Quit Your Day Job: How To Resign Gracefully

So you're quitting your job. Have you also thought about what you need to do before you actually quit? There's a two weeks notice gap that you should take care of before you actually turn in your identification badge.

Aside from endorsing previous assignments or cleaning up your desk, you should also use this time to settle some unsorted things, tie up loose ends and iron out some kinks before you actually focus on your new job.

Remember these things in the last two weeks of your current job:

1. Make the transition as easy as possible for your manager and co-workers: It's what Life Hacker calls a "clean break." Even if you hated your company, you need to give them a smooth transition in order for management to get a replacement. Remember to be polite in your resignation and make sure you're leaving in good terms.

2. Finish up important projects: If you're the one leading a project or are involved in one, then it's customary to finish your tasks. However, don't drive yourself crazy during these last two weeks if you've got too much on your plate. Make sure you communicate to your boss exactly what you can and cannot do in the time left over.

3. Clean up your desk and computer: You shouldn't have personal files in your work computer but if you do, then make sure to clean that out and back up personal data before you lose access forever. You can ask your IT department the best way to turn your laptop in before you consider wiping the drive yourself.

4. Clean out your desk and talk to Human Resources: It's best not to haul everything in one day. Bring a few things each day so it doesn't look like you're lugging a huge package around. Someone from HR would want to talk to you before you leave to discuss some contractual obligations but if that doesn't happen, you can approach HR yourself.

5. Don't feel guilty about leaving: It's going to be a bittersweet feeling for you but on your last day, remember to not feel guilty. You can always keep in touch with your them. Just remember, your employer isn't your friend and the company is still going to move on without you. Then that's the time to focus on your new job or new venture.

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