I am so excited to announce that I am starting a new chapter in my life. I found a great career opportunity; I couldn't say no!
From the initial contact with the company to the job offer, it has been two and a half months. What a long process. I am glad that it was a long process because I had time to think and reflect and consider all of my options. In doing so, I am confident that I made the right choice.
I find myself very excited and dreaming of all of my career possibilities and what I can do with my shiny new paycheck. Once I decided that I was taking the job and the offer went through, I knew it was time to quit my current job. I don't want people to think that what "they" say about millennials is right, so I won't tell you how I know, but I have learned a lot about how to gracefully quit your job.
Now the quitting: I am so nervous and my heart is pounding even though I know I am doing the right thing. I think I was getting nervous for two reasons. First, I knew that when I was interviewing and I was looking my boss in the eye that I was being honest. Although I am not going back on my word, I do have to face the fact that I feel that I am not completely delivering on the person I promised to be in my interview. Second, when I give my notice there is no turning back; I will have to live with this decision forever.
First thing I do is I pray and then call my mom for a confidence pep talk, like a real adult. After I am confident in myself, I call my boss. I would prefer to tell my boss to her face, but we work remotely as sales reps so, in my opinion, the phone is appropriate. I tell her that a great opportunity has presented itself to me and that I had the obligation to myself and my career to say yes. I thanked her for letting me join her team and told her that I wouldn't have gotten the opportunity with out this company. I also made it personal and truthfully told her that she is the hardest working boss that I have ever had and that it was inspirational. She thanked me for the kind words and congratulated me on my position. Then she asked me to send her an official letter of resignation including the date of my last day. I was ready for this. I already had the letter written and had it in my draft email box ready to go. I sent it right over.
To be graceful, and grateful, I emailed all the upper management who put any energy or effort in my career. There were a few bosses who have all of my respect so I wanted them to hear from me and not from HR or through gossip. I also want them to know that I am confident in my decision and that it is a business, not a personal, decision and that we can still have a professional relationship when I move on. It is a way for me to get it all out on the table and be as respectful as possible. I feel like it is a way to face an uncomfortable situation head on.
That's how I gracefully quit my job.
