How do you quit a job?

[AllyandJack]

I'm working my first job out of law school. Really, my first job ever - aside from summer jobs.

In a nutshell, I hate it. The people are nuts. I'm miserable. I've been interviewing with this firm - closer to home, better environment. I had my second interview last night and it went really well. I'm hoping they offer me the job next week. If not, I have another lead that may pan out within the month.

I'm already starting with the guilt. I know I shouldn't because this guy tells us everyday how many resumes he gets from lawyers and that, while he enjoys having all of us here, we are all easily replaced.

I plan to simply tell them that it is not a pleasant working environment and I feel my quality of life has diminished. I want to tell them that, while I like them all as people, I am just not happy working here anymore and I feel that I should leave. I have no intention of telling them I have found another job. I just want to tell them that I'm not happy and I'm going to leave.

I have to give two weeks notice, but since next week really isn't a full week, I'm going to give next week and two weeks after that - assuming I get the job next week.

I just can't help but feel guilty. I'm getting really nervous about a possible confrontation if they don't automatically pay me my accrued vavation. I just want to leave quietly, on good terms and move on and be happier. I really do like them as people - despite the fact that they are lousy to work for and with. I'm getting focused on not hurting feelings and forgetting that I really have to do what's best for me, right?

Anyone ever go through something like this??

 

[CEDmom]

I left a job I hated in Manhattan several years ago. The job was stressful, I didn't like the people all that well and the commute was horrible. Luckily I was able to find another job much closer to home and everything worked out. I actually went back to the company I had been at before taking the job in Manhattan. It's true about the grass not always being greener.

Since this is your first job and you you asked for advice, I would leave out the part about it not being a pleasant work environment and your quality of life has diminish. You never want to burn any bridges. It's amazing our quickly someones bad opinion of you travels. I'd write a letter of resignation stating that you've learned a lot while working there but wish to pursue other opportunities. Schedule an appointment with your boss and hand him/her the letter. Good luck.

 

[DoeWDW]

I know it's hard but this is a BUSINESS. Employees are expected to come and go. You really don't have to "tell" them anything and I certainly wouldn't tell them they are lousy to work for. I don't think it's ever wise to burn bridges - you never know when you'll meet up with them again, especially if you're staying in the same field.

Can't you just tell them you've taken a job closer to home to cut down on your commute or to spend more time with your family? Make it look like you'd love to stay but this was just too good an opportunity to pass up. Thank them for all they've taught you and wish them well going forward.

A graceful exit is usually best.

 

[peg2001]

ITA. Don't burn any bridges! Keep everything on a professional level. Write a resignation letter stating simply that you will be leaving effective date XXX. If asked, say that you've received an offer that you just can't pass up.

People move from job to job a LOT these days. It is not at all unusual.

Best of luck and I hope you are offered the new job and find greener pastures!

Peggy

 

[TammiMcMan]

CEDmom, you took the words right out of my mouth. You never, never know when you might need to fall back on them for a recommendation or even a job. Set up some time with your current boss and submit your letter of resignation stating that you are pursuing a job closer to home that you feel will give you more opportunities. Some companies also set up an exit interview with the HR department, but even in those situations, I would stick to the positives that you experienced while working there. As they say, "it's a small, small world".

Best of luck on your new job.

 

[Lewski709]

Don't feel bad, it's life. As a manager, and a good one, I want my co-workers to be happy and successful. If leaving for a better opportunity is what it takes, so be it....good for you.

Just give your two weeks and be off. You don't have to say anything more than you have been presented a once in a lifetime opportunity that you can't pass up.

Good luck!!!! You will get that other job! IMO, when I have people in for a second interview.....they are a shoe in.

 

[MICKEY88]

I agree with all previous posters, keep it simple..avoid all negative comments, you never know when you will cross paths with these people again, or whether people from your current firm might be friends with people from the future firm..my experience with the world of law, has been that most attorneys in a given area know each other and associate with each other on one level or another..

 

[jfulcer]

I agree with every one of the comments posted already and wanted to add my own - 2 weeks is 2 weeks. Count out 10 business days and give them that day. Your new employer (hopefully) will want you to start ASAP and dragging the old job on longer won't accomplish anything. The generally accepted 2 weeks is so you have time to transition clients/customers/employees to you not being there.

They may even just give you 2 weeks pay and tell you don't come back. Some companies are weird that way with security concerns and all.

Good luck!

 

[sue1013]

My advice to you don't burn bridges. In your resignation letter simply state you have been offered another positon that you feel is a good opportunity and you have accepted it. No need to tell them you don't like their working environment or any other complaints. The reason I say don't burn bridges is if you are going to continue to work in the same field you will be surprised throughout your career how many times you will run into people you have worked with before. You may have to work with them again, why let the last impression of you be negative (which is how they will take your comments). Good Luck!

 

[AllyandJack]

Thank you all for the advice.....I think I will just tell them that I accepted an offer from a firm closer to home. I can't tell them which one since the partner at the new firm is friends with the partner here. He said he had me in to interview with some reservation because they attend church together, but has since gotten over it.

I don't think it will come as any surprise to them that I'm leaving. Three weeks ago, I nearly quit and told the partner why (since I was ready to walk right out the door, I was able to say exactly what I wanted). He convinced me to stay, but I had already started looking elsewhere and, I think, it's too late for me to form any kind of future here.

I've never quit a job before. I've always left because school started or my schedule changed from semester to semester. I try to keep in mind that these people would have no problem kicking me onto the streets if it would benefit them, so I shouldn't be guilty.

My friends have told me I should write a book about the craziness that goes on here at this firm. At one point, the partner called a meeting to discuss why everybody had to "go to the bathroom all at once." On this particular day, I left for the bathroom as another associate was coming back. We passed in the hallway. He looked for her, then me, found out where we were and called a meeting that lasted almost 45 minutes about why we had to go to the bathroom at the same time! I commute nearly two hours for that crap!

Then I have two associates here to treat me like their designated paralegal. I don't care if they've practiced longer, I am not their paralegal. I leave here in tears some days because it's so frustrating.

If there is ever a lousy job thread, let me know, I could tell some stories!

 

[tar heel]

Always leave on a positive note. Never burn bridges. You want to have a potential good reference at every job you ever have.

My only question is whether two weeks is really acceptable for a professional job. I've always tried to give a month. I think people at the new organizations generally respect that you need to complete projects, train someone new (although that person is seldom hired even in a month), etc.

 

[Micca]

I agree with all the good advice here. I wanted to add that a place that is always telling you how easily you can be replaced, is a lousy environment. It may be true, but they don't have to rub your nose in it. Good luck on the new job.

 

[Pebblszzz]

Lose the guilt, it's business.

Keep it business-like, avoid negativity and maintain your dignity.

I'm usually much more wordy, but I'm trying to learn (for the sake of my fellow DISer's) to state my opinion in fewer words.

(how'm I doing?)

Is "How'm" a word? LOL

 

[KathyFP]

Don't burn your bridges! Leave with a positive note and keep the negatives to yourself (and of course your friends)

 

[Disney Doll]

I usually just say "please accept this as my letter of resignation. My last day with the company will be _____. I appreciate the valuable experience I have gained working for this firm, and wish you success in future endeavors." If they delve in to why you are leaving, I would stick with the shorter commute line, or if the new firm practices a differnet type of law, then tell them you are interested in gaining varied experience. Don't give into the temptation to "vent"...you never know when you may encounter someone from that company again in your life.

Notice the phrase "valauble experience" is a multi-useful term. "Valuable experience" does not always necessarily mean positive, but even negative experience(ie-dealing with difficult co-workers, bosses, situations etc) is still valuable.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Don't burn your bridges! You may need them for a reference some day. I might tell them you have an opportunity more suited to your needs.

 

[swea_pea1]

Somebody once told me "Be careful of the toes you step on today because they may be connected to the a** you have to kiss tomorrow".

Keep it short, sweet, and leave on a good note. Somebody a couple jobs down the line just may call them for a reference and you wouldn't want to leave anything negative behind.

Good luck in your new job!

 

[Disneyland_emily]

>>Somebody once told me "Be careful of the toes you step on today because they may be connected to the a** you have to kiss tomorrow". <<


WAYYYY To funny and yet sadly soo true...

-em

 

[Tuffcookie]

I agree with everyone who said DON'T BURN YOUR BRIDGES!

You may have a new job and feel you don't need them but you never know about the future.

TC