The Hindu : Opinion / News Analysis : Ways to leave your boss

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 29, 2005

Opinion

Opinion - News Analysis

Ways to leave your boss

Catherine Quinn

SWEATY PALMS? Nervous stomach cramps? Dreading the inevitable handshakes? These symptoms are not just restricted to the first day at work. In fact, 75 per cent of British workers are more frightened of handing in their resignation than attending a job interview. It took seven aborted attempts before former salesman Richard Hill finally managed to quit his job. "The problem was that my boss was a superb salesman, who really wanted me on the team. Every time I tried to resign, he'd come up with a convincing reason why I should stay a bit longer, which just made it harder to explain at the next attempt."

Thankfully, not everyone's boss is desperate for them to stay, and fewer still boast the skills to make it happen. But although employers usually take the first resignation as final, it does not stop many people experiencing an attack of nerves on the way to the head honcho's office. "Resignation can be an uncomfortable experience for both employee and employer," says the U.K.'s Office Angels MD Phil Jacobs. "Over a third of employees are scared of their boss' reaction and this can be tough to handle."

What is more, according to research conducted by Office Angels most people tell white lies about their reasons for resigning. The most common excuses given for leaving include not getting on with a boss, seeking a higher salary or being bored out of your mind, but who'd admit that? After all, you have got your reference to think of. But the truth pays little part in most resignation letters. Employees are least likely to mention issues of money, or job dissatisfaction when resigning.

Instead, 20 per cent of those polled in the Office Angels study pretended they were taking a break from work either to travel or to study. And a surprisingly high 3 per cent fake a large inheritance, which means they do not have to work for a while. The vast majority, however, opt for catch-all platitudes, such as "seeking a new challenge," or "looking for a career change to branch into new fields" — when all we really want is for the boss to suddenly disappear, and a bigger pay cheque to pay into our bank account every month.

Unsurprisingly, given that most employees are keen on leaving on good terms, criticisms tend to be left unsaid. "I've left positions, where to be honest, the management structure just wasn't in place to allow me to do my job," explains web-programmer James Tann.

As a skilled freelance programmer, Mr. Tann is in a stronger position than most to switch jobs if he finds them unsatisfactory, and to speak out on work issues. But like most workers, Mr. Tann is reluctant to criticise. "At the end of the day, I don't really see the point of making a fuss," he says. "After all, it's their job to find out why they're losing good programmers more than it's mine to tell them."

Fair comment, perhaps, but many people would be glad of the chance to get a few issues off their chest. So is it possible to resign gracefully and air grievances at the same time?

Hernan Daguerre from recruitment website monster.com says that the first thing you should do is check whether you actually should be leaving your job in the first place. "If there is a problem at work, maybe it could be solved without leaving. Once you have made public your decision to leave a job, it will be highly unlikely that you will be able to change your mind."

But going in guns blazing is not the best option either. "Communicate your reasons for leaving as tactfully as possible, and try to stay on good terms with colleagues — who knows when they may crop up again," says Mr. Daguerre. "If you're staying in the same career they may be useful for networking at a later date. Write a formal leaving letter to avoid misunderstandings about dates, and make sure you're clear about what salary and holiday you are owed."

But sending a letter without talking to your boss is not recommended. "Make an appointment to see your boss face to face. This will give you an opportunity to explain clearly your reasons for leaving."

For those desperately hoping to avoid confrontation, this may not be what you want to hear. But it's only courteous to communicate such an important topic in person, and you'll be better placed to clear up any misunderstandings and leave on good terms. Remember that yours is unlikely to be the first resignation the company has received, and that most managers understand that few jobs are for life nowadays. That is unless you work in sales of course, where a letter posted from the safety of a foreign country may be your best option after all. —

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