It's very important to part ways with your boss when it's time to leave work. Some employers may ask for a letter of notification – usually, this request is written in the contract. In other situations, giving notice is just a courtesy – an act that gives the boss enough time to find a replacement. In either case, ending the relationship sensibly and respectfully is a choice for your own good.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Delivering a Notice to the Boss
Step 1. Review your contract/offer letter
Before leaving, try to re-read all contracts and/or offer letters that you signed when you were first hired. The contract or letter usually contains specific rules about what to do if you want to leave your job. Often, the rules are no more complex than a sentence like the following: "This work can be terminated by both parties, at any time, and for any reason." However, if your employer has set certain rules for your departure, you'll want to know that beforehand to make sure you're not violating the terms of your employment.
If you still don't have the document, don't panic. Your employer should have a copy – talk to the Human Resources department, supervisor, or similar person in charge of keeping records at your workplace to request the document
Step 2. Talk privately with your supervisor
Treat your supervisor with respect (even if you don't think he or she deserves it). Taking the time to speak privately with your supervisor will show your respect for him and your position as well. A face-to-face conversation is far more respectful than a notification sent via email (email l) or voicemail, so if you want a great recommendation from your boss, this is better.
Play your part. Not all jobs are dream jobs. Still, even if you hate it, you should at least pretend to enjoy your job when you deliver the notification. Don't succumb to the temptation to insult your supervisor or your job – the short-term gratification you get from shouting in your boss's face isn't worth the trouble you'll experience in the future trying to explain why you can't provide references for this position
Step 3. Explain why you left your current position
While technically you almost never have to explain why you're leaving, setting up one will make farewell talks with your boss (and later with coworkers) easier. There are a variety of reasons to leave: maybe you've found a position that's more suited to your life goals, maybe you've moved, or you've decided to quit your job due to illness. Only you will know the real reason.
If you're leaving because you're not happy with your job, it's a good idea to say "this position isn't right for me" to protect the feelings of your supervisor and coworkers, rather than being blunt. As much as possible, do not burn the connecting bridge with such words
Step 4. Ask your supervisor's expectations prior to your departure
Before leaving, you may be asked to complete a specific project, train a colleague to do your job or help find a replacement. Perform this task with respect and courtesy. Don't be afraid to take on assignments now that you know you're leaving – if you make the transition difficult for the boss, it could result in less than perfect references in the future.
Step 5. Also consider giving your notice in writing
For some positions where all communication is generally done via telephone or email, such as work from home, it may or may not be practical to meet the supervisor in person. In other positions, employers may request written notice in addition to verbal communication for their files. In these cases, write a formal and dignified resignation letter, then pass it on to your boss (or if you can't do it personally, send it by letter/e-mail).
In the letter, express your regret at leaving, explain why you left, and state that you would be willing to help find and/or train a replacement. Keep the tone of your letter short and formal – don't waste space with flowery and overly emotional parting words. You can express your deepest emotions with coworkers in private conversations and correspondence
Step 6. Notify your boss in advance of the time you plan to leave
If it's avoidable, never surprise your boss with the news that you're quitting. Besides being very rude, it is problematic for both your boss and the future of your work projects. On the one hand, your boss may be forced to go to great lengths to find a replacement for you – if he can't, he may have to reduce operations or even close the business temporarily. Even if you hate your boss, that would be unfair and unjust. Worse, it can negatively affect your co-workers (if they are forced to do the work you left).
- Also, if you surprise your boss with the news of your departure, you can practically be sure he or she will be reluctant to give you a good recommendation, which could hinder your future job search.
- Your employment contract may specify a minimum time for advance notice. If not, two weeks is the traditional amount of time you have to plan between delivering the notification and leaving the job.
- Note: It's a good idea to make sure that your boss is the first to know about your plans to leave. In other words, don't tell your coworkers before you tell your boss, even if they are close friends. At work, word spreads quickly – it's a shame when your boss comes to you to ask about your plans to leave, and not the other way around.
Step 7. Thank the supervisor
If the job is a pleasant experience, thank you will speak for itself. But if not, you have to "fake". Thanking your boss creates a good relationship with your future former supervisor.
- This point is appropriate to ask the employer to provide a positive letter of recommendation or serve as a reference for future work. However, realize that the boss is not obligated to do this task.
- When asking for letters of recommendation or references, be sure to make it clear that you're looking for a positive statement – otherwise an insincere boss could make less than good comments to your future employer. No recommendation is usually better than a negative recommendation.
Step 8. Get ready to leave right away
Understand that even if you give notice before your plans leave, your boss may be planning to fire you sooner, or even immediately. This isn't necessarily a sign of disapproval – maybe you don't have any more work to do, or maybe they want to avoid losing other employees' morale because of your presence. In any case, try to "pack up" before you make the announcement. Complete ongoing projects and organize your belongings ahead of time to avoid a chaotic and drawn-out departure.
If you are laid off early, check your contract – you may be entitled to severance pay for the time that would otherwise have been your term of service
Method 2 of 2: Delivering a Notice to the Landlady
Step 1. Check your rental agreement
In many places, you will have to give the landlord the same notice because there are days between rent payments. Check the lease agreement to make a notice – the document may also contain instructions and rules on how to notify you of your departure. Understand these rules before you submit a notification, as they may influence your decision. For example, if you are on a fixed term lease, moving in early may violate the terms of the lease, and thus you will be liable for subsequent rent, advertising costs, etc.
Step 2. Send written notice to your landlord
Unlike notification to superiors, notification to landlady usually requires some kind of written information. In the letter, you will need to include important information, such as the names of the people who vacated the property, the address of the property you are vacating, the address of your new property, and the date you plan to leave.
The tone of your letter should be serious and formal, with care for correct spelling and grammar
Step 3. Talk to or call your landlady to discuss the terms of leaving
If you can, it's a good idea to talk (or at least start an e-mail conversation) with the landlady so you can make the necessary arrangements to move. He may ask you to hand over the keys at a specific location on the last day. He or she may also want the house to be completely clean by a certain date, even if you're not asked to move until some other time. It's best if you don't guess this, so talk to the landlady as soon as possible.
Step 4. Assure the landlady that you will clean the property before leaving
When you contact the landlady, let them know that you will be able to transfer the property in pristine (if not perfect) condition. Returning the property in good, clean condition will increase your chances of receiving all or most of your security deposit back.
Step 5. Schedule a site inspection
Most landlords will require an interpersonal inspection (that you must attend) before returning the keys. This is beneficial for both parties. The landlady wants to make an honest assessment of the condition of the property so that she can get the money out of warranty for repairs, etc. On the other hand, you need to be there so the landlord can't make false statements about the condition of the property to cheat your security deposit. When you talk to the landlady, make sure you ask when she plans to inspect the property so you can arrange to assist.
Step 6. Make arrangements to collect your security deposit
Usually, when renting a property you pay a deposit upfront (traditionally one month's rent). When moving, the security deposit will be returned, minus the costs the landlord will need to repair the damage from your side, etc. Assuming you take good care of your property, you should get most, if not all, of the security deposit.
- Be honest with the landlady about the fact that you want the security deposit back after the move and after all repairs have been paid for. Don't leave this unsaid – although most landlords are honest people and plan to return your security deposit, if you happen to have a dishonest landlord, you should bring this up first.
- Don't let the landlady evade the question. You have to be persistent – don't get scared because awkward conversations let the landlady slip away with your hard-earned security deposit.
