How to Quit a Job Professionally

So, you realize you don't like your job anymore, you found a better one, or you just can't stand the commute. Whatever the reason, here are some tips on how to quit your job and still come out unscathed.

This hub will teach you how to give your two weeks notice, insure you get a good recommendation from your superior, and make sure you get that last pay check. Good luck in your endeavors.

You do not want to surprise your employer one day and simply walk out of the building. You need to give a two-weeks notice in order to maintain a relationship with your soon-to-be "previous employer."

Make sure you have a good reason to leave when you give your two-weeks notice. You may have been offered another position or you are relocating to another city. No matter what it is, do not complain about what you did not like at this position.

There are some cases in which you would not necessarily have to give a two-weeks notice. These cases include a family emergency or an unsafe work environment.

As much as you may want to, do not complain or "trash-talk" your employer before or after you leave your job. One reason behind this is that you will want your employer to write you a recommendation for your next position. You will want this in case you lose contact with them.

Another reason you don't want to "trash talk" your previous employer is due to legal issues; you don't want to get sued. Also, if you describe your previous employer in a negative light at an interview, you may destroy your chances.

If you are quitting because of harassment, you should talk to your employer about the situation and give them the chance to make up for it. If this doesn't work, you can always sue.

Before you leave, make sure you take advantage of your vacation days. You may forfeit them after leaving.

Also, talk to your human resources department about the benefits you are entitled to from the company (i.e. health insurance, retirement plans, etc.). You may be missing out on some advantages you did not know you had.

Before you leave, make sure you know how and when you will be getting paid. Will your last paycheck come in the mail or will it walk out of the door with you? Talk to your payroll department to understand the process.

The most important step in quitting your job gracefully is making sure you have enough money to survive. If you need to postpone payments on a loan or learn more about public assistance, do so before you give your two-weeks notice. You don't want to go crawling back to your previous employer and asking for your job back because you forgot to do some research.