The hard work has paid off and you have bagged yourself a new role that will see you progress in your career and open new doors. The last deed is to hand in your formal resignation however, this can seem somewhat problematic and something that we dread. As a thousand and one scenarios run through our minds, there are some things that are somewhat certain.
Here, we worked with the folks lifestyle brand Gear Hungry who present what to expect when you hand in your resignation:
The relief is real
The tension has more than likely mounted for some time as you secretly leave the office for interviews and work on keeping your employment status secret. It is therefore inevitable that that when the opportunity arises for you to hand in your resignation, regardless of how the meeting goes, you will breathe a huge sigh of relief.
My work bestie is no longer my bestie
If you have a close-knit circle of friends in the workplace, it can be common that they distance themselves once it has been announced that you are leaving. You may not get invited to after‑work drinks or that lunch time coffee. It is important not to take this personally as you do not know their situation and the love (or lack of it) that they have for their current role. They may also be suffering from the green-eyed monster if you are moving on to bigger and better things. Your closest colleagues may also wish to lay the ground work from themselves to build new relationships with people in the workplace once you leave.
Sandra from accounts wishes you luck
You will be inundated with well-wishers and emails from colleagues that ‘have just got the news’. It may get a little boring and repetitive and you may not even know these people, but it is always best to be polite and just say thank you.
You second guess yourself
Moving on to another role is a nerve-wracking time and there are lots of factors to consider. Even after you submit your resignation it is expected that you will second guess yourself and wonder if you have made the right decision, especially as you are bound to feel like your new job is all you talk about. It is wise to write a few positive reasons with regards to why you are leaving your current role and what attracted you to your new position.
I am a stalker
As you prepare for your new workplace you will more than likely find yourself frequently visiting their website as well as following your new colleagues on LinkedIn. It is great to get to know your new colleagues before you start but it is important not to make any assumptions about them. Even more importantly, it is probably best to view their profiles in private mode so that they also do not make any assumptions about you.
So, what are you doing?
Once you have handed in your notice, be prepared to answer the question of ‘so what are you doing now?’ It is human nature to wonder what your colleagues are going on to do. Here, it’s best to keep your answer short and sweet as to not invite more questions that you may not wish to answer, especially if the conversation edges towards the possibility of an increase in salary.
Your replacement
You will certainly hear all about the applications for your replacement. You may also see applicants dropping by for interviews. Ensure that you always stay positive and not ask too many questions on how the interview went. This can portray a sense that you are regretting your decision. In the same stead, do not take it personally if your workplace decides to not replace you or modify your role. Your team may take this opportunity to restructure and try a different approach to their workings.
Would you stay?
The question of would you stay is bound to be asked by many. If it is asked by a person of authority who holds the power to issue an official counter offer, then it is a question to that should be taken seriously and one that you should think about before you even submit your resignation. If the question is asked by colleagues that you do not hold an extensive relationship with, then it is best to draft an inoffensive and somewhat bland answer to avoid becoming office gossip.
A motivation reboot
Chances are that before you resign you are feeling a little uninterested in work and just going through the motions. Officially handing in your notice can reboot your motivation to make positive changes in your life. Embrace your new enthusiasm and complete all the necessary tasks to put you in good stead for your new role.
I am in handover hell
Completing a handover is a necessary but time-consuming task. However, stressful and laborious it may be, ensure that your handover is as detailed as possible. It is always wise to leave your previous role as seamlessly as possible.
Last day awks
The final day of a job can be a little weird. Most of the time you are tying up loose ends whilst saying your goodbyes. Always ensure that you say goodbye to everyone and pass on future contact details.
