What happens after you resign

After deciding to move on from your current role, you will need to formally resign. This conversation can take many forms; ranging from a simple email through to a sit-down meeting involving many members of management. Once it’s done, what can you expect to happen next?

RELIEF

Initially, you will be overwhelmed with a sense of relief that the awkwardness, nerves and preparation running up to handing in your notice is finally over. You can relax! You won’t need to procrastinate over this again and the wheels will be set in motion for your departure.

PREPARE FOR A COUNTER-OFFER

If you are highly-valued within your team, you should be expecting a counter-offer. Accepting a counter-offer can seem like the easier option, but it isn’t always the right one. Check out our blog post here for some reasons why you shouldn’t accept a counter-offer. In order to prepare, you should have a set of criteria that would need to be addressed before you would be willing to rescind your resignation. If those terms are not met, it’s in your best interest to politely decline.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Once your counter-offer has been discussed (should you get one) the tricky matter of informing your peers and colleagues needs to be actioned. You should allow your management team to determine how this will be executed. Each organisation is different and whilst some companies prefer a blanket email approach, others may prefer to call a meeting and discuss verbally. In some instances, only key team members or management may be informed. During this time, it’s important to respect the wishes of your superiors as they will need to manage your departure.

CURIOSITY

Once people are informed of your departure, they will be curious to know what you are doing next. It may be tempting to tell them and even gloat about your upcoming departure. Proceed with caution. Jealousy can change people and departing on bad terms and burning bridges is not recommended. You may not have told your current employer where you are going next; should they find out; they may even use this as leverage to attempt to get you to stay.

HANDOVER PERIOD

The next phase of your resignation will involve your handover and working your notice period. Check out our blog post here for some tips on negotiating your notice period. You want to make sure that your team are given adequate time to prepare for your departure, but equally that your notice period is not so long it becomes a negative environment for all involved. During your handover, make sure you are as detailed and thorough as possible. This will help your colleagues in the long run, and make sure you leave on good terms.

It is never easy moving on from an organisation. There will be feelings of guilt, anxiety, sadness as well as excitement and there is always the danger of your organisation feeling resentful against you for departing. It is important to remain as composed as possible during this time. You never know when you might need this organisation again. Let us know your tips for a smooth transition at [email protected]