Resignation Meeting

johnsmithy

Hi

I just wanted to ask, what would be the best way to approach the resignation meeting as its something I've not done before, so I need advice.

Basically, I am going to type and print as well as sign a resignation letter for my workplace and go in to see my manager.

Simply, I am going to keep it very brief and tell my manager that after careful consideration, that I have decided to hand in my letter of resignation - I am going to leave all the important things in the letter, such as how I've enjoyed my time there etc.

However, I don't necessarily want to tell my line manager why I am resigning as I don't want to burn any bridges, but the situation has become so intolerable there now that its best I quit so that it no longer affects my mental health and there is also no longer a system to work to there, now, sadly.

Is there anything else I need to say, besides sorting out the necessary red tape? I feel this is the right thing for me to do.

Thanks

johnsmithy

hcb42

Keep the letter short and factual. 1-2 sentences is enough, doesn't need any fluff really.


Take it in and either state you are moving on to a new role, or if not you are taking some time out for yourself

That's it really.

johnsmithy

Sounds like the right way to go about things. Once this is complete, it'll be a HUGE weight off my shoulders.

hcb42

yes nothing better than getting out of a job that you are not happy in

Armorica

Is it about you, or is it about your employer?

If you simply want to get away, then a short factual - I'm leaving is fine.

But if it's because the place is intolerable, that it can be fairer to provide more of an explanation in case it triggers changes for those who remain there. Obviously that kind of situation is rarely helpful with the line manager, and would be more appropriate with an HR department if your employer has one.

General_Grant

Armorica wrote: »

Is it about you, or is it about your employer?

If you simply want to get away, then a short factual - I'm leaving is fine.

But if it's because the place is intolerable, that it can be fairer to provide more of an explanation in case it triggers changes for those who remain there. Obviously that kind of situation is rarely helpful with the line manager, and would be more appropriate with an HR department if your employer has one.

I would not do that in the actual resignation letter.

If there is an HR department worth its salt, they may have a process to speak with those who are leaving. That is an opportunity to mention concerns - but only if invited to do so and you really want to.

Undervalued

johnsmithy wrote: »

However, I don't necessarily want to tell my line manager why I am resigning as I don't want to burn any bridges.......

So don't tell him then!

Just write a one sentence letter giving the required notice that you will be leaving on XX-YY-ZZZZ.

If anybody asks either say "personal reasons" or that you have been offered an interesting new opportunity.

It is very unlikely that they will properly take on board any complaints you have about the firm. Even if they do, you will have left so you won't get the benefit!

johnsmithy

Undervalued wrote: »

So don't tell him then!

Just write a one sentence letter giving the required notice that you will be leaving on XX-YY-ZZZZ.

If anybody asks either say "personal reasons" or that you have been offered an interesting new opportunity.

It is very unlikely that they will properly take on board any complaints you have about the firm. Even if they do, you will have left so you won't get the benefit!

That is what I find is so wrong about this - making complaints and they aren't heeded - what is the point with having a grievance procedure and system if it is not going to always be honoured, properly?

theoretica

johnsmithy wrote: »

I am going to leave all the important things in the letter, such as how I've enjoyed my time there etc.

However, I don't necessarily want to tell my line manager why I am resigning as I don't want to burn any bridges, but the situation has become so intolerable there now that its best I quit so that it no longer affects my mental health and there is also no longer a system to work to there, now, sadly.

By 'how you've enjoyed your time there' do you mean the honest version or not? I wouldn't put either in the letter!

You could say to your line manager that you are both aware your sickness record has not been ideal for them, or you, and here is your resignation. This may give him the idea you are being considerate for them (useful if he is writing a reference later) but leaves open the idea that you also feel that working there has affected your health.

Elvisia

As much as you probably want to kick them in the nuts on the way out I would recommend doing whatever is best for you, and since you'll probably need them for a reference at some point it's always worth leaving on good terms. As much as I'd love to say tell them exactly why you're going it is unlikely to make it any better for other people working there, and the last thing you want is to need a reference in a few years' time and know that you've burnt your bridges.

Keep it all fact based, I am resigning, here is my notice.

PS Well done, sounds like the right thing to do but it takes b*lls to leave a bad situation.

johnsmithy

theoretica wrote: »

By 'how you've enjoyed your time there' do you mean the honest version or not? I wouldn't put either in the letter!

You could say to your line manager that you are both aware your sickness record has not been ideal for them, or you, and here is your resignation. This may give him the idea you are being considerate for them (useful if he is writing a reference later) but leaves open the idea that you also feel that working there has affected your health.

My mum said the same thing, because in fairness, I'm probably going to be off later in the year anyway for further surgery.

My letter was going to go along the lines of something like this:

Top Right Corner : My Address
Top Left Corner : Date & Company Address

Dear Emma (Line Manager) - I assume its OK to use a first name in a resignation letter.

"Please accept this as my formal letter of resignation at (mycompany). I am hereby giving one month's notice, as was agreed previously. My final working date shall be 19 February 2015."

"I would like to thank you for the opportunities you have provided me during my time at (mycompany). I wish you all the best for the future."

Yours Sincerely

My Signature

Work have stressed already I do not need to work my notice, due to the considerable amount of holiday leave I have built up. I assume that if you do use leave during your notice, you would still get paid for it? (Sorry if I have asked this already - my mind is all over the place right now).

I don't see I have any real choice as I feel I have been forced into resigning as things in my work are just not going to get any better and when I returned from sick, I never felt I was really welcomed back with open arms and I heard my LM say in the corridor when someone asked if I was back, she said, "Oh, he's in my office." Colleagues have been unsupportive in the rehabilitation process and instead of helping, they have been hindering, one even going as far as to accuse me of not doing an aspect of my job and the training was a joke - I've been away for a year, they give me a 10 minute refresher and expect me to remember it, just like that, which led to the unpleasant incident with the accusation I had not done the post. These are just some examples. The whole atmosphere in the building is very morbid and this and colleague attitudes is what I have to put up with on a daily basis and I feel I've taken my job as far as I can, anyhow.

I would consider it if they could move me to another position within the organisation, whether it be internal or external, in quick time, but I just know at the end of the day, that even a day working in my environment is just pure torture and since I've had to endure so much stress and cope with an illness, its not helping matters and life's too short and there's more out there for me. I think 11 years in the civil service is a good innings and nothing to be ashamed of.

Advice welcomed.