How to quit a job tactfully?

[wgeo]

Looking for some advice here.

I am in a relatively new job - about 5 months, due to a cross-country move. The job is in the same field as previous jobs that I have held. It is in a small doctors office (5 employees and the doc). I need to quit. I have given this a lot of consideration and discussed it thoroughly with my husband, so the decision is made. My question is how do I do it? In the past, the only time I have ever quit a job is because we were moving.

I am leaving because, in my opinion, the dr does things that are unethical, both in the way that they treat patients and in the way they bill. Also, the dr fired the office manager before I got there, and is supposed to be filling that role themselves. Unfortunately the dr is very very bad at communication.

Ok, so I know I can't say all this to the dr, because I need to find a new job and I think that burning bridges can very easily hurt me as I search for a new job in the same field.

I am fine with giving notice, however this dr flies off the handle anytime there is any sort of conflict, so I imagine they will tell me to leave immediately. I am trying to avoid them being too upset, again so it doesn't hurt me down the road.

Any advice on how I should word things or go about quitting? Thanks!

 

[olwyngdh]

Just give your notice and if they push for a reason tell them that due to privacy issues, you would rather not discuss it.

 

[ronandannette]

Looking for some advice here.

I am in a relatively new job - about 5 months, due to a cross-country move. The job is in the same field as previous jobs that I have held. It is in a small doctors office (5 employees and the doc). I need to quit. I have given this a lot of consideration and discussed it thoroughly with my husband, so the decision is made. My question is how do I do it? In the past, the only time I have ever quit a job is because we were moving.

I am leaving because, in my opinion, the dr does things that are unethical, both in the way that they treat patients and in the way they bill. Also, the dr fired the office manager before I got there, and is supposed to be filling that role themselves. Unfortunately the dr is very very bad at communication.

Ok, so I know I can't say all this to the dr, because I need to find a new job and I think that burning bridges can very easily hurt me as I search for a new job in the same field.

I am fine with giving notice, however this dr flies off the handle anytime there is any sort of conflict, so I imagine they will tell me to leave immediately. I am trying to avoid them being too upset, again so it doesn't hurt me down the road.

Any advice on how I should word things or go about quitting? Thanks!

You don't need to give any reason at all unless you feel so strongly about the lack of ethics that you feel compelled to "give them a piece of your mind" (in which case I'd suggest you also consider reporting to some governing board if people's heath and safety are at risk). If not, simply say you're planning on pursuing other opportunities. If the guy gets mad, he gets mad. Personally in a situation like yours I would rather leave the place off my resume entirely than risk having it tarnish my professional reputation. If you never try to site them as a reference there's little chance they can "hurt" you.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Give your two week notice in writing with no reason listed. If someone insist you leave that day, then leave. However, if you really think some unethical things are going on, I wouldn't worry about burning bridges as I wouldn't want to list that office as a reference in the future.

 

[disnee4mee]

As stated above you can turn in your resignation, indicating that have appreciated the opportunity but that you have chosen to terminate your relationship. Any good employer will ask "why" since they want to know what has caused your decision, particularly in view of not having a new opportunity. They should be doing it because they want to improve their employee/employer relationships. Be prepared to give them an answer. You do not have to tell them why you are leaving, i.e. that you dislike their practices which you feel border on unethical. (you need to get out of that type of situation, by the way, since you also could be implicated if an outside source comes in. ) You have a perfect excuse: you have moved cross country and you need to have an opportunity to "get your house in order", assist your husband in his new pursuits, etc.

Good luck.

 

[crz4mm2]

You don't have to give a reason at all.
Just resign saying you appreciate the opportunity they gave you.

 

[Planogirl]

I always say something about leaving to pursue other opportunities and just leave it at that. I've never had anyone ask me about those opportunities.

 

[Distinkt]

I agree, thank them for the opportunity and give them a 2 week notice. If they ask you to leave, then do so.

Don't use them as a reference unless its unavoidable. I wouldn't worry too much about looking for a job in the same field. If the doctor is unethical or has sketchy billing practices, chances are his reputation in the medical field probably reflects that and other practices may not be surprised that you left his employ. We the networking that goes on nowadays, its hard to hide unethical practices.

 

[tvguy]

Just write a note that says "I respectfully am resigning my position effective ----------(date)"

I have to comment, or maybe ask, who gives or checks references these days? My last 2 employers, giving a reference was grounds for termination. My previous employer even went to far as to lock up letterhead and require people to sign it out to make sure nobody gave a reference on letterhead.

My current employer, only HR can speak regarding a former employer, and they can only confirm dates of employment, and salary. And they can not reveal the dates of employment and salary, they can only answer yes or no. So the person calling has to ask them specifically "did John Doe work for you from May 1875 to September 2013?". "Was John Doe making $35,000 a year that last year he worked for you?"

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I would submit your 2 weeks notice on the day where it would not be financial hardship to be terminated immediately. It means you may have to work two weeks longer. But it also means that should the doctor fly off the handle and tell you not to bother, that you are not caught off guard and lose the opportunity for one more paycheck you were counting on.

The last job my husband quit--new opportunity with a different company--he went to work on the last day expecting a full day. But the company has a checkout process when employees leave and they processed him in the morning. He only lost 4 hours, but since he was salary--he didn't lose the money. But it was a bit of an awkward feeling.

 

[wgeo]

Thanks everyone -

I have to admit that it didn't cross my mind to leave the job off my resume, I've just always listed everything. That sounds like a great solution, since we've only lived here 6 months it probably wouldn't be too obvious. I guess I wonder if it's a little unethical on my part not to mention it though?

At best, what the dr is doing is unethical and at worst it is insurance fraud, so obviously I need to leave. Some of it I think is provable, but other's would be "he said she said" and I don't want to open that can of worms.

I've always thought that employers couldn't give real references anymore, only confirm employment, but since this is such a small office, and since the dr has a temper and doesn't seem to care to much about the rules, it has me worried.

I'll give 2 week notice, and I'm sure I'll be asked to leave right away, which is fine - but I'm just wondering how to bite my tongue when asked why I'm leaving. Can I just say, "thank you for the opportunity, but it's just not the right fit or not working out?" How do I deflect if the dr asks additional questions?

Sorry for rambling - I think I'm nervous.

 

[Saimaeve]

Thanks everyone -

I have to admit that it didn't cross my mind to leave the job off my resume, I've just always listed everything. That sounds like a great solution, since we've only lived here 6 months it probably wouldn't be too obvious. I guess I wonder if it's a little unethical on my part not to mention it though?

At best, what the dr is doing is unethical and at worst it is insurance fraud, so obviously I need to leave. Some of it I think is provable, but other's would be "he said she said" and I don't want to open that can of worms.

I've always thought that employers couldn't give real references anymore, only confirm employment, but since this is such a small office, and since the dr has a temper and doesn't seem to care to much about the rules, it has me worried.

I'll give 2 week notice, and I'm sure I'll be asked to leave right away, which is fine - but I'm just wondering how to bite my tongue when asked why I'm leaving. Can I just say, "thank you for the opportunity, but it's just not the right fit or not working out?" How do I deflect if the dr asks additional questions?

Sorry for rambling - I think I'm nervous.

It's perfectly fine to leave jobs off your resume. Dont stress

If you are pressed, say that you do not feel you are a good fit for the office and leave it at that.

However, I do suggest you document, document, document. Keep copies of the letter you sent, and anything he says in response. Just to cover your "petunia"

If he continues to ask, just be very non accusatory, very unemotional. You do not have to answer. It's usually best not to say anything in the heat of the moment.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Thanks everyone -

I have to admit that it didn't cross my mind to leave the job off my resume, I've just always listed everything. That sounds like a great solution, since we've only lived here 6 months it probably wouldn't be too obvious. I guess I wonder if it's a little unethical on my part not to mention it though?

At best, what the dr is doing is unethical and at worst it is insurance fraud, so obviously I need to leave. Some of it I think is provable, but other's would be "he said she said" and I don't want to open that can of worms.

I've always thought that employers couldn't give real references anymore, only confirm employment, but since this is such a small office, and since the dr has a temper and doesn't seem to care to much about the rules, it has me worried.

I'll give 2 week notice, and I'm sure I'll be asked to leave right away, which is fine - but I'm just wondering how to bite my tongue when asked why I'm leaving. Can I just say, "thank you for the opportunity, but it's just not the right fit or not working out?" How do I deflect if the dr asks additional questions?
Sorry for rambling - I think I'm nervous.

The less information you give, the better. It might be hard if the doctor starts interrogating you, but you need to stay strong and stick to your guns. If he says, "Why are you leaving?" Simply say, "I'm leaving for personal reasons." If he asks for more information, say, "That's really all I have to say." Don't let him intimidate you. Discreetly gather your personal things before you give notice in case he does ask you to leave right away. You don't owe him a huge explanation. He's the one who's doing something wrong and losing employees because of it. Just leave with your head held high.

 

[OceanAnnie]

You have gotten some good advice. I just want to say good luck in actually handing in your notice.

I will say, hold your head up when you tell him thank you for the opportunity. You haven't done anything wrong. Your opinion and gut aren't wrong.

 

[Hrhpd]

Just write a note that says "I respectfully am resigning my position effective ----------(date)"

I have to comment, or maybe ask, who gives or checks references these days? My last 2 employers, giving a reference was grounds for termination. My previous employer even went to far as to lock up letterhead and require people to sign it out to make sure nobody gave a reference on letterhead.

My current employer, only HR can speak regarding a former employer, and they can only confirm dates of employment, and salary. And they can not reveal the dates of employment and salary, they can only answer yes or no. So the person calling has to ask them specifically "did John Doe work for you from May 1875 to September 2013?". "Was John Doe making $35,000 a year that last year he worked for you?"

Maybe I have you confused with somebody else, but I thought you have been with our employer for over 30 years.

Plenty of businesses still check references. Mine did 5 years ago.

While it is not a law that a company cannot give out negative information, most refrain from doing so to minimize chances of a lawsuit.

However, companies do know the game to get the information they want. There is one"yes or no" question that tells the hiring person everything they want to know.

"Is this employee eligible for re-hire."

As for the OP, I agree with others. Just give them your 2 weeks notice and refrain from any kind of explanation.

Here is an example from jobsearch.com

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am leaving my position with XYZ company on September 15.

Thank you for the opportunities you have provided me during my time with the company. If I can be of any assistance during this transition, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Your Signature (hard copy letter)

Your Typed Name

 

[Jeff in BigD]

If I could make a suggestion: I would start bringing home your personal belongings ASAP. Don't wait until your last day or two. If he gives into his temper like that, you may have to go around the office asking things like "Hey, has anyone seen that framed picture of my family at Disneyland that was sitting on my desk?"


As far as a reference - it's not uncommon for people to have more gaps in their employment history these days, so I wouldn't worry about leaving it off the resume. I would leave it off for at least a year, by that time his temper should have calmed down.

I was hired by a friend a while back, so I took that opportunity to have him check every single reference I had listed. After a year or so, you may want to ask a friend to call to back to verify the reference - his response will let you know if you should put it on your resume or not.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Thanks everyone -

I have to admit that it didn't cross my mind to leave the job off my resume, I've just always listed everything. That sounds like a great solution, since we've only lived here 6 months it probably wouldn't be too obvious. I guess I wonder if it's a little unethical on my part not to mention it though?

At best, what the dr is doing is unethical and at worst it is insurance fraud, so obviously I need to leave. Some of it I think is provable, but other's would be "he said she said" and I don't want to open that can of worms.

I've always thought that employers couldn't give real references anymore, only confirm employment, but since this is such a small office, and since the dr has a temper and doesn't seem to care to much about the rules, it has me worried.

I'll give 2 week notice, and I'm sure I'll be asked to leave right away, which is fine - but I'm just wondering how to bite my tongue when asked why I'm leaving. Can I just say, "thank you for the opportunity, but it's just not the right fit or not working out?" How do I deflect if the dr asks additional questions?

Sorry for rambling - I think I'm nervous.

Play the mom card. If questions arise why you are leaving and you feel you have to respond, say it is best for your family. It's not a fib because you feeling less stressed will feel better at home.

 

[Saimaeve]

Play the mom card. If questions arise why you are leaving and you feel you have to respond, say it is best for your family. It's not a fib because you feeling less stressed will feel better at home.

Mmmm, I don't agree with this one. Always keep it professional without going into details. Playing the Mom card? Just sets a bad example.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Mmmm, I don't agree with this one. Always keep it professional without going into details. Playing the Mom card? Just sets a bad example.

I've quit jobs before and just simply said this the move best for my family. She doesn't have to mention the children.

 

[shortbun]

I always say something about leaving to pursue other opportunities and just leave it at that. I've never had anyone ask me about those opportunities.

I agree with this. A vague reason, followed by a "thank you for giving me a chance to work here" with a gracious smile. If the doctor presses you for a reason, just say, "XXX(your husband) and I have discussed it and at this time, it works for our lifestyle." How's that for vague?