How do you tell your boss that you want to resign?

Philippines
January 29, 2013 6:33am CST
Many of us are employees and are working to put food on the table. Due to the competition, we can't choose our jobs and in the end we get jobs for the mean time just to earn some income. After a long time in a company, you feel that you are worth more than what they pay you for. You decide to find other opportunities. How do you tell your boss? How do you tell them to convince them that what you are doing is good for you?
6 people like this
28 responses
@Mavic123456 (21893)
• Thailand
29 Jan 13
I did not tell my boss that I am resigning until I am sure of the employment for transfer. I did not tell him I just passed the resignation letter which is irrevocable but complete with details on when it will take effect. I did not specify in my letter how dissatisfied, dismayed and disappointed I was. I thanked the company for the job and so on.. blah blah.... but I did not thank the people whom I think hurt me. regardless if they intentionally did it or just due to their mean and rude attitudes.
1 person likes this
@wittynet (4421)
• Philippines
29 Jan 13
Same here. I only wrote positive things about the company.
• Philippines
30 Jan 13
Yeah. I guess that's the way to do it. To resign in a company, you can only say good things and move on to your next work. Thanks for the advice guys. I know there are true reasons why you have decided to resign but keep it positive.
• China
30 Jan 13
Yes, I did the same when I left my last company.
1 person likes this
@julyteen (13252)
• Davao, Philippines
30 Jan 13
I frankly told my boss that after a month I will be going to resign. I happened to me last year, my boss asked me to stay. Many time he call me on his office to beg me to stay but I already decided to leave the company I'm working. I didn't told him that I will apply to another. I told him it's about family reason.
@julyteen (13252)
• Davao, Philippines
9 Feb 13
If you are doubt about yourself after you resigned, you cannot tell your boss regarding your resignation but if you are confident and now worries to find another job, you can easily tell them that you are about to leave the company
• Philippines
2 Feb 13
Yeah. It's hard telling that to your boss. Hopefully, I can learn how to tell them. I hope I can get advises from this discussion and from my parents.
• Philippines
10 Feb 13
I am not afraid to leave the company if it's already my final decision. It's just that telling it to your boss is hard considering that you promised to stay long in this company. I know he will understand.
@chiyosan (30183)
• Philippines
9 Mar 13
Unless you have a contract with them and you have to pay for a bond when you decide to leave then it is really simple, make a resignation letter and all for your boss for a moment or two then you both can talk and you can hand over the letter. Tell him you found a job that would offer you better opportunity and they ate going to give you more as well. With my previous jobs these are what I did, both had counter offers and they tried to increase what I am getting but it was just a decision that I had to leave. When they ask just tell them the American job yolsu found seemed better for your growth and for career advancement, no need to specify other reasons that could hurt your relationship with the current employer you may need them to vouch for you so don't burn your bridges. .
@chiyosan (30183)
• Philippines
15 Mar 13
Hi vincent, well you could have declared that in the company... but even so what you can say is that there are always better opportunities out there, and when you are in the company you realized that your goals does not meet what the company could offer. You would have loved to stay with them, but its just that you do not see that you could stay any longer when you were given such a chance elsewhere. I remember that my boss told me this too. But i was honest with him and told him that it really hurt me to leave the company because it was good to me, but i need to also care for myself and to grow and to earn more. This company can no longer be that to me and i know he is a man of good judgement and that if he can promise to give me what i think i deserve i will be happy to stay of course. and that opened his eyes too, he knew that the company is not capable of being the kind of company that i have envisioned it to be... Any logical employers and bosses would know and would not take it personally against you only wanting to move to improve, paid better, and to have more opportunities.
• Philippines
9 Mar 13
Yeah. But I know somebody even though they have a bond, the company still cut them because they weren't regularize. I also know someone who resigned from a bond because he realized he didn't like the job. But he wasn't sued and he paid no cash bond. Yeah. I listen to you man. The most good reasons to make is just say that there is better opportunity and growth. But it's hard to say you want to resign because in the interview before you got the job you said you were going to stay longer in the company. What can you do about it?
• Philippines
15 Mar 13
Thanks for commenting.
• United States
7 Mar 13
Just go to them and say it! There is no good way to break this type of news gently. All you can do is be as calm and polite as you can.
• United States
8 Mar 13
Yes. It is the only way.
• Philippines
8 Mar 13
Thanks for commenting.
• Philippines
7 Mar 13
Thanks for replying. Are you sure about this?
1 person likes this
@eagletrek2 (5499)
• Kingston, New York
15 Feb 13
Hi every company if they Are big has a protocall on Leaving the job.like a.2week Notce.if it a small compamy Like family run.i would give Them like a month notice.fastfood Resturants you have to becarefull with They want 2 week notice then When you give them the notice A lot of them will tell the person Not to.come in the next day. So before you leave a job.make Sure there money to come.in from other sorce.
• Philippines
17 Feb 13
Yeah. Sure. But to think of it, it is hard to make room for interviews when you are still in your present company. You should be timing your leaves well so that your boss will not suspect you that you are resigning.
• Philippines
8 Mar 13
Thanks for commenting.
@suni51 (3429)
• India
8 Mar 13
In most cases I never had to serve a notice because if I decided to quit I would forgo my months salary to join a new one. I would see to it that I am giving enough raise to do that. After all you change a job for satisfaction or money.
@wittynet (4421)
• Philippines
29 Jan 13
It was really easy for me, maybe because my supervisor doesn't like me. It was just like a normal conversation. I told him that I was planning to resign for I already applied for another company, and I was about to sign a job offer the following day.
• Philippines
30 Jan 13
Nice for you because some supervisors will ask why will you resign they need people and workforce in their team. Especially when you are a great asset to your team. Your supervisor will convince you to stay.
1 person likes this
@wittynet (4421)
• Philippines
1 Feb 13
I strongly believe I was one of the assets of the company. It's just that my supervisor doesn't really like me.
• Philippines
1 Feb 13
Yeah. Sometimes things happen that way. Bad for you. Maybe you don't like him either that's why you feel that he doesn't like you.
1 person likes this
@tash01 (2030)
• Jamaica
29 Jan 13
Most companies prefer at least 2 weeks notice when you want to resign. Also you'll probably want to prepare a resignation letter when you let the boss know. Are you simply Repeat after me "I quit.". But it's up you what you wanna do,But the best way to go is a resignation letter to let them know all the things you were going to say in the letter.Good luck
@tash01 (2030)
• Jamaica
12 Feb 13
what! a month,here in Jamaica two week.That's all they ask for,so that they can get someone to fill that space when your gone.
• Philippines
1 Feb 13
Two weeks is already pretty short considering some supervisors want a two month notice. hehehe
1 person likes this
• Philippines
13 Feb 13
Oh really. It's better there. Thanks for commenting.
@sk66rc (4250)
• United States
5 Feb 13
Last job I left, it was fairly easy for me... I just walked into my boss's office & said, " I quit!" & walked out... My other experiences were fairly close to that... I don't need to convince them anything... I know what I'm doing & that's all I need to know...
@sk66rc (4250)
• United States
11 Feb 13
I have 2 jobs now... I work as a translator for South Korean Embassy part time & full time job at a retail store... The way I left other jobs has never been an issue with getting other jobs for me... I like the jobs I have now... In fact, I've been moved around in positions a bit in embassy job... I make more in my part time job then I do in my full time job... I like the fact that its very flexible for me & I can pick up work pretty much whenever I want... I'm in a process of deciding if I want to keep my full time job or not... If I ever decide to leave my full time job, it won't be any different than how I left other jobs, just walk in & quit...
• Philippines
8 Feb 13
Really? That's not good at all. Leaving a bad impression will affect your applications in other companies. Do you have a job now? How has it been?
1 person likes this
• Philippines
13 Feb 13
Thanks for the advice. I do sometimes feel that part time jobs are better because it will give you free time for some other things. I think you must be happier if you would quit your full time job since you are already enjoying in your part time job. Since this will be more flexible to you.
@celticeagle (168126)
• Boise, Idaho
29 Jan 13
First you want to be sure you have another position and are sure about leaving your present position. Then you put it into words and write it all down in a resignation letter. Tell all you want to convey, edit and re-read and then send it. There ya have it!
@celticeagle (168126)
• Boise, Idaho
4 Feb 13
I either just told them or wrote a letter of resignation. Depended on the circumstances.
• Philippines
2 Feb 13
Thanks for sharing. How did you go about telling your boss that you want to resign?
1 person likes this
@Renhard (3471)
• Jamaica
29 Jan 13
From prior knowledge I have always thought when quitting a job you should do it formally via a letter. In the letter you can explain everything if you wish but never make it seem impolite because in the future you might need a recommendation or a statement from that company to help you get a job in another company. I understand what you mean thought when you say you stay in a company for many years and they basically underpay you. You are a loyal and faithful employee for so long and it doesn't make your life better financial so you just have to go find something better. I really hope you are able to find another job with a bigger reward.
@Renhard (3471)
• Jamaica
1 Feb 13
So are you thinking of quitting your job? Beware though if you are; ensure that the new job is better than your present and will stay better. It would be terrible if you quit your job and end up in a worse place.
• Philippines
1 Feb 13
Yeah. I know. That's why you need to insure yourself and get a fixed job first before you resign. I know how hard it is to find a job because I was fired once and it didn't feel good. I felt that you need to take care of your job at present.
• Philippines
30 Jan 13
Yeah. I guess many people feel that way. They have conscience and it is hard for them to resign from a company that has given them a lot. But they have underpaid you so it is right that you find other great opportunities. Of course, it is hard to make a resignation letter because you want to be honest but you can't say all truth. Say positive things about the company and you'll need their recommendation in your next job.
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
30 Jan 13
If one decides to leave a company, that person should have a ready fall back. Leaving a company to make yourself a more productive employee is reason enough to tell the management that you also needed to grow as a person. And that staying with them is hindering you from giving you more than you could. The salary no longer meets the quality of work that you provide them and that you feel you can give your best if your salary is worthy enough for all the sacrifices you make.
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
3 Feb 13
Well, just may your letter as subtle as possible with regards to the salary issue. Tell your boss that your present salary is no longer enough to meet your family's needs and that you would like to try some other jobs that might somehow help you with it.
• Philippines
3 Feb 13
Yeah. Thanks for sharing your insights.
• Philippines
2 Feb 13
Yeah. Nice reason there. But mentioning salary in the resignation letter or reason of resigning, is that a good idea?
@asliah (11137)
• Philippines
14 Mar 13
if i will resign to my work of course my boss will ask reasons why i want to resign and it should be valid,i think i will convince my boss with the use of all negative feedback or things happen in my work such as i can not work a task that is not suitable for me,especially if my life is in risk.
• Philippines
14 Mar 13
But would that be something that is negative? Should you put in a positive comment instead of a negative one?
@lifes97 (884)
• United Arab Emirates
14 Mar 13
if you are in good relation with him or her, then it depend on your feelings, you may be sad or happy, if he or she a bad person, you will run out of the office, you know htat is something you only can know how to resign and how to tell your boss that resign letter is ready for him or her.
• Philippines
14 Mar 13
Yeah. You should also check on his emotions and feelings so that you will know how to tell it to your boss. Nice valuable comment.
@Raine38 (12391)
• United States
29 Jan 13
I either submit a resignation letter or have a small talk with my boss first followed by a resignation letter. It's purely business, nothing personal so I'm sure he will understand that if something much better comes along, I'm sure that I wouldn't pass it up. Unless he made some counter offer for me to stay then I will seriously reconsider leaving the company. I never left a company with me and the boss in bad terms. It's always nice if we leave an organization without the fear that our former boss might give us a bad reference or something.
• Philippines
30 Jan 13
Yeah. Thanks for the advice. I know it's just business. You can't just do anything because someone has given you an offer so it's your decision where you are happy.
@ulan12rc (222)
• Qatar
29 Jan 13
I agree with you Ms Raine, it is the professional way to file resignation, need not to involve personal thoughts on this matter for it is always understood the business way. I'll do the same thing if ever my boss will give me proposition that sounds great, it is always the better option.
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
11 Feb 13
Well I am the only one who can decide for myself so if I find my job no longer worth of my capacity then I'd write a resignation letter to my Boss and tell to him exactly the reason. I need not lie at all. I will tell the true reason and surely if he is wise enough, he will understand. Unless he is willing to give adjustments, then nobody can stop me from going.
• Philippines
14 Feb 13
Thanks for commenting. How much time do you give notice before resigning?
@lampar (7584)
• United States
30 Jan 13
I will walk straight into his office and tell him in front of his face i am going to quit on certain date, i am here to give him the notice of resigning . If for some reason, he is never in his office and it is very difficult for me to meet him in person, then i will probably send him a resignation letter giving him the notice and reason behind me quitting the company if required, or i can just let the human resource department know about my decision to quit and get done with it quickly sooner instead of later. After all, i prefer to let my boss some time to find a replacement to my present position so that his business can move on as usual without any disruption due to my resignation. It is normal for mid level employee like us to quit after found a better opportunity elsewhere, we can't stay in a company forever getting pay with just a meager wage and no benefit at all, since we need to put food and take care of our family too, any place that pay a better wage and provide a better future should encourage us to move on to another company. Unless i am a manager or executive in the company, i probably will stay put for a long time in a company, if not, after a long time working for a company with no appreciation from the company and no promotion, i will quit immediately when a better opportunity come along, it is very natural and ethical thing to do for an employee. I don't have to convince them anything, i just tell him truthfully, someone pay me a much higher wage, and better benefit, it is time for me to quit, it is perfectly fine for you to do something good for yourself provided it doesn't cause any harm to your boss or the company.
• Philippines
2 Feb 13
Yeah. It's all about telling them the right way. You know they'll understand because they have experienced that. I really got something out of your post. Thanks so much.
@ardoy0731 (7308)
• Philippines
30 Jan 13
There are lots out there that are overwork yet underpaid, maybe I am one of them sometimes. Better tell it right away, submit resignation immediately once the person is already decided about it so the company will get replace and turn over will be done smooth. Just make sure that person already have a sure new job to work for before resigning.
• Philippines
2 Feb 13
Yeah. I know. Some people also are overpaid yet have few tasks only. hehehehe I pity those who are overwork and underpaid.
@suni51 (3429)
• India
8 Mar 13
I have told to quit half a dozen bosses in my long carrier and almost all fainted. Some of them were wiser who managed to dissuade me while others were dumb and lost me for ever. But I never worked more than 3 years if my demands were not met.
• Philippines
8 Mar 13
Oh. Thanks for sharing your job experience. How long would one person last in a job before deciding to resign? Because I think that it is somewhat embarrassing to resign from a job if you are just only in that company for a short period of time. I think for me more one year is enough, after a year in a company you should think of transferring if you are not satisfied with your present situation.
@lsjapdoit (651)
• Indonesia
30 Jan 13
Bosses know that people in the work force come and go. You can just tell your boss that you are going to work somewhere else and thank him for everything. He will understand :)
• Philippines
2 Feb 13
Hopefully he will understand. But which is better? telling him through a conversation or make a resignation letter?
• India
4 Feb 13
Tricky question.This depends on your boss.You need to formulate it in a way that he is not offended and should be more like due to circumstances, you are forced to do this.Explain him the real reason in a way that does not offend him nor degrade you.Tell him,you loved the work and opportunities.But then there is some financial things involved and also the raise you needed badly.Tell him if there was a day,you would come to the company back.Explain the real reason in a polite way.Thanks!
• Philippines
8 Feb 13
Yeah. That's the only way you can do it. Search for the perfect timing and say it in a polite way. The reason to formulate would be hard. You have to know and choose the right words to say and how to say it.