Quitting Your Job the Right Way

Here’s how to leave your job without burning bridges.

Throw Them Deuces! - We all remember the woman who resigned from her job dancing to Kanye — it was hilarious. But we don’t recommend that you do that when you give your notice. Here’s how to leave your job with class and without burning bridges. By Kellee Terrell   (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images)

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Throw Them Deuces! - We all remember the woman who resigned from her job dancing to Kanye — it was hilarious. But we don’t recommend that you do that when you give your notice. Here’s how to leave your job with class and without burning bridges. By Kellee Terrell (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images)

Make Sure You Have a Job Waiting for You - It’s tempting to quit a job you hate without having a new job secured, but please resist the temptation. You may not qualify for unemployment or have any way to support yourself while looking. Plus, being broke doesn’t hurt your boss, it only hurts you. Try sticking it out until something else comes along.  (Photo: AMR Image/Getty Images)

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Make Sure You Have a Job Waiting for You - It’s tempting to quit a job you hate without having a new job secured, but please resist the temptation. You may not qualify for unemployment or have any way to support yourself while looking. Plus, being broke doesn’t hurt your boss, it only hurts you. Try sticking it out until something else comes along. (Photo: AMR Image/Getty Images)

Give Notice With a Professional Letter - Quitting via email or text is tacky and unprofessional. Instead, writing a letter that gives adequate notice (two weeks) shows that you are mature. It also leaves a good impression, which is important because you never know when you might need them in the future. Also, make sure to make enough copies of your letter for all of your managers, including HR.   (Photo: Eric Thayer/Landov)

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Give Notice With a Professional Letter - Quitting via email or text is tacky and unprofessional. Instead, writing a letter that gives adequate notice (two weeks) shows that you are mature. It also leaves a good impression, which is important because you never know when you might need them in the future. Also, make sure to make enough copies of your letter for all of your managers, including HR. (Photo: Eric Thayer/Landov)

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Be Positive in That Letter - Even if your job was the absolute worst place on earth, be polite and thankful in your resignation letter. Remember: It’s all on the record. Also be careful about how much detail you go into why you are leaving — resist the temptation to shade or to be too emotional. (Photo: Jamie Grill/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Jamie Grill/Getty Images

Verify - The bill expands the E-Verify system and requires employers to confirm that prospective workers are legally eligible to work in the U.S. within three business days after an offer of employment has been accepted. They also must verify status using fraud- and identity-theft resistant documents.  (Photo: Chris Ryan/Getty Images)

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Meet Face-to-Face With Your Manager - Schedule some face time with your managers to speak with them about your desire to move on and to present them with your letter. This may be a better time to be more honest about why you are leaving, but only do so if you trust someone in HR or your manager. (Photo: Chris Ryan/Getty Images)

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Know What You Are Entitled To - Make sure you talk to HR about unused vacation days, sick days, 401K, health insurance, last paycheck and other financial concerns to make sure you get what you are owed and are not in the dark about your money.    (Photo: suedhang/cultura/Corbis)

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Know What You Are Entitled To - Make sure you talk to HR about unused vacation days, sick days, 401K, health insurance, last paycheck and other financial concerns to make sure you get what you are owed and are not in the dark about your money.  (Photo: suedhang/cultura/Corbis)

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Ask for a Reference Before You Leave - Having people speak highly of you is important, so make sure you get a reference as you move on with your career. It doesn’t have to be your direct manager, but someone who is senior at your job. (Photo: Tetra Images/Getty Images)

He’s Sooooo Busy at Work  - He could be using work as a cover to go out with the side chick. Or the side chick could be in his office; studies say that 60% of affairs start at work.  (Photo: Inti St Clair / Getty Images)

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Set Your Co-workers Up for Success - It’s so tempting to just be like, “Girl, bye, you’re on your own,” but don’t do it. Tie up any loose ends and pass along any files or contacts that are crucial for your team to continue their work. Also, talk to your manager about a work exit strategy — they will greatly appreciate it.  (Photo: Inti St Clair/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Inti St Clair / Getty Images

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Don’t Tell Anyone Else You're Quitting - People love to gossip, so it’s best to keep your resignation under wraps until you announce it to your bosses. This is important to maintain professionalism, real talk: No one should steal your moment to shock your bosses that you are leaving (if that’s your goal). (Photo: MGP/Getty Images)

Photo By MGP/Getty Images

It’s OK to Move On - Yes, be polite and professional, but when it comes to moving on, try not to feel guilty or apologize for making the decision to move on. This is your life, so go and live out your true potential, making the money you believe you deserve.   (Photo: Eric O'Connell/Getty Images)

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It’s OK to Move On - Yes, be polite and professional, but when it comes to moving on, try not to feel guilty or apologize for making the decision to move on. This is your life, so go and live out your true potential, making the money you believe you deserve. (Photo: Eric O'Connell/Getty Images)