I might, in the moment of emotion, feel I "deserve" or "owe".  I have to sleep at night with MY behavior, no one elses.

[millahh]

I just want to state that we already know the proper way to quit a job:

“I worked in high school at a mismanaged grocery chain that is now out of business. I was a cashier but they had a 16-year-old girl working behind the fish counter (which was illegal) and who was not being paid properly for the work she was doing (because she wasn’t supposed to be doing it!).

On Sunday, the beginning of the pay period, she clocked in, wrote ‘I QUIT’ in cod, haddock, and tilapia fillets in the seafood counter, and clocked out. She framed a photo of her masterwork and her last paycheck for $2 and hung it in her bedroom.”

https://www.askamanager.org/2017/10/resigning-via-cod-a-glorious-out-of-office-message-and-other-quitting-stories.html

[wolfking]

Great post Bill.

[KevShmev]

Yep, some great points there, Bill. 

And a lot of other good points in this thread as well. Like I said, my initial impression was that it was a punk move, but some do not agree and made some good points.  Great food for thought in this thread. 

[TAC]

Damn, I've worked for the same company since I got out of college..

[XJDenton]

As someone who struggles with in-person conversation for the most part, I would bear no ill-wll to anyone choosing to resign by email. Maybe writing allows them the time to formulate their thoughts in way a conversation wouldn't. Maybe they are going through shit at home or in their personal life and just don't have the energy for anything else, or dealing with people at the moment. Plenty of justifiable reasons for someone to choose an email.

[TempusVox]

Honestly, some of these comments seem like old man "Back in my day" comments.

Who cares if it's over email?  It's not a matter of blood honor, it's leaving a job.  As long as it's in writing (and professionally written), and gives at least 2 weeks, I really don't see an issue.

This.. .here in the US, most states are " Employment Will" states, meaning that you can be terminated for any, or no reason. Conversely you can quit for any or no reason without any obligation to the company whatsoever. However, the general rule of thumb from a professional etiquette point of view is to give your employer a two week notice so that they aren't at least flat footed when you walk out the door. It gives them time to offload your responsibilities to someone else while they look for your replacement. Some companies may dangle a bonus or some other benefit you wouldn't otherwise be entitled to by asking you to stay for a month or so, but you are under no legal obligation to do so.

But to Hefs point it's probably much more common nowadays to write your resignation to your boss in an email. Doing that isn't likely to follow your reputation to another employer. You're leaving. Your employer doesn't care if it's in an email, or on fine stationary.

In some other countries leaving, or being terminated is a much more complex process. For example in France I think you have to give a 3 month notice either way. Or maybe it's 4 unless they buy out your remaining time
.

[wolfking]

Damn, I've worked for the same company since I got out of college..

That's damn impressive.

[El Barto]

We've all overlooked the grand champion of quitting with style. The male stewardess who announced over the PA that he was out of there, grabbed some bottles from the cart, and bailed down the slide of the emergency exit. I'm not sure that can ever be outdone.

[Elite]

This is the only proper way to quit a job:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A4UGtM4hDQ

Well, I think walking into your job accompanied by a marching band, like in this video, is quite awesome as well

[YtseJam]

When you don't physically work with your supervisor, then emailing your letter of resignation along with a "I am free to discuss at your convenience" clause is perfectly acceptable. it's a different dynamic from the past with all of the teleworking happening these days. I left my job after 17 years, gave my resignation in person and emailed it, taking the high road. They were still pissed so who knows but try to never burn your bridges is all.

[Cool Chris]

In some other countries leaving, or being terminated is a much more complex process. For example in France I think you have to give a 3 month notice either way. Or maybe it's 4 unless they buy out your remaining time

Nice to hear from you here, as always. But what the heck!

"Your work here is atrocious, your productivity is insufferable, your customer service is insulting. You are hereby fired... in 3-4 months!"

-or-

"Thank you for the considerate job offer, I would love to accept the position with your company. I will give my current employer notice, and be able to start here in, say...3-4 months?

[El Barto]

In some other countries leaving, or being terminated is a much more complex process. For example in France I think you have to give a 3 month notice either way. Or maybe it's 4 unless they buy out your remaining time

Nice to hear from you here, as always. But what the heck!

"Your work here is atrocious, your productivity is insufferable, your customer service is insulting. You are hereby fired... in 3-4 months!"

-or-

"Thank you for the considerate job offer, I would love to accept the position with your company. I will give my current employer notice, and be able to start here in, say...3-4 months?

If you're industrious you could just make your living getting fired in such despicable ways that companies keep buying out your severance time. 

[Stadler]

As someone who struggles with in-person conversation for the most part, I would bear no ill-wll to anyone choosing to resign by email. Maybe writing allows them the time to formulate their thoughts in way a conversation wouldn't. Maybe they are going through shit at home or in their personal life and just don't have the energy for anything else, or dealing with people at the moment. Plenty of justifiable reasons for someone to choose an email.

As I said above, "if you can sleep at night".   I do know this, and I recognize this is going to come off as insensitive, though it's more accurate to call it "pragmatic", but it's impossible for a company of 5,000, or 50,000, or whatever, to have 5,000 or 50,000 standards for these kinds of things.   When you get to the point that everyone has a "story", then NO ONE has a story. 

As some of you know, I went (and to an extent am still going through) some shit.   Problems with my stepson, problems with my parents, etc., and yet I had a major effort due literally on Christmas Eve.  I delivered.  A year from now, no one in the work environment cares whether my stepson is comfortable in his old school, or whether my dad is getting his brand synthroid or the generic.   They aren't paying me for that; they are paying me to deliver on the projects I have with them.   I know for me, when I got laid off, there were other things in play, but in hindsight, none of them are still on the table, and the parties in question aren't, largely, aware of them at this point. 

[wolfking]

When you get to the point that everyone has a "story", then NO ONE has a story. 

This is an incredible and mindblowing statement.  So true.

[ReaPsTA]

Best way to quit your job: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ-Sy11mvZU

When you get to the point that everyone has a "story", then NO ONE has a story. 

This is an incredible and mindblowing statement.  So true.

......Yes..... Quite a thinker......

[TAC]

I kind of disagreed with that statement in the other thread.

[ReaPsTA]

I kind of disagreed with that statement in the other thread.

The problem though is he's right and I'm seeing it in both my workplace and real life.

At work, everyone has a story, so giving out clearer expectations gets harder and harder. But people still need work to be done, so you feel more of the passive aggression. It reduces everyone to a gray mass of half-adults who need to be kicked along to do anything.

And in real life, because everyone has some backstory they still need to reckon with, you don't see anyone pursuing broader, long term goals. I know a couple people who own or are working to own businesses, and it's not a coincidence they're among the least neurotic people I know. Some people really do have huge problems that bog them down. Most people have a bit more of a choice and are deciding to have a story rather than go out and write a new one.

[TAC]

Then maybe I'm misunderstanding the point. Everyone has a backstory. Everyone has issues. And just because everyone has some sort of issue, it in no way diminishes any one person's..issues.

At work, everyone has a story, so giving out clearer expectations gets harder and harder. But people still need work to be done, so you feel more of the passive aggression. It reduces everyone to a gray mass of half-adults who need to be kicked along to do anything.

But why though? You set the expectation and grade accordingly. Their "story" shouldn't matter, and if you let it, then that's on you. It's one thing to be somewhat accommodating and understanding as a boss, but if you let it tip the scales, then you're the one that's underperforming.

[wolfking]

I kind of disagreed with that statement in the other thread.

Which thread mate?

[KevShmev]

I kind of disagreed with that statement in the other thread.

Which thread mate?

He is disagreeing with an asinine statement some poster named TAC made about Power Windows supposedly not being awesome.  I think all sensible people disagreed with it.

[King Postwhore]

My ears were burning.   TAC about to say something so wrong.

[wolfking]

I kind of disagreed with that statement in the other thread.

Which thread mate?

He is disagreeing with an asinine statement some poster named TAC made about Power Windows supposedly not being awesome.  I think all sensible people disagreed with it.

The spidy sense is fucking legit!

[TAC]

I kind of disagreed with that statement in the other thread.

Which thread mate?

The Exasperating thread.

I kind of disagreed with that statement in the other thread.

Which thread mate?

He is disagreeing with an asinine statement some poster named TAC made about Power Windows supposedly not being awesome.  I think all sensible people disagreed with it.

But that's HIS story!

[wolfking]

Then maybe I'm misunderstanding the point. Everyone has a backstory. Everyone has issues. And just because everyone has some sort of issue, it in no way diminishes any one person's..issues.

At work, everyone has a story, so giving out clearer expectations gets harder and harder. But people still need work to be done, so you feel more of the passive aggression. It reduces everyone to a gray mass of half-adults who need to be kicked along to do anything.

But why though? You set the expectation and grade accordingly. Their "story" shouldn't matter, and if you let it, then that's on you. It's one thing to be somewhat accommodating and understanding as a boss, but if you let it tip the scales, then you're the one that's underperforming.

This I will agree with.  I've let staff members stories and personal situations affect my involvement with them and paid the price.  Not worth it and I've learned the hard way.

[Cool Chris]

Most people.... are deciding to have a story rather than go out and write a new one.

Love it.

[XJDenton]

Threads like this make me glad I work in Sweden and not the US.

[ReaPsTA]

Threads like this make me glad I work in Sweden and not the US.

US work culture is a disaster.

At least in the past you could argue that the way we pulverized peoples' souls made us successful. Now it's just a competition for everyone to be as unaccountable for producing as little as possible.

[Nekov]

In some other countries leaving, or being terminated is a much more complex process. For example in France I think you have to give a 3 month notice either way. Or maybe it's 4 unless they buy out your remaining time

Nice to hear from you here, as always. But what the heck!

"Your work here is atrocious, your productivity is insufferable, your customer service is insulting. You are hereby fired... in 3-4 months!"

-or-

"Thank you for the considerate job offer, I would love to accept the position with your company. I will give my current employer notice, and be able to start here in, say...3-4 months?

I don't think that is how it works.. We have a similar thing here in Argentina, but it's only a 2 weeks notice. The employer only has to pay those 2 weeks if the employee is being fired without a justifiable reason. If he/she has been working like shit for some time and you as an employer have taken measures and given the person the opportunity to improve and they still do a shit work then you can fire them and pay them nothing. I would think that's the case in France.

[XJDenton]

In some other countries leaving, or being terminated is a much more complex process. For example in France I think you have to give a 3 month notice either way. Or maybe it's 4 unless they buy out your remaining time

Nice to hear from you here, as always. But what the heck!

"Your work here is atrocious, your productivity is insufferable, your customer service is insulting. You are hereby fired... in 3-4 months!"

-or-

"Thank you for the considerate job offer, I would love to accept the position with your company. I will give my current employer notice, and be able to start here in, say...3-4 months?

I don't think that is how it works.. We have a similar thing here in Argentina, but it's only a 2 weeks notice. The employer only has to pay those 2 weeks if the employee is being fired without a justifiable reason. If he/she has been working like shit for some time and you as an employer have taken measures and given the person the opportunity to improve and they still do a shit work then you can fire them and pay them nothing. I would think that's the case in France.

The law gives between 1-2 months of statutory notice unless there are circumstances such as gross misconduct:

2. French employment law notice period
Almost every employee that’s to be dismissed is entitled to a notice period in France. The only instances where this is not the case are if the employee is dismissed for reasons of gross misconduct, negligence or incapacity.

During this period, the employee may continue to work for the company and receive the same compensation until the conclusion of the work relationship. The length of this period is contingent upon the employee’s seniority status:

One month’s notice for six to 24 months of employment
Two months’ notice for 24-plus months of employment
Depends on company practice or collective agreement for more than six months
The notice period starts after the letter of dismissal has been received.

That said, if an employee wishes to, they may request to be released from work during the period—though an employer isn’t required to acquiesce. If the employer does comply, the two parties will agree upon an end date, after which the employer is freed from paying wages or compensation.

https://www.safeguardglobal.com/resources/blog/terminating-an-employee-in-france#:~:text=French%20employment%20law%20notice%20period&text=The%20length%20of%20this%20period,for%20more%20than%20six%20months

If there are instances of more than 2 months notice being required, I would guess its probably public sector positions that are subject to more powerful collective bargaining agreements. Because France fortunately has strong unions still.

[Podaar]

Damn, I've worked for the same company since I got out of college..

I was kind of thinking in the same vein. I've had two jobs in the past 42 years. I left the first one after 28 by giving 2 month notice.

[Stadler]

Then maybe I'm misunderstanding the point. Everyone has a backstory. Everyone has issues. And just because everyone has some sort of issue, it in no way diminishes any one person's..issues.

At work, everyone has a story, so giving out clearer expectations gets harder and harder. But people still need work to be done, so you feel more of the passive aggression. It reduces everyone to a gray mass of half-adults who need to be kicked along to do anything.

But why though? You set the expectation and grade accordingly. Their "story" shouldn't matter, and if you let it, then that's on you. It's one thing to be somewhat accommodating and understanding as a boss, but if you let it tip the scales, then you're the one that's underperforming.

I say this respectfully, to a friend, but I don't understand your position.  I KNOW everyone has a story.  And we SHOULDN'T account for that in our assessment.  We agree on that.  That's what I'm saying in the other thread, and what you seem to be saying here.  But in the other thread (and I will say the same here) it's increasingly apparent that the stories DO matter, and they are INTENDED to influence the scales. They're not offered just for shits and giggles, they are offered as currency in whatever negotiation is happening.  In this thread, it's all the reasons why an in-person resignation doesn't work for them, or why they are entitled to a less-than-two-week notice period. 

Look on LinkedIn, which is fast turning into a social media cesspool.   Post after post of sob stories, and excuses why the results aren't what they should or could be.   

I, and many like me, work hard at delivering my goals and objectives, full stop.  Whether I'm lucky enough to have parents that hike the Serengeti, or I have parents that need placement in assisted living and are dealing with COVID, I have to deliver.   The California Court system, Amtrak, the MTA, they don't give a RAT'S ASS about my parents.  And they CAN'T, because every one of their employees and every employee of every one of their suppliers has either parents, with a story, or their own reasons why their performance needs to be qualified or celebrated (by the way, that's a new thing: on LinkedIn, now, instead of just "Liking" a story, you can "Celebrate" a story.  "Stadler CELEBRATES this".  Are you fucking kidding me?)  This is what I mean when I say that if everyone has a story, NO ONE DOES.   These parties can't given an exception to any one person, because it becomes materially unfair.  "Well, you gave Stadler a pass because his other-wise healthy parents are now in assisted living battling largely a-symptomatic COVID; well my parents are in assisted living memory care, one has cancer and the other is on a respirator.  Where's my pass?"   See?  It becomes a contest. 

Look, this isn't as cold as it sounds; I have deep compassion for those that are going through trials and tribulations, and I understand that at times it can be overwhelming.  But life is, if nothing else, a series of choices we go through to get to the end.  And this is just part of that.   You don't want to resign in person? So be it.  You don't want to give two weeks notice?  So be it.  That's your choice.   If it comes back to bite you, own it.   I walked out after being let go, and I was, to read the room here, in the right.  It HAS hurt me moving forward.  I have five years of work experience that I have to work hard to overcome that when pitching my employment history.  I have even lost a few friends because of that experience.   I own it.  It's on me, no one else.