The script for quitting your job
Sometimes quitting is a job difficult. We worry about the consequences for our career, the rebuttal from our manager or even just an awkward conversation. Lots of different thoughts can go through your mind: “what if they ask me to stay?”, “what if they offer me a position in a different department that I don’t want?“, “what if they guilt me into staying for another few months or promise me there will be changes, when I know in reality that nothing will change?“. And so on…
In order to deal with these types of issues, I’ve come up with a few stock phrases that have helped clients in the past - now, you can use them for yourself. I suggest learning these off and getting practice repeating them. When speaking to your manager, make sure you say them clearly and confidently. If the conversation goes in different directions, just bring it back to these answers and avoid offering additional new reasons. If you give someone an opening or an opportunity to question you, you might put yourself in a difficult situation and find yourself saying ‘yes’ to something out of pressure.
“If you are unsure of a course of action, do not attempt it. Your doubts and hesitations will infect your execution. Timidity is dangerous: Better to enter with boldness. Any mistakes you commit through audacity are easily corrected with more audacity. Everyone admires the bold; no one honors the timid.”
How to structure the conversation:
Thank them for taking time to speak with you, for helping you with your career and personal development
Tell them that you’ve come to a decision about moving on
Show them that’s been a difficult decision to arrive at - this shows that you still care about them etc.
Repeat the key points if they question you about anything. Don’t add new information as this opens up the conversation further.
Reassure them that you will facilitate a smooth transition for the person taking your place.
Thank them for all the opportunities they’ve given you.
To start off the conversation
Hi, could we have a quick chat today for 5 minutes, I've something important to discuss with you.
What if they say ‘no’ to that simple request?
I understand that you're very busy but this is really important to me, so I'd really appreciate if we could chat for just 5 minutes.
The conversation opener:
Thanks for taking the time to meet/chat to me - I know you’re very busy at the moment. The reason I want to talk to you is:
1. I realised recently that I'm ready to move on, so I’m handing in my notice today. But thank you so much for the opportunity to work here, I've learned so much from you and everyone else on the team and I'll do whatever I can to ensure a smooth transition for the next person.
If they ask you to stay:
2. I’ve realised that this role is having a bad effect on my health/work/life balance/personal relationships so I have to make some changes to my personal and professional life. It's been a very difficult decision to come to, but after weighing up all of the pros and cons, I think it's the best decision for me at this point in time.
3. I like to do my job as best as possible but I feel I can't do it as best as possible at the moment, and I know that's not good for either myself or the company, or our clients. That’s why I’ve come to this decision.
4. I know you're under pressure to find someone to replace me, and it's not ideal time, but I feel this is the most responsible decision to make considering the circumstances.
REPEAT: But thank you so much for the opportunity to work here, I've learned so much from you and everyone else on the team and I'll do whatever I can to ensure a smooth transition for the next person.
Finally, it’s really important to practice this yourself before being in the position of quitting your job.
