Sticky situation:
I was very happy to read your Sticky situation blog: How and When to Quit in Seven Steps. It is a dear friend who took the time to send me the link because of my current Sticky Situation.
I have to quit a job to go to another. For both jobs, the current and the next, people around me have recommended me. It gets stickier; I have only been in my current job for less than a month. I am now wondering what excuse I should give my boss while still displaying integrity?
Due to a lack of training and supervision, the early days were extra tough on me. It is during that period that I was referred elsewhere, by my neighbour.
The new employer offers me more benefits. The office is closer to my home and I will not have to deal with crossing a bridge everyday. Now that everything is smoother in my current position, I'm really uncomfortable about the whole thing, especially with regards to my brother-in-law. He is the one who recommended me for the job that I want to leave.
I guess I could tell a story like, the commute is too long...
Solution(s):
Thank you for the trust you have confided in me.
Even if you only have a few hundred hours in your current position, you are wise to prepare your resignation. Do not make up an excuse, but rather leave without burning bridges. You never know whom you will encounter on your career path. There could be employees from your past positions.
Your new job opportunity has more professional and personal benefits. In accepting this position, you will have a better work-life balance. This is simply a better career opportunity.
Do not invent anything. Be authentic and professional. Start by informing your boss by requesting an in-person meeting. Begin by saying that what you have to say is not easy to hear. Acknowledge the efforts that he has recently made to integrate and keep you. Thank him. Tell him that during your weeks of adaptation, someone in your circle recommended you elsewhere. Add that the company is now offering you a job with more professional and personal benefits. Continue by stating that the decision was a difficult one and that for the long-term benefit of you career, you are resigning.
Having completed only a few weeks in this position, it is likely that your boss will ask you to leave immediately. In this case, accept and leave graciously. Do not apologize. If he does not ask you to leave on the spot, make sure that you are available to complete your projects and tasks.
After informing your boss, tell your brother-in-law. Do not fret about this conversation. If it weren't for him referring you to this first opportunity you would have never found this second, even better, opportunity. I am certain that he, and all the people in your network, only want what is best for you. Right? So be truthful and grateful. Again, start by saying you have something difficult to announce. Thank him for the help he has given you in finding employment. Explain that you have been offered another job and that this one will greatly improve your work and life balance.
Good luck in achieving the career of your dreams.
Have a Sticky Situation? Write to Julie and she will reply promptly. Want more Solutions to Sticky Situations? Like her fan page on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter or read Etiquette: Confidence & Credibility, now available for pre-order. Planning a conference? Customised business etiquette activities are available.
