How to resign from your job without stepping on any toes

Make a transition plan: It is important to consider how you will hand over your work to your team or the next person taking over your job. A transition plan is a document that summarises what you do every day in your role, including all those random tasks that just appeared over time that don’t seem to be in your job description.

It should include your standard duties and responsibilities, the additional tasks you do outside your role, all the current projects or activities you are currently working on and any key contacts or tips you have for the role.

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It is also beneficial to make a list of the outstanding tasks you are planning to complete before you leave and provide a status of the list to your team or manager in the last few days before you go. Start this process as soon as possible so you can enjoy your final day without any stress.

Stay professional: As tempting as it may be, don’t start bad-mouthing your existing employer. Maintain a positive and professional attitude. If you have feedback that you would like to give, or you need to raise serious concerns that you have experienced, schedule a meeting with HR or the relevant manager to discuss.

Workplaces will often conduct an exit interview or ask that you complete an exit survey where you can share your experiences.

Keep in contact & maintain connections: You never know when you will cross paths with or need to reconnect with colleagues and mentors again.

People move around in their careers, so staying connected may lead to your next big role or help you find employees when you become a manager yourself. Get people’s personal email addresses and connect with them on LinkedIn.

Téa Angelos is an entrepreneur, author, speaker and founder of Smart Women Society, an online education company providing innovative products and tools for women to grow their independence with money, career, wellbeing and love.

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