Resigning from Work

12sapphire

Can someone please advise if you have to give your employer a reason for resigning?

I am employed in a professional place of work and I intend to hand in my notice in the next month or so. I have no plans to work in the forseeable future (and not claiming benefits). The reason I wish to leave is the 'boss' who is the most heartless, mistrusting individual I have ever come across. I could say that it's my intention to take early retirement but I would rather say 'nothing' than have a full-on rant (which I am tempted to do!) as you never know, I may need a reference should I decide to return to work at a later date. Staff are leaving in their droves but the boss doesn't seem phased by this as "there are always people out there who want the work"

I'm a firm believer in that if you have nothing good to say about someone/something it's better to say nothing but I don't want to 'blot my copy book' by refusing to give a reason if legally/morally I should. So.... do I lie or say nothing?

HappyMJ

Just say nothing...

AP007

If pushed I'd say I wanted to take some time off and do some travel or anything thats not a jab at them.

guruchelles

Can you go to your boss's boss for your exit interview. If enough of the people leaving were to speak up about your boss then maybe he'd be shifted and that would prevent other employees from having to deal with him or her.

C_Mababejive

You dont need to say anything. Having said that, i take the view that you dont get mad,you get even and i might be minded to stay in work,keep taking money but perform my duties rigidly and to the letter whilst extracting as much value as possible.

ilikecookies

You are not obliged to give a reason. You simply need to state that you are giving notice and, taking into account your notice period, when your last day will be. I usually add a line thanking them for the opportunities, experience afforded to me etc even if I it's not been a great job.

I tend to give a reason if I am leaving somewhere reluctantly (eg. due to a relocation, need a career break for personal reasons, or have been made an offer I simply cannot refuse, etc). Personally I would not give a negative reason for leaving (eg. my boss is a nightmare) for all the reasons you point out (ie. blotting your copy book, etc).

Although it's tempting and will feel cathartic to let rip it will look unprofessional. Your boss can present this to his boss as you simply being unmanageable, a disgruntled employee, etc rather than due to his bad management style. If you say nothing the mystery can add more pressure to your boss as ultimately there are few reasons to leave someone if you're happy, have a good boss, etc. Your departure alongside all the others will be raising alarm bells anyway. Karma will bite him/her in the end.

irishjohn

Due to personal circumstances it is necessary for me to step down from my career for a period of time. I must therefore tender my resignation etc etc

This is how I would word my letter of resignation. Mysterious circumstances which you are hinting at - he is less likely to probe but if he does - "it's not something I wish to discuss for the time being" should confirm your personal privacy on the matter.

Leaves him able to say he will happily consider employing you again in the future and you can therefore feel able to approach him in future for a reference.

12sapphire

guruchelles wrote: »

Can you go to your boss's boss for your exit interview.

I would be resigning via my Line Manager and her boss is 'The Boss' who may well ask for the reason.

The Boss has refused to give references to other staff who have left. I have always been a hard working member of the team and I see no reason why I should be refused a reference should I ever need one.

As I see it I have three choices:

1) Give the real reason why I'm leaving (which is that I am unwilling to work for someone who treats people like dirt) and suffer the consequences should I ever need a reference
2) Lie and say I'm taking early retirement - I would prefer not to lie
3) Say nothing (which is my preferred option) but only if I'm not obliged to give a reason

12sapphire

ilikecookies wrote: »

Although it's tempting and will feel cathartic to let rip it will look unprofessional. Your boss can present this to his boss as you simply being unmanageable, a disgruntled employee, etc rather than due to his bad management style. If you say nothing the mystery can add more pressure to your boss as ultimately there are few reasons to leave someone if you're happy, have a good boss, etc. Your departure alongside all the others will be raising alarm bells anyway. Karma will bite him/her in the end.

I like your thinking!!;)

C_Mababejive

But the matter of primary importance surely is to maintain an income so why give up a job because the boss is a..ermm...**** ? I sort my colleagues into different boxes. Some i have personal relationships with and others are strictly professional. The knobs go in the latter box and i just laugh out loud to myself as i shaft them as much as possible and keep taking the wonga....

irishjohn

12sapphire wrote: »

I would be resigning via my Line Manager and her boss is 'The Boss' who may well ask for the reason.

The Boss has refused to give references to other staff who have left. I have always been a hard working member of the team and I see no reason why I should be refused a reference should I ever need one.

As I see it I have three choices:

1) Give the real reason why I'm leaving (which is that I am unwilling to work for someone who treats people like dirt) and suffer the consequences should I ever need a reference
2) Lie and say I'm taking early retirement - I would prefer not to lie
3) Say nothing (which is my preferred option) but only if I'm not obliged to give a reason

In that case - if asked by The Boss - I would be politely honest explaining what elements of your manager's behaviour you find unacceptable / inappropriate and which have led you to choose to leave. Make sure you know in your own mind what outcome you want from any meeting with The Boss - eg. if he suggests he has a word with your manager regarding her behaviour in order to make you stay. If you are determined to leave, and he asks you why, I think you would also be within your rights to ask for a reference - he may indicate he will give you one but when the time comes let you down so maybe better to ask for a testimonial now for use in future should you need it.