APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY | AMAZON
Episode #103
Here’s the short version. To listen to the full episode, click on the play button above!
What is the one thing all aspiring entrepreneurs fantasise about?
Finally resigning from their job and leaving the employee world behind. They no longer have to follow any company rules or deal with office politics and finally have the freedom to call the shots as their own boss.
But what a lot of them don’t do is think about exactly what they will say, how they will break the news and what kind of impression they want to leave. That is a mistake!
Because how you resign is really your first act as your own boss, as a free agent who is in control of your own destiny. Will you leave with gravitas and confidence, or will you burn the house down behind you?!
Being classy, confident and stylish with your exit is a far better strategy then the fleeting gain of having your say, and can reap rewards in the future for your business.
Resigning is not just the act of giving in a letter or sending an email. It’s the whole process from deciding now is the time to act, to walking out that office door for the last time. But why is it so important to have a classy exit?
When you go full-time in your business you’ll see that reputation and growing your network are super important. Even if you are not planning to provide a product or service in the industry that you worked in, it’s a surprisingly small world. It’s surprising how things get out, and if you decide to act in a way that is ungraceful you might find it follows you. But having a wide network of people who respect and appreciate your professionalism, and classy behaviour certainly will help your business.
THE DECISION
This is when you are deciding if the time is right and if you are truly ready to reign. If you have a business already launched that you are running alongside your job, the timing will usually be when you start making enough to cover your bills and expenses without your salary.
If you can’t launch anything while working then it will be when you’ve saved at least 6 months' salary or have a partner that can support you as you build your business.
You also need to be sure mentally that you are ready to take the step to entrepreneurship. You should be confident in your decision and excited to get going.
THE MEETING
The next phase is the actual resignation. This is where you can really show class and confidence in how you end your relationship with the company.
This begins with letting your immediate boss know about your decision before anyone else in the organisation. No matter how close you may be with your colleagues, it's crucial that your boss doesn't hear the news secondhand.
Ask to speak with them face to face, or if they are in a different country or an in-person meeting is not possible then book a video call with them.
Even if you think your resignation will be pretty straightforward and you have a good relationship with your manager, before the meeting you should think about HOW you are going to word your resignation. Make it clear and concise, and easy to remember.
When you are in the meeting with your manager, repeat what you have rehearsed, answer any questions and be clear and confident about your new business and what you want to do. Be enthusiastic and ready to answer questions about it. You want to leave your manager with the impression of a confident and in-control entrepreneur excited about their new adventure.
THE LETTER
You’ll need to follow up your meeting with a letter confirming your resignation.
This is a formal document, like your contract of employment, so it should be succinct and straightforward. It should explain your resignation and confirm the notice period but not much more.
You can if you want add a line thanking the company for the opportunities you've had and the experiences you've gained. Regardless of your feelings towards the job or company, gratitude is always a nice touch.
LEAVING WITH CLASS
The final phase is the time from the resignation to your leaving date.
As an employee, you are only important until your resignation letter hits the desk. That means when you have resigned, for whatever time you have whether it’s 2 weeks or 6 months, you have to decide what role you will play. It’s a bit of a balancing act to be seen to be fair and flexible, to do what’s needed of you but not give 100%. If you are someone that is naturally helpful, you might find you have to stop yourself offering to take on extra tasks to help with the handover. You won’t get any thanks for it and you’re just taking from your own energy supply. But you still need to be seen to be working with management to create a smooth handover.
Your last day in the office is when you can really show your manager, colleagues and senior management that you’re a class act. Make sure you go out on a high with simple gestures that will be remembered.
Show grace by thanking those you’ve worked with closely.
- Take those colleagues you valued most out for coffee or lunch.
- Buy small gifts for the reception staff, and your PA if you have one.
- Email those people and teams that you worked with or who have helped you out most and bespoke the message to whoever they are.
- Bring in a cake or other office favourites as a goodbye gesture.
All the while, tell people enthusiastically about your new business and what your plans are. You never know when someone could be a future client to know someone who will be a future client.
The aim is to authentically thank those you worked with but also to leave a feeling of positivity and goodwill about you and your time with the company.
THE BOTTOM LINE IS…
You're embarking on an exciting new phase of your professional life, so why not start it off with confidence, respect, and style? Your resignation process is a crucial step in this journey, and by handling it correctly, you can ensure a positive impact on your future business endeavours. As the CEO of your own business, you are now in the driver's seat, and every decision you make – including how you resign – sets the tone for your future.
It's time to embrace the opportunities that await you and build the future you've always envisioned for yourself.
Now, I would absolutely love to hear if this resonates with you. If you have questions or want to chat about anything we discussed, don't hesitate to reach out! You can email me at [email protected], slide into my DMs on Instagram @nichola.ohara, or even book a 1:1 call with me by going to nicholaohara.com/book-a-call.
>>FREE COURSE<< If you're feeling stuck and uncertain about what to do next in your working life, be sure to check out my free course "How to Decide Your Next Move." I guide you through the simple steps you need to take to get crystal clear on what you will do next in life, beyond the 9 to 5.
