Help me resign with dignity and professionalism!!!

[Anonymous]

I'm going to resign from my organization and have accepted another position which is so much more promising and (and pays a lot more, to boot)! My current employer wants me to stay. When I meet with my boss and some colleagues, it will be VERY hard me not to prattle on with all the reasons they can take their job and shove it. Help me develop a mantra / talking points to keep repeating. I go back and forth between wanting to provide n a professional tone the true reasons I'm leaving and just saying something like "the new position offers more growth and is closer to our family".

[Anonymous]

Why don't you come up with 2-3 issues at your current work place that have contributed to your decision to leave and think of a way to discuss them as constructively and diplomatically as possible. These should be areas where it is realistic that the old org could make improvements after you leave. You start your resignation announcement by saying you are leaving for greater growth and to be closer to family, etc., and then if they press, you can mention these issues as contributing factors. Keep it short and do it in a non confrontational, non punitive way, of course. Don't be tempted to list every last gripe!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm going to resign from my organization and have accepted another position which is so much more promising and (and pays a lot more, to boot)! My current employer wants me to stay. When I meet with my boss and some colleagues, it will be VERY hard me not to prattle on with all the reasons they can take their job and shove it. Help me develop a mantra / talking points to keep repeating. I go back and forth between wanting to provide n a professional tone the true reasons I'm leaving and just saying something like "the new position offers more growth and is closer to our family".

This. And move on. You never know how things will play out with your new job/your future. No need to burn bridges.

[Anonymous]

I would also offer to be a continuing resource should they need your help. They'll never take you up on it but it leaves the door open and lessens the feelings of loss. Who knows it can also turn into a lucrative consulting gig for you. It worked for me.

[Anonymous]

Professionally you don't say anything about the problems at the current place. You will be seen as a malcontent and burn bridges. Usually, they know about these problem and have done nothing to make changes. All you say is you have a better opportunity and you are excited about your new job. Nothing more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Professionally you don't say anything about the problems at the current place. You will be seen as a malcontent and burn bridges. Usually, they know about these problem and have done nothing to make changes. All you say is you have a better opportunity and you are excited about your new job. Nothing more.

+1. Believe me, your employer knows. I know you want to tell the truth but even if you did, do you think anything would actually change as a result of that? It's fine to say the generic "good opportunity, closer to home, pay increase."

[Anonymous]

As someone who has (inadvertently) burned bridges in trying to politely and honestly explain somewhat truthfully why I was leaving, just LIE (I was so naive back then!). Seriously, use something generic and do not even hint at any real gripes. There is just no benefit to you to do so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm going to resign from my organization and have accepted another position which is so much more promising and (and pays a lot more, to boot)! My current employer wants me to stay. When I meet with my boss and some colleagues, it will be VERY hard me not to prattle on with all the reasons they can take their job and shove it. Help me develop a mantra / talking points to keep repeating. I go back and forth between wanting to provide n a professional tone the true reasons I'm leaving and just saying something like "the new position offers more growth and is closer to our family".

This. And move on. You never know how things will play out with your new job/your future. No need to burn bridges.

I completely agree with this. There is absolutely no benefit to telling them about the problems at your current workplace. Say, "the new position offers more growth and is closer to our family." Tell them that you've enjoyed working with them and thank them for the opportunity. No matter how much you hate a job it is in your interest to leave on good terms. You have no idea when you might need them in the future.

[Anonymous]

OP here. THANK YOU!! I needed to hear this! In my head, I keep envisioning a seeing where I flipped everyone the dirt in the top of my desk , but this probably isn't a good idea.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Clearly I shouldn't be using the voice recognition on my phone! Clearly I shouldn't be using the voice recognition on my phone! I meant to write that I'm envisioning a scene where I flip everyone the bird and dance on top of my desk

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Clearly I shouldn't be using the voice recognition on my phone! Clearly I shouldn't be using the voice recognition on my phone! I meant to write that I'm envisioning a scene where I flip everyone the bird and dance on top of my desk

too funny - I like the earlier version even better, though!

[Anonymous]

I just flat out told them my new position was more pay and far better benefits. They couldn't compete (2 weeks vaca to unlimited, $30k raise, 0 telecommute to 100%, etc). I only took the first position as it had some flexibility when I was returning to work after maternity leave and was very underpaid.

[Anonymous]

Op, it's so hard not to tell them the truth, but a PP had it right when she said LIE. If you can't lie, then simply force yourself to smile (well you are happy you're leaving, right?) and tell them how much you've enjoyed working here, but you have a great new opportunity that was too good to pass up. Leave it at that. If they ask, say it's closer to home, but nothing more. Even saying it "offers more growth" is a slap at them, and when you are walking out the door, you don't want to do that. They'll be mad at you for leaving, and will pick apart every word you utter after you tell them you're resigning, so keep your words very few indeed. Smile and nod and repeat how much you've enjoyed working at XXX, and are looking forward to your new opportunity. And get the hell out!

Congratulations, OP!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm going to resign from my organization and have accepted another position which is so much more promising and (and pays a lot more, to boot)! My current employer wants me to stay. When I meet with my boss and some colleagues, it will be VERY hard me not to prattle on with all the reasons they can take their job and shove it. Help me develop a mantra / talking points to keep repeating. I go back and forth between wanting to provide n a professional tone the true reasons I'm leaving and just saying something like "the new position offers more growth and is closer to our family".

Make this meeting all about how great this workplace was for you, how much you have learned, and how great co-workers and managers were. Make it your mantra. If asked reasons for leaving - give brief and neutral answers like PP advised.

[Anonymous]

OP, the new job sounds fantastic! Congratulations!!