How do you quit a job?

(Putting this here because it’s not really journalism-specific. Please move if necessary)

I’m tuning in my notice very soon. Is there a protocol for quitting? Last time I quit a job I met with the boss with a resignation letter in hand. Is this necessary? What all has to be in the letter? Do I ask for a meeting at the start of the day? The end? Schedule a meeting in advance? What if he takes that day off? Do I send a separate copy to HR (it’s in a different state.)

This has been planned for over a year, and I even scheduled my “vacation” for the first week of college football so there would be someone else scheduled to work (no schedules to re-write.) Still, it will greatly inconvenience my co-workers and although I don’t give a shit about the boss, I do feel guilt over leaving them in a lurch. (Like everyone, we’re short staffed now and losing another tomorrow.) How do people get over that?

I’ve been at this place 10 years and this will completely blindside everyone, as I’m not only leaving the business but the country as well. Do I let my boss announce my departure, or tell people as I see them?

I don’t particularly care what the boss thinks, but what do I tell him as I resign? I recognize I owe them nothing, but this is a heart v. head thing. Should I mention where I am destined and what I will be doing?

I'm not joining a competitor or going over to the dark side or anything, but it's vast, vast change and when it comes out in the newsroom it'll become clear I started this process over a year ago. They'll know it's been my intention for some time to walk out of here and wonder why I didn't mention something before 14 days in advance. (Preparation included selling my house, which was completed a month ago.) When that comes up, how should I address that?

If it matters, I won't need this place for a reference again, but I don't want to burn the bridge.

 

Fuck you, fuck you, you're cool, etc.

 

There are two things you owe your place of work: an honest day's effort and two weeks' notice. Remember that while the business is run and owned by people, it's still a business and there is a certain amount of detachment required/expected.

Tell your boss at the beginning of your next shift. I wouldn't schedule a meeting in advance because in this business shit happens and suddenly they're too busy to meet with you — especially if there is any inkling about what's coming. They're going to be blindsided anyway.

Beyond that, you don't need to tell anyone anything. It's none of anyone's business but if there are some good friends, they're the only ones who need to know. A simple "After 10 years I feel it's time for a change and to do something different with my life" should suffice. That's all the people need to know.

I envy you beyond the telling. Congratulations and best of luck.

 

Be polite, but do it on your terms.

If you were getting canned, they'd certainly do it on theirs.

A short letter saying "I hereby resign the position of _________ effective _________." is all you need.

Meet with your direct supervisor and a convienent time, hand him or her the letter and tell them you'll be leaving.

Simple as that.

As for your co-workers, if your shop is any good they'll have a little thing for you on your way out, but I'd let anyone I considered a personal friend know before I told the boss.

 

Listen my friends, take my advice....
Pull down your pants, and slide on the ice

- Dr. Sidney Friedman

 

What country are you going to?

 

Depends on what terms you are leaving... always do with professionalism, but some places handle it better than others

 

Dude, good luck in Morocco.

 

I want to go to Chefchaouen.

 

Dear assholes,

If you had made this an enjoyable place to work, and compensated me fairly, I wouldn't be writing this letter. Fuck off and die, you bean-counting corporate sycophants.

One Love,
Doc

 

That's another option, yes.

 

Irie!