Should You Inform Your Boss About Quitting Before Submitting Your Notice?
When contemplating resignation, many employees wonder whether they should inform their boss before submitting their formal notice. This article delves into the nuances of giving prior notice and the strategies some employees use to protect their career interests.
The Art of Subtle Hints
There are instances where employees hint at their intentions without explicitly stating their intentions to quit. For example, mentioning a transfer to another division or transferring to another location, as another company may be expanding, can often result in a counteroffer or a raise. However, as seen in a case study, such tactics may not always work. The employee, after receiving an unexpected raise, still chose to leave, feeling that the better offer elsewhere was a better fit.
One employee, for instance, mentioned during a monthly one-on-one meeting with their supervisor in a casual conversation that another company in the next town was expanding and hiring. The supervisor, aware of the implications, offered an unscheduled 25% raise. The employee, having secured a better offer, still chose to leave, highlighting that sometimes corporate benefits and company culture play a significant role in decision-making.
The Standard Approach
Often, the best course of action is to submit your formal notice as required. After making the decision to leave, it is advisable to stick with your decision and proceed with your planned exit. This approach keeps things clear and simple, avoiding unnecessary confusion and complications.
Given experience in over a dozen engineering companies, one insight stands clear: when leaving, it is best not to notify anyone of the reasons or the timing. Human Resources (HR) should decide when and how much to inform. If HR is unaware, it is not your responsibility to disclose your career moves.
A Clean Exit
Only after securing a new job should you inform your current employer of your 2-week resignation through the HR department or to your boss, if there is no HR. It is crucial not to reveal any reasons for your departure, the date of your last working day, and to organize a farewell party outside of the workplace.
This clean exit approach allows you to exit your office and celebrate with friends. Reflecting on the years, it becomes evident that many career transitions can be blessings in disguise, helping you to identify patterns of growth and improvement.
Remember, partings are bittersweet, but cleaner when planned and executed with care. Always keep an eye on your career goal and take the best path towards achieving it.
By following these guidelines, you can protect your career interests while maintaining professional relationships. Take a moment to consider the bigger picture and the long-term impact of your actions.