Career Options Magazine

Quitting can be the most satisfying part of a job

Quitting can be the most satisfying part of a job. On the same track as my previous blog entries I will detail the myriad ways to quit poorly. And yes, it is possible to leave a job badly. I’ve held some terrible jobs. I’ve been lucky as the majority of the jobs I’ve worked have been fantastic, and most employers absolutely wonderful. However, some spectacularly dreadful people have employed me in some hideous jobs.

So, I’ll give you a quick guide of how not to quit in four easy steps!

Before you actually throw in the towel, do the minimum.
There’s a line from the ever-quotable Simpsons where Homer advises Lisa “if you don’t like your job, you should just go in everyday and do it really half-$@*#.” Since Homer is the beacon for all that is just in the world, it follows that once you’ve given your two weeks notice, you should show up (if you really want to). That’s about where your duties would end.

Two Weeks Notice is optional.
There’s probably a law out there about giving two weeks notice for quitting. This gives adequate time for your employer to find a someone else for the job. But, really if you want to leave the job then do so! They made the mistake of hiring you in the first place, make them aware that mistake by bailing with short to no notice.

Make sure the people who are still working there know how bad the job is.
It follows that if you’re smart enough to be leaving the place, then let the people who work there know how bad it really is. Chances are they’re already aware of it, but pound that point home.

Don’t be grateful for the opportunity they gave you.
They hired you, their mistake. Taking the job was your mistake. So why be grateful for the opportunity if it didn’t work out. If the best thing you got from the experience was that you know you don’t want to do that job anymore, why should you try and sugar coat it? Besides, that’s not much to be thankful for.

So that’s a brief but accurate description of how not to quit. All this to say it’s easy to leave somewhere you didn’t enjoy working acting like a jerk. It’s fun to leave a trail of disgruntled employees in your wake. Regardless of how good it can feel, it’s never the proper way to leave. Being negative and bitter is an easy and often fun ride, but it rarely ends with any worthwhile results.

What’s the worst job you ever held? How did you leave? Alternatively, what’s the best job you left? What is the best way to leave a job?

Sam Barton