Hi OzBargain,
I've been offered a new position within a company and I wanted to ask the community's advice on the best way to resign.
I currently work within Marketing at a large franchise company. I've been in this job since I finished my degree 3.5 years ago. I've enjoyed some aspects of the job but there's a feeling now that I've outgrown my role and this has been reflected in my salary. I have a good relationship with my Manager (CEO of company) which makes this even harder.
There's no way they could match the offer I have with this new company (25k salary increase, work from home, international travel and commission of business revenue) truth be told one of the directors is a family member and i've done work with the company before and it's a great fit for both parties.
Along with this my wife is about the finish her medical degree and is a BMS student meaning she is required to practice is a rural community for up to 5 years. With this position I will be able to maintain my career and a good salary.
The company I work for now has recently (2 weeks ago) put a manager directly in my department who I report to. I know this news will come as a shock to everyone and they might be angry that i'm leaving.
Questions:
- Who do I need to speak to first? The CEO or the direct manager?
- What's the best way of doing this? Setting up a meeting with his EA? What do I say the meeting is about?
- I can give my current company up to 4 weeks notice - should I mention this?
- How do I open the conversion, it's going to be out of nowhere and feel like i've just told a parent his child has passed.
This is the first time i've had to do this so appreciate everyones input.
Are there procedures in place that dictate who you should be notifying first? If not, I think your direct manager should be informed first, and followed by the CEO you have been reporting to previously.
I would have the conversation with the current manager first (in the absence of an express policy), followed by a request for a meeting with the previous manager/CEO saying that you have just had a chat with current manager about resigning and you would like, as a courtesy, to also have a chat to the CEO about it - either way, the CEO is going to find out right? But best to address it face to face, and not burn any bridges, given your good relationship with the CEO.
check your contract or company policy to see if there is a minimum notice period. If it is 4 weeks, then say you are giving your 4 week notice effective immediately with your final day being a X date. Have something typed up too so you communicate this verbally AND in writing.
Never ever feel bad about resigning, I was like this too but it's just business at the end of the day. Just got to do it - do it professionally and adopt a firm but nice manner. You will probably get asked why so be prepared for that. Yes, people resigning will always inconvenience the company they're leaving to a certain extent, but you won't be the first person to do it, and that's what the notice period is for. Serve your notice period, do what you can to minimise issues as a consequence of your resignation, and leave with your integrity and professional reputation intact.