Quitting your job with respect and honor

From a mental health perspective when is it “time” to leave a job?
• Chronic or persistent physiological symptoms (stomach aches, backaches, migraine headaches, sleep disturbances, etc)
• When you are chronically experiencing depression or anxiety at your job on a day to day basis
• If you feel like your self-esteem and self worth is being compromised and diminished in your work environment.

What are some of the “quitting signs”?
• Do I find it hard to get up in the morning
• Do I sit at work and daydream
• Do I look at job internet sites at work?
• Do I do the minimum work required?
• Do I start to get ready to leave work way before quitting time?
• Do I call in sick when I’m not sick
• Do I dread going to work?

What are some suggestions for a positive exit from your current job?
• Be professional and advise your supervisor you are leaving before you tell coworkers
• Give your employer ample notice so they can try to arrange a replacement (2-4 weeks)
• Write a professional letter of resignation. State you are leaving for other opportunities or interests
• Don’t badmouth your company. Try to leave on good terms—you never know when you may need a recommendation, or who may know your old boss at your new workplace.
• Finish your task list before you go. Provide a list of projects that are in progress and review what needs to be done, if time does not allow you to finish a long-term project.
• Leave things in order. Make sure you leave your desk neat and tidy and unless you bought it, don’t take it
• Offer to train your replacement if time allows
• Send professional emails concerning your leaving to colleagues and customers, and give them a new contact information.
• Leaving with respect and grace will never hurt you in the long run!