Letters of Resignation
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In Brazil, we often only say something like "Tô saindo!" (which means "I'm leaving") or "Fui!" (which means "I'm gone!') :) And then we stare the shocking face of our boss (in my case, I'm the shocked boss). But no one write those letters... Yes, even I am blogging now!
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I hate changing jobs - it's always so awkward. I've been working for days on writing just the right termination letter, but it's really hard to do. May I have the benefit of the community's critique of my efforts thus far? Letter follows:
To: Nathan Michaels 20 December 2004 From: Roger Wright CC: Jason Michaels Otto Berg I regret to inform you that I have accepted an offer of employment from another company, and will be leaving your employ as of close of business January 4th, 2005. I use the term “regret” advisedly, as I truly enjoy working here. I love boats and watercraft, and have very much enjoyed having the opportunity to learn more about how they operate and how to repair them. I am not in any way disaffected, and would gladly return in the event that the new position proves to be less than ideal, but I’d have to be a complete fool to turn down an offer of twice the income, full benefits, and significant technical challenge. The timing could have been better; there is much to be done in my remaining two weeks, and the transition to new management has been disruptive to say the least. I wish that I could transfer my knowledge of retail management, POS systems, and inventory control to others in the two weeks remaining, but I think that Bruce has an excellent understanding of such systems – you’re in good hands there. There are a number of functions I have been performing to improve the profitability of the Parts department which must be continued by someone, and I plan to document them for you before I go. A few of them I was taught when I was hired; many more I discovered myself as I learned more about the Lightspeed POS system and worked with technical support to fine tune. It would be helpful if you could designate someone for me to train, preferably one who works on Mondays as some tasks cannot be done while we are open for business. I’m sorry to be leaving at this time, but I want to assure you that my decision is not related to the transition in management. I have been looking forward to working with you to help make Desert Recreation realize its full potential, and I will be watching and cheering from the sidelines as it grows. It has been a long 12 years for me, waiting for a position to appear that so closely matches my skills, and that is my sole reason for leaving. I have already turned down better offers from other boat shops because I so enjoy working with the Desert Rec team. I wish you the best of luck, and will be visiting regularly.IMO way to wordy. I perfer something like: To whom it may concern, I wish to terminate my employment on XXX. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely XXX If I want to explain my reasons for leaving, I do it face to face, not in a letter that will end up on file.
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I hate changing jobs - it's always so awkward. I've been working for days on writing just the right termination letter, but it's really hard to do. May I have the benefit of the community's critique of my efforts thus far? Letter follows:
To: Nathan Michaels 20 December 2004 From: Roger Wright CC: Jason Michaels Otto Berg I regret to inform you that I have accepted an offer of employment from another company, and will be leaving your employ as of close of business January 4th, 2005. I use the term “regret” advisedly, as I truly enjoy working here. I love boats and watercraft, and have very much enjoyed having the opportunity to learn more about how they operate and how to repair them. I am not in any way disaffected, and would gladly return in the event that the new position proves to be less than ideal, but I’d have to be a complete fool to turn down an offer of twice the income, full benefits, and significant technical challenge. The timing could have been better; there is much to be done in my remaining two weeks, and the transition to new management has been disruptive to say the least. I wish that I could transfer my knowledge of retail management, POS systems, and inventory control to others in the two weeks remaining, but I think that Bruce has an excellent understanding of such systems – you’re in good hands there. There are a number of functions I have been performing to improve the profitability of the Parts department which must be continued by someone, and I plan to document them for you before I go. A few of them I was taught when I was hired; many more I discovered myself as I learned more about the Lightspeed POS system and worked with technical support to fine tune. It would be helpful if you could designate someone for me to train, preferably one who works on Mondays as some tasks cannot be done while we are open for business. I’m sorry to be leaving at this time, but I want to assure you that my decision is not related to the transition in management. I have been looking forward to working with you to help make Desert Recreation realize its full potential, and I will be watching and cheering from the sidelines as it grows. It has been a long 12 years for me, waiting for a position to appear that so closely matches my skills, and that is my sole reason for leaving. I have already turned down better offers from other boat shops because I so enjoy working with the Desert Rec team. I wish you the best of luck, and will be visiting regularly.Roger, If this is a small "Mom and Pop" shop, and you've been "close" with your employer, then perhaps this kind of letter is more on par for the situation; however, if this is not the case, then make it matter of fact and to-the-point. There is much to "read" between the lines in long letters and words can become misconstrued. This is especially true since all the work you've been doing will be dumped on someone else ... You should never feel the need to explain and/or apologize for leaving a company. Companies do not have feelings; only people do ... don't mistake the two. FYI - good-luck with your new job, sounds like you're a very dedicated and hard working person; you will do great things. D.
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I hate changing jobs - it's always so awkward. I've been working for days on writing just the right termination letter, but it's really hard to do. May I have the benefit of the community's critique of my efforts thus far? Letter follows:
To: Nathan Michaels 20 December 2004 From: Roger Wright CC: Jason Michaels Otto Berg I regret to inform you that I have accepted an offer of employment from another company, and will be leaving your employ as of close of business January 4th, 2005. I use the term “regret” advisedly, as I truly enjoy working here. I love boats and watercraft, and have very much enjoyed having the opportunity to learn more about how they operate and how to repair them. I am not in any way disaffected, and would gladly return in the event that the new position proves to be less than ideal, but I’d have to be a complete fool to turn down an offer of twice the income, full benefits, and significant technical challenge. The timing could have been better; there is much to be done in my remaining two weeks, and the transition to new management has been disruptive to say the least. I wish that I could transfer my knowledge of retail management, POS systems, and inventory control to others in the two weeks remaining, but I think that Bruce has an excellent understanding of such systems – you’re in good hands there. There are a number of functions I have been performing to improve the profitability of the Parts department which must be continued by someone, and I plan to document them for you before I go. A few of them I was taught when I was hired; many more I discovered myself as I learned more about the Lightspeed POS system and worked with technical support to fine tune. It would be helpful if you could designate someone for me to train, preferably one who works on Mondays as some tasks cannot be done while we are open for business. I’m sorry to be leaving at this time, but I want to assure you that my decision is not related to the transition in management. I have been looking forward to working with you to help make Desert Recreation realize its full potential, and I will be watching and cheering from the sidelines as it grows. It has been a long 12 years for me, waiting for a position to appear that so closely matches my skills, and that is my sole reason for leaving. I have already turned down better offers from other boat shops because I so enjoy working with the Desert Rec team. I wish you the best of luck, and will be visiting regularly.As an employment counsellor friend of mine always says: "use the iceberg model." That is, leave the 90% they don't need to know unsaid. Just give 'em the 10% they need. The tone of your letter sounds as though you feel guilty for leaving. As an employer, I expect from my employees nothing more than what the original deal entailed: they work a given number of hours for me in exchange for the wage and benefits I pay them. That's it. Anything they choose to give me in addition to that is a perk for me but isn't expected or relied upon. The fact of the matter is you have every right to leave whenever you choose. They may be disappointed, but that's business. Enjoy your new job! Cheers, Drew.
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I hate changing jobs - it's always so awkward. I've been working for days on writing just the right termination letter, but it's really hard to do. May I have the benefit of the community's critique of my efforts thus far? Letter follows:
To: Nathan Michaels 20 December 2004 From: Roger Wright CC: Jason Michaels Otto Berg I regret to inform you that I have accepted an offer of employment from another company, and will be leaving your employ as of close of business January 4th, 2005. I use the term “regret” advisedly, as I truly enjoy working here. I love boats and watercraft, and have very much enjoyed having the opportunity to learn more about how they operate and how to repair them. I am not in any way disaffected, and would gladly return in the event that the new position proves to be less than ideal, but I’d have to be a complete fool to turn down an offer of twice the income, full benefits, and significant technical challenge. The timing could have been better; there is much to be done in my remaining two weeks, and the transition to new management has been disruptive to say the least. I wish that I could transfer my knowledge of retail management, POS systems, and inventory control to others in the two weeks remaining, but I think that Bruce has an excellent understanding of such systems – you’re in good hands there. There are a number of functions I have been performing to improve the profitability of the Parts department which must be continued by someone, and I plan to document them for you before I go. A few of them I was taught when I was hired; many more I discovered myself as I learned more about the Lightspeed POS system and worked with technical support to fine tune. It would be helpful if you could designate someone for me to train, preferably one who works on Mondays as some tasks cannot be done while we are open for business. I’m sorry to be leaving at this time, but I want to assure you that my decision is not related to the transition in management. I have been looking forward to working with you to help make Desert Recreation realize its full potential, and I will be watching and cheering from the sidelines as it grows. It has been a long 12 years for me, waiting for a position to appear that so closely matches my skills, and that is my sole reason for leaving. I have already turned down better offers from other boat shops because I so enjoy working with the Desert Rec team. I wish you the best of luck, and will be visiting regularly.Roger Wright wrote: Roger Wright Whatcha think? Much too formal. Go to the record store or download a copy of Johnny Paychecks "Take This Job and Shove It" and send it to them with a brief note as follows. "Its been Good and its been Real but it ain't been real good - Bye Yall". Richard "Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer --Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)
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It's a lovely letter but I would not use it as the official resignation letter. Make the resignation letter short and direct. Don't apologise in it, don't explain and don't tell them about the benefits of the new position. Don't mention any of your current co-workers in a resignation letter or suggest further methods of business. I-Resign has some good letters, I used the No Written Contract one when I left Bluegrass. Give them one of those as the official letter and then once accepted give them this letter as one friend to another and in no official capacity. I know it is harsh and you wan't to do the right thing but keeping it simple and free from any legal loopholes is the right thing for yourself and ultimately them. Superiors can react strangely to the resignation of a favoured worker. Play it safe and don't endanger the chances of starting the new job. Do give them this letter at some point, just not as the resignation letter IMO. All the best, Roger. regards, Paul Watson South Africa The Code Project Pope Pius II said "The only prescription is more cowbell. "
I agree with Paul here, but I wouldn't even put some of these sentiments down on paper. I especially would avoid suggesting (two times) that you might like to come back if the other place doesn't pan out. That will give you a weak hand in the even it does occur. Instead I'd do the simple official letter as Paul suggests and save all the rest for verbal discussion. To preface the verbal discussion, you might merely have an invitation to discuss what things they'd like you to do in your final few weeks (who to train, etc.). Also, the part about the twelve torturous years of waiting for a better opportunity to appear probably is a bit of rubbing salt in the wound and that doesn't jibe well with the suggestions of expecting welcoming arms if it falls through. Keep the written records official and simple and leave the rest for discussion. Preferably over a :beer: ;) Matt Gerrans
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Roger Wright wrote: Roger Wright Whatcha think? Much too formal. Go to the record store or download a copy of Johnny Paychecks "Take This Job and Shove It" and send it to them with a brief note as follows. "Its been Good and its been Real but it ain't been real good - Bye Yall". Richard "Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer --Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)
:laugh::laugh::laugh: Great idea, but I did it my way. "If it's Snowbird season, why can't we shoot them?" - Overheard in a bar in Bullhead City
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I hate changing jobs - it's always so awkward. I've been working for days on writing just the right termination letter, but it's really hard to do. May I have the benefit of the community's critique of my efforts thus far? Letter follows:
To: Nathan Michaels 20 December 2004 From: Roger Wright CC: Jason Michaels Otto Berg I regret to inform you that I have accepted an offer of employment from another company, and will be leaving your employ as of close of business January 4th, 2005. I use the term “regret” advisedly, as I truly enjoy working here. I love boats and watercraft, and have very much enjoyed having the opportunity to learn more about how they operate and how to repair them. I am not in any way disaffected, and would gladly return in the event that the new position proves to be less than ideal, but I’d have to be a complete fool to turn down an offer of twice the income, full benefits, and significant technical challenge. The timing could have been better; there is much to be done in my remaining two weeks, and the transition to new management has been disruptive to say the least. I wish that I could transfer my knowledge of retail management, POS systems, and inventory control to others in the two weeks remaining, but I think that Bruce has an excellent understanding of such systems – you’re in good hands there. There are a number of functions I have been performing to improve the profitability of the Parts department which must be continued by someone, and I plan to document them for you before I go. A few of them I was taught when I was hired; many more I discovered myself as I learned more about the Lightspeed POS system and worked with technical support to fine tune. It would be helpful if you could designate someone for me to train, preferably one who works on Mondays as some tasks cannot be done while we are open for business. I’m sorry to be leaving at this time, but I want to assure you that my decision is not related to the transition in management. I have been looking forward to working with you to help make Desert Recreation realize its full potential, and I will be watching and cheering from the sidelines as it grows. It has been a long 12 years for me, waiting for a position to appear that so closely matches my skills, and that is my sole reason for leaving. I have already turned down better offers from other boat shops because I so enjoy working with the Desert Rec team. I wish you the best of luck, and will be visiting regularly.I read your fine advice, made a few changes, but left it in my style. They took it well - the GM's wife even asked "Why did it take you so long?" I guess she read my resume; no one else has. While I think they've made some seriously boneheaded moves during the takeover, I actually think they'll be assets to the town, and that with seasoning, they may well turn the business around and thrive. They're not stupid, just inexperienced and guided by a relative who's been "managing" things until they get moved into this city; his rep is less than glowing. Thanks again, everyone!:-D "If it's Snowbird season, why can't we shoot them?" - Overheard in a bar in Bullhead City
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I hate changing jobs - it's always so awkward. I've been working for days on writing just the right termination letter, but it's really hard to do. May I have the benefit of the community's critique of my efforts thus far? Letter follows:
To: Nathan Michaels 20 December 2004 From: Roger Wright CC: Jason Michaels Otto Berg I regret to inform you that I have accepted an offer of employment from another company, and will be leaving your employ as of close of business January 4th, 2005. I use the term “regret” advisedly, as I truly enjoy working here. I love boats and watercraft, and have very much enjoyed having the opportunity to learn more about how they operate and how to repair them. I am not in any way disaffected, and would gladly return in the event that the new position proves to be less than ideal, but I’d have to be a complete fool to turn down an offer of twice the income, full benefits, and significant technical challenge. The timing could have been better; there is much to be done in my remaining two weeks, and the transition to new management has been disruptive to say the least. I wish that I could transfer my knowledge of retail management, POS systems, and inventory control to others in the two weeks remaining, but I think that Bruce has an excellent understanding of such systems – you’re in good hands there. There are a number of functions I have been performing to improve the profitability of the Parts department which must be continued by someone, and I plan to document them for you before I go. A few of them I was taught when I was hired; many more I discovered myself as I learned more about the Lightspeed POS system and worked with technical support to fine tune. It would be helpful if you could designate someone for me to train, preferably one who works on Mondays as some tasks cannot be done while we are open for business. I’m sorry to be leaving at this time, but I want to assure you that my decision is not related to the transition in management. I have been looking forward to working with you to help make Desert Recreation realize its full potential, and I will be watching and cheering from the sidelines as it grows. It has been a long 12 years for me, waiting for a position to appear that so closely matches my skills, and that is my sole reason for leaving. I have already turned down better offers from other boat shops because I so enjoy working with the Desert Rec team. I wish you the best of luck, and will be visiting regularly.I resigned today with this and it did the job Alan, As discussed I wish to resign from my position with Velocity Systems International as I am moving overseas. My final day will be Friday the 28th of January 2005. I will do my up most to transfer as much knowledge as possible in the mean time. Regards, Josh Gray
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I resigned today with this and it did the job Alan, As discussed I wish to resign from my position with Velocity Systems International as I am moving overseas. My final day will be Friday the 28th of January 2005. I will do my up most to transfer as much knowledge as possible in the mean time. Regards, Josh Gray
Nicely succinct. Well done!:-D Mine was a bit more wordy, but it went over well. The management folks expressed genuine delight that I had, at long last, found employment that that seems to match my skills. They seem to be actually cheering for me - totally unexpected - and have made it clear to me that I will be welcomed back if things don't work out. That's a nice, fuzzy feeling when making a change of employment...:-D "If it's Snowbird season, why can't we shoot them?" - Overheard in a bar in Bullhead City