5 WAYS TO QUIT YOUR JOB HONORABLY

The only constant thing in life is change as Heraclitus of Ephesus pointed out so many decades ago. True. We all have to metamorphose from one phase to another in our short sojourn on earth. No doubt as professionals who are striving for excellence, better pay and high network of contacts amongst others, we tend to constantly be on the lookout for opportunities that offer new challenges yet fit our personal  preferences. However, in as much as we have to develop and explore our potentials to drive impacts in our society there are things we need to put into consideration before we call it a quit with our employers. Here are 5 things you should do if you are to be considered an honorable man when you quit.

1. Give atleast 1-2months notice: Many atimes our call for a new job doesn't take us by surprise simply because before we quit, chances is that we must have been thinking about it for atleast 2months; enough time to have intimated your boss about your thoughts. Right from when you featured in that competency assessment test in the new company to when you had a slot in the interview, you should have atleast thought about returning the kind gesture shown you when you were recruited in the present job by informing them about your plans.

2. Volunteer to offer free transition and integration programs: The reason why employers drown in fears when a valuable employee leaves is because they cannot imagine getting a worthy replacement however if you can volunteer to run a structured transition program for the new replacement ensuring he fits in perfectly before you leave then, your employer will see you as a genius and one who has his best interest at heart.

3. Never speak bad of your job, colleagues or boss: I hate it when I hear self acclaimed experts nagging about the inefficiency and lack of professionalism of their former colleagues or bosses. I often see them as the problem themselves. Mind you, the way you speak about your last employment during an interview is a pointer that you will do same when you quit the new offer so headhunters will be wary of you. When you quit a job or you are set to quit the job, spare the world the explanations regarding your decision and move on cause, the less you say the more the respect you earn in your new role and your past relationships.

4. Ensure you leave a footprint: Three groups of people truly exist: the ones that watch things happen, those that talk about things that has happened and the ones that actually make it happen. Employers don't joke with the last group of employees because they are the lifeline of their companies. You will either be remembered for problems you caused at the office or the ones you helped solve; I believe you know which you'd prefer.

5. Never leave with your company's property without their consent: When we move on to greater thing which we are bound to as professionals it is pertinent we stick to the rule of not robbing Peter to pay Paul. Please never abscond with any property be it document, money etc so that you don't leave with a soiled reputation. Though as employees we are entitled to the learning we acquired while working anywhere and the documents we built either as individuals or as a team however, it will be ethical if we disclose to the company their properties in our custody and our intentions to keep them if we must or be willing to return them if they refuse.

As I wrote in my article titled Just Before You Applaud Yourself, relationships are triple bonds that shouldn't be burnt in an attempt to pursue new opportunities. If you must quit your job then please do so with your heads held up high and your pride intact, and your relevance increase.

EE