Before quitting a job

[+ friendofsheila]

What are the sorts of things a person should do at a job before quitting?

 

I heard once that we should use up our sick time, since companies must pay us our vacation time after we leave, but don't have to give us our sick time.

 

Anything else?

[maxwellissmart]

What are the sorts of things a person should do at a job before quitting?

 

I heard once that we should use up our sick time, since companies must pay us our vacation time after we leave, but don't have to give us our sick time.

 

Anything else?

 

Burn bridges, that sort of thing.

[Racketjock]

Presuming you are not retiring, have your resume updated, obtain copies of past performance reviews, obtain letters of recommendation, research the specifics on any company sponsored retirement plan (ie. time limit for rollover, etc.), understand the timing of your healthcare coverage related to premium payments as well as initiation of COBRA, download any personal related files to an external drive to store at home, create a seperate list of all important contacts and associates, list out any corporate/ vendor reward programs and account numbers to make change of address info easily, and plan for financial stability until your new job and healthcare coverage starts. Having been in the same job for over 20 years, I haven't had use of the above, by in managing people, I have seen all of these not taken care of and beared the brunt of the aftermath of former employees wanting and and all of this.

[Lookin]

Horse trade.

 

Companies usually feel pinched when losing a good employee unexpectedly. They'll have to find your replacement and bring him up to speed, maybe scramble to complete a project you're working on, document what you've been doing so they don't miss anything important, and so on. Think about what headaches they'll have as a result of your leaving and offer to make them go away. For a price.

 

Offer to stay on after your two-week notice as a short term consultant at 50% more than your current salary. You're in the driver's seat, so figure out what they want and what you want, and cut a deal. You don't need to be usurious, but you might as well take a little extra cash with you on the way out.

 

If they're nothing but a bunch of cheapskates, then just grab a nice letter of recommendation and as many paper clips as you can carry. You can never have too many paper clips. http://www.maleescortreview.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif

 

 

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Arts/Arts_/Pictures/2009/5/5/1241536958048/Piles-of-paperwork-002.jpg

[orbital sander]

Raid the paper clip & rubber band cabinet

Raid the boss's liquor cabinet

Pee in the water cooler

 

Actually, make sure that if you signed anything contracts or conditions of employment you review what your post employment restrictions are. Some employers have new hires sign non-compete clauses, make sure you did not. Also make sure that you did not agree to confidentiality rules that restrict you from taking any client or business contact information (if you intend to do that). Make sure that you get all your ducks in a row prior to giving notice, some companies will send you off property immediately if they perceive your departure is a threat to the company.

[+ Lucky]

I would at least let the other bus boy know he isn't getting Saturday night off.

[rvwnsd]

What are the sorts of things a person should do at a job before quitting?

 

I heard once that we should use up our sick time, since companies must pay us our vacation time after we leave, but don't have to give us our sick time.

 

Anything else?

 

Definitely call in sick seven of the last ten working days you are at the company and leave early the other three. It is best to make sure one of the days you call in sick is when you have the meeting with your boss's boss about how unfairly your were treated while working there. It also helps if you take more than your earned vacation before resigning, forcing your soon-to-be former employer to send you a bill for the unearned time.

 

But seriously...professionals ensure loose ends are tied and critical projects are seamlessly transitioned to other people. One never knows when one will need a reference that is more extensive than name, rank, and serial number. Not to mention karma is a bigger bitch than all the Kardashians combined.

[OneFinger]

Presuming you are not retiring, have your resume updated, obtain copies of past performance reviews, obtain letters of recommendation, research the specifics on any company sponsored retirement plan (ie. time limit for rollover, etc.), understand the timing of your healthcare coverage related to premium payments as well as initiation of COBRA, download any personal related files to an external drive to store at home, create a seperate list of all important contacts and associates, list out any corporate/ vendor reward programs and account numbers to make change of address info easily, and plan for financial stability until your new job and healthcare coverage starts. Having been in the same job for over 20 years, I haven't had use of the above, by in managing people, I have seen all of these not taken care of and beared the brunt of the aftermath of former employees wanting and and all of this.

Excellent suggestions!!

[jjkrkwood]

WHO in their right mind would QUIT a job these days ????/

[maxwellissmart]

I would at least let the other bus boy know he isn't getting Saturday night off.

 

HA!

[+ overeasy]

Have your next job lined up.....

[seeker630]

Definitely call in sick seven of the last ten working days you are at the company and leave early the other three. It is best to make sure one of the days you call in sick is when you have the meeting with your boss's boss about how unfairly your were treated while working there. It also helps if you take more than your earned vacation before resigning, forcing your soon-to-be former employer to send you a bill for the unearned time.

 

But seriously...professionals ensure loose ends are tied and critical projects are seamlessly transitioned to other people. One never knows when one will need a reference that is more extensive than name, rank, and serial number. Not to mention karma is a bigger bitch than all the Kardashians combined.

 

Lots of good advice has been given, but I think this is also worth highlighting. My job was eliminared at the end of 2010 due to budget constraints. I have copies of my last performance reviews and they include statements from my managers stressing how professional I was in those final months, wrapping things up and transitioning duties to others, and generally being very helpful rather than disgruntled.

 

I downloaded copies of all my performance plans & reviews, and they''ve proven invaluable in being able to recall specific projects and responsibilities for interview questions as well as being able to say,'"this is what my colleagues and stakeholders saw as my greatest strengths."

[rvwnsd]

Lots of good advice has been given, but I think this is also worth highlighting. My job was eliminared at the end of 2010 due to budget constraints. I have copies of my last performance reviews and they include statements from my managers stressing how professional I was in those final months, wrapping things up and transitioning duties to others, and generally being very helpful rather than disgruntled.

 

I downloaded copies of all my performance plans & reviews, and they''ve proven invaluable in being able to recall specific projects and responsibilities for interview questions as well as being able to say,'"this is what my colleagues and stakeholders saw as my greatest strengths."

 

Good for you. Your previous employer probably misses you and regrets having to downsize you. Your current employer is fortunate to have you.

 

The two "suggestions" I provided are derived from real life. Two people have recently resigned at my office. The first one did exactly what I outlined in suggestion 1. (Didn't show up, etc.) If a future employer calls about her, I will send them to the employment verification IVR, as per corporate policy number 453.12.blahblahblah. The second one is doing exactly what I outlined in suggestion 2. She has provided six weeks notice, has detailed transition plans, and is meeting with project stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. She needs to relocate due to a family situation and is returning to a previous employer in a different city. Not surprisingly, they welcomed her back with open arms.

 

The other problem with "giving it to the the employer" is that we live in a small, small world. You never know who you will work for/interview with someday in the future. People have a habit of reappearing in our lives. People also have a habit of remembering things.

[Decatur Guy]

I don't know what the circumstances are that make you want to quit, but it's BRUTAL for people trying to find a new job. And it's much harder to find a job when you're unemployed than when you already have a job.

[+ Lucky]

Lots of good advice has been given, but I think this is also worth highlighting. My job was eliminared at the end of 2010 due to budget constraints. I have copies of my last performance reviews and they include statements from my managers stressing how professional I was in those final months, wrapping things up and transitioning duties to others, and generally being very helpful rather than disgruntled.

 

I downloaded copies of all my performance plans & reviews, and they''ve proven invaluable in being able to recall specific projects and responsibilities for interview questions as well as being able to say,'"this is what my colleagues and stakeholders saw as my greatest strengths."

 

Sorry to see that you lost your job. Care to offer a follow-up, or repeat it since I missed it if you already did?

[+ blondeq]

rvwnsd offers sage advise. No matter your feelings toward your company, always leave on the best terms possible. You never know who you may be working for in the future or when your path may cross with a current boss/manager again. I would suggest that you NOT use up all your sick time; it may be tempting but it demonstrates to the company that you are not fully committed. I have had employees do this and rather than allow it to drag on, I have accepted their resignation but made it effective immediately. Remember, employees have the right to resign, but not necessarily to determine the date of that resignation.

 

I would strongly suggest having another job before leaving your current position. You may be surprised how many companies will not entertain applicants who are not currently employed. I know it sounds crazy in this economy, but it is a stark reality. Finally, if your company conducts exit interviews, prepare yourself. Avoid the temptation to 'blast' the company or managers; rather, simply state that you were looking for new opportunities.

 

Good luck

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

download any personal related files to an external drive to store at home, create a seperate list of all important contacts and associates,

 

When I made a change after 23 years with one company, these two items were the one I was most glad to have. I realized that I usually made my appointments for my dentist and optometrist from the office and didn't have their contact info at home. Also, having the office number of my co-workers that I wanted to stay in touch proved particularly important last summer when I had an opening on my team at the new employer and was able to call a couple of folks and check out their interest.

[jackboy48]

IIt's always a bad day when you feel the need to quit a job, but I've always regretted not moving on a little faster when I was unhappy. I think you've been given very good advice, and would only reinforce that you should have copies of your reviews and job descriptions, as well as the home addresses, email, and home phone numbers of your friends and people you might be able to use as references, as well as notations of their job titles and how you worked with them. I would probably try to use up my leave time, maybe even take a medical leave to take care of an elective procedure, get my prescriptions refilled and any dental work or eye exam done. Also use any discount plan to make a needed purchase. It is definitely a whole lot easier to get a new job while your still employed, but if that is not possible, be as pleasant and non-confrontational as possible. Be prepared that when you do submit your resignation, it may be made effective immediately. In fact, I would be very tempted to resign after I actually started my new job. If you do need to use COBRA, be very proactive and follow the steps religiously, as it can be all too easily denied. If you have taken a loan against your retirement plan, try to pay it back, as it will be taxed as regular income and trigger a penalty if you are under 55. Hope things work out OK.