I’ve written in a previous post that I’m leaving my current work – that was almost two weeks ago. In the last two weeks, I’ve been re-learning how to say “goodbye” properly, without offending anybody. I’ve simply just outgrown my current job and I’m looking at some growth. (I mean, it’s not everyday that you quit a job, am I right?)

So how exactly is the process done? This is my 5-step guide to flying to a different nest gracefully.

Tell Your Boss – In the corporate world, everyone has a boss. Your bosses have bosses, and they have bosses too, (well, the board) so why go over your boss/manager’s authority over you? However you love and, or, hate your boss, he is still your immediate superior. Tell him (or her) your plans on leaving, and, if the reason’s negative, you could leave that out, or be vague about it. In a workplace, the fastest rumors that spread are ones of resignation and pregnancy – I’m pretty sure your immediate superior would like to be in the know first, before office gossip sets in. Write A Resignation Letter – Even if you just tell your boss that you quit, the job doesn’t end there. There’s still paperwork to be done after. I mean, you COULD just walk away, but you lose your paperwork and your last pay. Plus, you don’t know the reaches of the important people in the office have – they may have means to stop you from getting a different job.

Exit Interview – When you quit a job, there’s usually an exit interview, involving your boss and his boss – they’ll ask you how to better improve the way things are done, the reason why you’re leaving, and where you’ll be transferring. It’s never easy to refrain from saying the worst things you hate, but remember to be civil. You’ll still be asking for a recommendation letter from your boss, plus, you really can’t put in an angry ex-boss in your reference.

Turnover – Preparing turnover stuff is never easy – but it’s a must to get clearance to leave the job. Is there any one who could do your duties while they look for a replacement? You’re actually not required to stay until they find someone, just make sure you’ve taught everything you know before you move on. Imagine, the work you just had has probably taught you new things, so consider this as a time to pass on what you know.

Saying Farewell – Write a proper email for the company email. Usually, in smaller offices where employees number in less than a hundred, you’re bound to have touched the lives of each one in some small way, so acknowledge things that you’ve worked on together. Thank the company for being good to you, and keep it short – it’s probably going to be the last email you send out to company people. Leave in the means for how you could be reached, should they need your help in the future. Make it casual, just in-between professional and personal, no need to write in the time you and that girl from sales made some small talk in the break room.

So there. You have two weeks to do all that. I suggest planning things first, since my list is based on personal experience, I took my sweet time enjoying the lessened load, when I should’ve been making my turnover files. Now I see myself still going back-and-forth the office, fixing my clearance. Cheers and good luck on the new job!