At some point during your career, you will likely need to resign from your position. The reasons you have for resigning may vary, but it is important to leave in a professional manner. The excitement that comes with a new job offer or career elevation, is understandable, after all, it means a new environment, possibly better pay and benefits. However, ending your tenure on a positive note can also lead to great networking opportunities for future endeavours. Suzan Mutesi, a Gikondo resident, worked as an accountant for a local firm for three years. She was frustrated with the job because of low pay, working overtime, poor working conditions, and so forth. A friend told her to quit and apply for another that she’d come across. Mutesi looked into the new job opportunity and applied. Since her friend had assured her of getting the job, after applying, she was buried in excitement. She quickly resigned from her job as she was sure she was qualified for the new job. Unfortunately, Mutesi didn’t pass the job interview, and couldn’t even go back to her former job. She says that in the event that a new job opportunity presents itself, don’t resign your current job until you have a written agreement in your hands. This entails a start date and details such as the salary and all the relevant benefits. It is imperative to resign only if you have a company signed employment contract. So then, when and how should one resign? Odyssée Ndayisaba, CEO of Continuity Group Ltd-Kigali, notes that career transitions are inevitable. They can be smooth or chaotic. Having a career transition strategy ahead of time will go a long way in ensuring that your change is successful and drama-free. This will include when and how to execute your resignation. “You may have various reasons for your resignation. Whatever the reasons, don’t waste anybody’s time. The quality of relationship you have developed with your employer will determine if you inform them of your next step,” he says. Ndayisaba says that because your reputation precedes and follows you and determines your next break, consider giving them adequate notice and also asking for a recommendation letter. He adds that one should take the remaining time to make the transition smooth by handing over information and materials that belong to your former employer. You can choose to make the reasons for resignation public or private. Innocent Habimana, an employee at a local IT firm in Kigali, says taking time to thoughtfully consider why, when and how you leave your job can ensure you make the best possible decision, find new opportunities and leave your current role dignified. Take time to carefully contemplate the pros and cons of leaving your role. He says that once you make up your mind to leave, give adequate notice to your employer, write a formal resignation letter, and be prepared to move on after submitting your resignation. Habimana also says that if you have an employment contract or union agreement that states how the period of notice you should give, abide by it. However, your employer doesn’t have to accept the notice you give, and your employment could be terminated right away. Shun quitting a job over the phone as it isn’t polite. However, if you are unable to resign in person due for whatever reason, you can quit via email, and be the kind of person your boss would love to hire back if he had the opportunity to do so, he says. “You may have developed strong bonds with your co-workers and leaders, developed new skills, worked your way up to a high-level position, taken on greater responsibilities and grown as a professional for the time you worked with your company. Your experiences from your current job could even have helped you earn your new opportunity, so it’s important to show your gratitude, it is a humble virtue to take time to personally thank co-workers and leaders with whom you’ve worked with,” Habimana adds. It’s appropriate to move on from your current position as long as you do it calmly and professionally. The article, “How to Resign from Your Job in 10 Steps”, states, “Prior to your leave, create a plan of transitioning your responsibilities to other teammates. Draft a list of objectives, and determine which ones each team member takes. Provide helpful advice if some duties include complex directions or software that others are untrained on. Your manager may have their own plan in mind, but offering your own better prepares them and the team as a whole for your absence. “Your manager deserves to be the first to know so that they can make arrangements for your departure as necessary. Schedule a time to meet with them in private to offer your letter and explain your situation. Telling your manager first also provides an opportunity to pitch your transition plan and make your manager’s job easier.”
