Whatever the reason may be, the resignation process is one full of mixed emotions. You’re relieved as your current role wasn’t fulfilling, but nervous about the next move on the board. Or, you’re super excited about your next step, but sad to leave some great professional relationships behind.
Whether you are comfortable in your role, wanting a career break or ready for something new, the panda wants to be there at every stage of your career. Giving advice, and finding out about your career, is all part of the panda adventure! So, we wanted to offer you a paw and walk you through what is undoubtedly the part you want to get right – the resignation letter.
Today, we will focus on how to approach your resignation, with the aim of a career break in mind.
Rather than take you through a standard template, we will approach this a bit differently. The best way to start is before you’ve even opened the blank document; think it through!
Consider why you NEED to write this, not why you want to. Your security and happiness are incredibly important, so analyse the situation and if your current role is one you are completely ready to take a break from.
There are options to speak to your employers about your concerns, or what aspects of your role you feel don’t fulfil you how they should. The solution you were looking for might be available, and you just didn’t know.
However, your desire for a break might be completely independent from your career (you were happy, but wanted to travel or spend time with the family.) If you are still 100% sure of your choice, start your letter.
Include the personal and professional factors which led to your decision. Can the employer address this? Whether you could be swayed or not, always be honest with your current company. It could be that you really enjoy your career, but need a different life experience for your own personal reasons. Positive professionalism should be maintained, which brings us on to…
Let your company know what they did right! Allow them to establish the positives you are taking away from your time with them, so they understand your decision to take a break.
Make sure your letter is given within the time outlined by company policy guidelines, to ensure they can prepare. If the plans for your career break do not begin immediately after the notice period, can you help your employer with the transition?
Is the letter to be given to more than one party? Thank everyone individually if you know they will read it or the company as a whole if you are not sure. Set the tone, as the door might always be left open when your career break ends, and you’re ready to return.
A big NO is to let the letter fall into your employers hands through internal mail. Calm your quivering hands and approach them, offering them the kindness of a verbal resignation too. If everything is done in a professional manner, they will respect you no matter what the reason for your departure.
Hope we’ve helped!
As we said, we don’t want you to use these tips until your 100% sure of your decision. There are people to talk to before you begin your letter, so make the most of the advice around you. The transition will be a lot less painful, believe us!