You've probably heard the phrase "it's not you, it's me." It works for relationships, but it also works for quitting a job. When you're sure you want to leave your current position, it can be tempting to just pack up your office and head out the door. But if you're looking for better pay or more responsibility, there are benefits to putting in your notice before you quit your job. Here are five reasons why:
Keep your reputation clean
The professional world is a small one, and you want to make sure that when you leave your current job, the only reason people are talking about it is because they’re saying good things. You don’t want them mentioning how poor your performance was or how difficult you were to work with.
Obviously, some situations require an immediate departure from a company, but if this doesn’t apply to you and there is time for preparation (even just a few weeks), then it may be best to prepare yourself for leaving so that when the time comes around again, you can leave on good terms with both your manager and employer.
Avoid your manager becoming defensive and rejecting your notice
If you're planning to quit your job, it's important to give notice. Your manager may become defensive and reject your resignation if you don't give notice.
If you do not give enough notice, it will be hard for them to find a replacement for the position. If they don't have time or resources available to find a permanent replacement, then they may need someone on contract or part-time until they can find someone else permanently.
Have the opportunity to ease out of the company
It's not the most fun way to leave, but it's a lot less awkward than being fired. You don't have to worry about whether or not you'll be asked back for a reference and you can leave on good terms with your colleagues.
It also gives you time to find a new job before quitting your current one. It might take some time—especially if you're in an industry where there aren't many jobs available—so this gives you enough breathing room so that when it comes time for them to fire you (which they will), they won't punish themselves by withholding salary and benefits while they look for another employee who will work under their conditions.
You might need a reference letter from them in the future
A reference letter is a key way to show how great you are, and can often make or break an application. Think of a reference letter as an extension of your resume, but with the important difference that it comes from someone who knows you well. It's something that employers tend to look at more than just your resume when making final hiring decisions, so it's worth getting as many of these letters as possible—even if some are from people who aren't directly related to your job search.
Give yourself more time to job search
It’s a simple idea: if you give yourself more time to search for a new job, you’ll likely find one sooner. Here are some ways that taking your current job off the table can help:
You have less stress about finding work in a short amount of time because you know it will happen eventually. This means that your search will be more focused and productive.
You can use this extra time to interview at multiple companies so you get to choose where you want to work next instead of being forced into making a decision before knowing what else is out there.
If you have side projects or interests that interest recruiters but don't fit into your current company's culture, now would be an ideal time for them!
Always put in a two week notice before quitting, for all the reasons above but also because it's a respectful thing to do. It’s respectful to both your manager and colleagues. As a rule of thumb, always put in a two-week notice before you quit. It shows that you are a professional who values the relationship and wants to give them time to find a replacement for your position.
There's no need to burn bridges, but it's important to remember that what goes around comes around—and if you're leaving a job on bad terms, some people might hold it against you in the future. If you don't want a negative reference letter or a reputation as an unreliable employee who never gives notice, then make sure that when it comes time for your exit interview, everything is handled properly.
If you're looking for a legit work from home job, check out the latest remote job opportunities from Legit Mom Jobs here.