When it all hits the fan or you wake up one day and decide you've had enough it might just be the time to resign. Time to get out. Time to get off the sinking ship. But there is an art to resigning that lets you get your point across and not burn all the bridges in the process.

I've never heard of someone resigning for no reason so chances are you'll want to get your point across before you go. Maybe it's a horrible place to work. Perhaps the job isn't what you were promised or maybe you've just decided to explore something else. Whatever the case, you'll need to explain to your employer why you are leaving in a way that will get your point across without getting them offside. I think it's always better to try and keep someone on-side as long as possible in case you need references or any other favours in the future.

The key to resigning isn't in your reasons for leaving - it's all about how you explain them. The last time I resigned from somewhere, I did so because I was sick of the endless bureaucracy that meant getting approval for something was harder than doing my job. It was an endless mindfield of meetings, business cases and project reports. Add that to an incompetent manager and I'd had enough. One day I decided that that sort of job didn't suit me so I made the decision to resign.

Here's a 5 step guide to resigning professionally

1. Meet with your manager

Once you've made the big decision and want to make it formal, the first step is to talk with your manager. Regardless of what you think of them, it's your responsibility to sit them down and break the bad news. Explain to them that you're leaving and the reasons why. Perhaps there are no opportunities in the company. Maybe you don't get along with someone there. Or maybe you just need to move somewhere else. Whatever it is, be honest and open. This is your chance to have your say.

Don't point the blame. Doing so will just make enemies. If you are unhappy, explain why and treat it as a matter of fact. For example, you could say:

'John, I've decided to resign. I'm not happy here doing this role. I don't feel like there is enough support, training or guidance. etc etc'

Don't say:

'John - you are the worst manager I've ever had. You don't train me, help me out or share ideas. You are selfish and bad at your job.'

Don't make it personal. He or She will know you're not happy when you explain that you haven't had enough guidance,for example. There is no need to point the finger at them. If they have any brains at all they will know some of the responsibility lies with them and the feedback relates to them. It will be hard not to say something personal if you've had a really tough time, but it makes you a better person if you can rise above it and leave with dignity.

2. Formally resign with a letter

Follow up your meeting with your manager by formally resigning on paper. State the post you are resigning from, your leaving date and company information.

This doesn't need to be longer than 2 sentences on a sheet with your address and the company's address at the top.

If you can do it in 1 sentence - brilliant! It's not a document for explaining. The only reason you write a resignation letter is for the company to file away. You can explain yourself in meetings (see above).

3. Get a written reference

If your company has a HR department, then try to get a reference straight away. Even if you don't need it right now, it might come in handy later on. If it's a small company then it would probably be best to leave it a bit before asking for the reference but try to get it before you leave. You never know what's going to happen after you leave.

If you don't feel comfortable getting a written reference then make sure you jot down some names and phone numbers to call in the event that you need a favour.

4. Sort out pay, tax, holidays and any other financial commitments

This will usually be taken care of by HR or the pay unit but it's a good idea if you know what's going on as well. Find out about your final pay packet, what happens to any holidays (owed by you or them) and anything else you need to do.

5. Exit Interview (optional)

This one is optional because you may cover this point when you meet with your manager. If you don't then try to organise an interview with HR staff member or a manager higher up. If there are any outstanding issues or any severe problems you've had then this is the place to mention them. For example, perhaps you were promised a certain level of job but then you were only given work at a lower level. Whatever the reason, exit interviews are usually kept in confidence so they are the ideal place to be honest and direct. If your manager has been talking about you in the tea room, embarrassing you in front of others for example, then mention it here. Try not to get upset or attack someone personally. Be confident and professional and your feedback will be taken seriously.

If your reasons are less problematic then you may want to give feedback on the things you think could be improved at the company, such as training or equipment for example.

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At the end of it all, the goal is to leave with dignity and professionalism. That way, you can look back in a few years and know that despite it all you were the better person. There is an art to resigning, especially when you're leaving because you've had a rough time. It's easy to start getting angry or emotional at the end but try to avoid it if possible.

On the other hand, you might just be leaving because you've been there a while and want to expand your experience. That's a completely legitimate reason and your manager will understand that.

Resigning is never easy. I've done it several times and it makes me nervous every time. So nervous that it usually takes me a week to build up the courage to meet my manager. But you can be comforted by the knowledge that people resign all the time - it's not new and certainly won't end with you. People come and people go - it's a fact of life and a fact that has never been more true than in the workplace.

Good luck, stay professional and walk away with your head held high!