How To Quit Your Job Like a Boss (Without Burning Bridges)
How To Quit Your Job
Our stress-free guide shows you how to quit like a pro and resign gracefully. Ditch the dead-end and land your dream remote job now!
Have you been daydreaming about a job that actually sparks joy (and doesn't involve a soul-crushing commute or cubicle)?
You're not alone! Many of us get stuck in dead-end jobs that zap our energy and stifle our growth.
But quitting can feel terrifying, right? The unknown of the job search and the sheer logistics of “How do I even do this?” are enough to make anyone hit delete on that resignation letter.
That's why we're giving you the nudge to break free and pursue a remote career that ignites your passion and fuels your purpose!
As you'll see, quitting your job can be the most empowering move of your professional life.
With a clear, stress-free roadmap to follow (and a sprinkle of confidence!), you can finally ditch the dread and embrace an exciting new opportunity in the remote role of your dreams — without burning any professional bridges along the way.
Let's start our step-by-step guide to quitting a job with:
How To Quit Your Job: The Pre-Quit Prep Work
Though storming into your boss's office with a dramatic resignation speech is tempting, don't quit your job without a plan.
Follow these tips for what to do before quitting a job to put yourself in the best position for success:
⛵ Ask Yourself If You're Really Ready To Set Sail
Sometimes, that “dream job” you snagged a while back starts feeling more like a hamster wheel of despair. Maybe the growth and career progression you craved fizzled out, or the flexibility you signed up for became an “always-on” nightmare.
Whatever the reason, that nagging feeling in your gut is telling you it's time to move on.
But before you launch into full-on resignation mode, let's take a quick pit stop to ensure you're ready to bounce. Here are some key questions to ponder:
Should I quit my job if I'm unhappy? Will this feeling pass? There's a massive difference between being genuinely unhappy and going through a stressful time at work.
So take some time to reflect on your current role and identify exactly what's not working for you. Then, consider whether anything can be done — now or in the near future — to make you stay.
Have I explored all my options here? Have you talked to your manager about your concerns? Can you participate in upskilling, reskilling, or cross-training programs? Is there a role opening up soon you'd like to transition to?
Sometimes, a simple conversation or temporary change of work scenery can positively impact your remote career building.
Yes answers to these questions mean you're ready to move on to:
🤑 Know Your Worth (and Numbers!)
Reflect on all the skills and accomplishments you've gained from your current role. What have you become amazing at? What projects have you crushed?
Jotting down these wins will boost your confidence and help you articulate your value to potential employers later. It can also clue you into what to look for in a new remote job.
Start researching average salaries for your desired remote role and the skills and experience employers are looking for. Knowledge is power; knowing your worth will help you sell yourself to hiring teams, answer the salary expectations question during interviews, and negotiate a competitive salary.
🧭 Explore Your Remote Job Options On itjobsfromhome.com
While you're still employed, take advantage of your lunch break to explore the planet's #1 remote job board!
We curate high-quality, remote-first jobs in various industries worldwide, so you're bound to find something that tickles your fancy. You can also research the company culture, employee benefits, etc., at the top remote companies hiring to find your perfectly aligned fit.
Shameless plug (but it'll totally benefit you!): Subscribe to the newsletter on the home page at: https://itjobsfromhome.com! Stay updated on the latest job listings and career advice.
✍️ Sharpen Your Resume and Online Presence To Impress
Is your resume up-to-date and remote-job-ready? Polish it up with a resume builder to showcase all the new skills and accomplishments you picked up since the last time you edited this doc.
Remember to tailor your resume for each remote job you apply for, highlighting the specific keywords relevant to the job ads and all the best skills for resumes.
While you're at it, revamp your LinkedIn profile — it's basically your online resume and a fantastic way for potential employers to find you. Just make sure to adjust your privacy settings so your current employer doesn't get the tip-off before you're ready to officially resign.
Go the extra mile by learning the ins and outs of remote personal branding to establish and elevate your online presence. You'll also want to build your remote job portfolio to stand out online.
🤝 Network Like a Champion
Let your former colleagues and professional connections know you're on the hunt for remote positions. You never know who might have a hidden lead or helpful advice.
Consider exploring online communities specifically focused on remote work, too. These can be fantastic resources for building your career remotely, connecting with other remote job seekers, and gaining valuable insights.
📨 Start Applying To Remote Jobs
We generally don't recommend leaving a job before you accept another position, so try to spend as much time as possible applying to remote roles during your free time.
Lunch breaks, nights, weekends, train commutes — if you can check your email, you can find legit work-from-home jobs.
Scheduling your remote interviews is trickier. You may need to take extended lunch breaks, clock in later, or leave work early to meet with potential employers.
Check out the remote job search tips in these guides to make the most of your time:
- How To Get a Remote Job in 2024: The Ultimate Guide
- How To Follow Up On a Job Application (+ Not Get Ghosted)
- 7 Tips To Elevate Your Remote Job Interview + Land That Role
What if your employer starts asking questions? Or you need more time to devote to your job search?
You can quit a job without another one if you:
💸 Get Your Ducks In a Row (Financially Speaking)
Leaving a steady paycheck can be nerve-wracking. So, the best advice for how to quit a job when you don't have another one lined up is to secure a financial safety net.
This will ease the stress of your job search and cover your living expenses for a few months while you scout new remote opportunities.
First, sum up all your expenses for one month. Then, save enough to cover 3 to 6 months of living expenses. This should help you bridge the gap between job hopping.
Check all these boxes? Let’s dive into how to quit a job professionally.
How To Break Up with Your Job (Professionally)
You've done your prep work, you're feeling confident, and now it's time to master the art of the actual resignation itself.
Resigning with grace and the utmost professionalism is like the perfect closing line in a movie — it's concise, impactful, and leaves a positive impression.
So here's how to resign the right way:
🗣️ Have “The Talk” With Your Boss
Now comes the part that might make your palms sweat: the resignation conversation.
Some career experts believe giving notice to your boss or manager is the first step of formally resigning from a job. Others say you should write your official resignation letter and hand it to your boss during this chat. It's your call.
To handle this step like the pro that you are:
Schedule a face-to-face meeting. Avoid blindsiding your boss with an email — respect is essential here. Request a private meeting to formally discuss matters and tell them you're leaving in person or via virtual call.
Be clear and concise. Start by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to work at the company. Then, state your intention to resign and briefly explain that you've accepted another position or are pursuing a new remote career path.
Keep it positive (even if it's not all sunshine and rainbows). The best way to give notice at a job you hate is the same as giving notice at one you enjoyed: by being respectful, gracious, and overwhelmingly positive.
Thank your manager for the skills and experience you gained while working with them, and mention something specific you appreciated about the role or the company.
Focus on your excitement for your new opportunity (if applicable), and never bad-mouth the organization you're leaving or your soon-to-be former colleagues.
Include your last day of work in the conversation. How much notice to give when quitting a remote job or on-premise role varies by company — unless your contract states otherwise. The industry standard is typically two weeks' notice, but your contract may demand more or less.
Providing more notice shows professionalism and respect and gives your employer time to find a replacement.
Offer to help with the transition. You can demonstrate your professionalism further by volunteering to train your replacement, wrap up outstanding projects, document processes, and assist your team in any way to ensure a smooth handover.
📄 Submit a Formal Resignation Letter
While a formal resignation letter isn't always mandatory, it's a classy touch that puts things in writing and makes your impending departure official.
Like the conversation with your boss, a well-written resignation letter is brief, gracious, positive, and concludes with your offer to help train your replacement or complete any outstanding projects before you leave.
😎 Burning Bridges? Not On Our Watch!
That two-week notice period (or however long it is) doesn't have to be a drag. Leaving on a positive note can lead to solid recommendations and make it easier to land professional references down the line.
So here's how to quit a job without burning bridges and use your time productively:
- Be professional and courteous. Throughout your notice period, maintain a positive and helpful attitude. Don't throw shade at the company or your coworkers or mention how excited you are to leave.
- Thank your teammates. Show appreciation for your colleagues' support and guidance while at the organization. Mention the specific skills they taught you and how much you enjoyed working together.
- Stay connected. Exchange contact information with colleagues you'd like to stay in touch with on LinkedIn or social media.
Before you know it, you’ll be onboarding at your new remote company without losing any professional contacts along your climb up the career ladder. Go you!
🙌 Your New Remote Work Bliss Awaits!
Taking the leap to leave a job that no longer serves you can be daunting but incredibly empowering. Just remember, you have the skills, talent, and drive to thrive in a remote career that fuels your passion and unlocks your potential.
With a clear plan and actionable resources, you'll land your dream remote job in no time!
✨ So, what are you waiting for? Subscribe to the newsletter on the home page at: https://itjobsfromhome.com!