Resigning from a job is not an easy task. This doesn’t matter if it’s remote or traditional. It’s also harder if you’ve worked there for a long time. There’s a lot of emotional baggage that comes with leaving a job, especially when you have to resign from a remote job. Career decisions are not to be taken lightly or made on a whim- this is a clear-cut example of one of those decisions.
Resigning from a remote job is a lot different from traditional jobs. In a traditional work setting, you’d be required to walk into your boss’s office with a letter and tell them you’re resigning and would be putting in your two weeks. That conversation can go a lot of ways depending on an unlimited number of reasons. If you’re lucky, they may host a good-bye party for you. Luck there depending on your personality, to some people, the lack of a goodbye party is often a relief.
As much as the world has grown when it comes to working remotely, doing it virtually is still a bit strange. Resigning from a remote job is almost the same process as a traditional job if you take out the virtuality of it all.
Before leaving a remote job, you need to make sure you’ve planned out your moves and you’re not making moves without giving them proper thought.
Here are some things to keep in mind when leaving a remote job.
How to Resign from a Remote Job: General Practices
There’s a right and wrong way to resign from a remote job. The wrong way can cause animosity between you and your boss or immediate supervisor, and this can be detrimental if you hope to go to them to give you a recommendation for your next job.
Remember, Professionalism is Key
You’d want to keep that in mind when resigning from a remote job. Being professional and cordial is important when you’re leaving a position. After deciding to resign from a remote job, the first thing to do is to schedule a meeting with your supervisor or your boss. But it’s advisable to start with your immediate employer and slowly walk your way up the ladder if there’s any need to. In some cases, discussing with your immediate supervisor is enough if you don’t have a direct line to other more superior channels.
The best way to resign from your remote job is to schedule a meeting with your boss. Since the option of walking into their office is removed, you’ll need to either schedule a phone or video call. It’s advisable to go with the first option unless you don’t have a lot of video calls then a phone call would suffice.
In the phone call, you may be asked questions based on why you’re resigning and, in some cases, you may be given a counter offer. While this is your decision to make our advice would be to decline this offer regardless of how inviting it may seem. You had a reason for deciding to resign and you should not be dissuaded.
After the phone call, it’s also important that you send an email for documentation purposes, stating you’re going to do your two weeks (or as stated in your employee agreement).
In your final two weeks, make sure you handle all pending tasks and not take up any extra tasks that may keep you longer than your intended two weeks.
Be Concise when Explaining Your Reasons for Leaving
When resigning from your remote job, you may be asked why you’re leaving. This can come in any medium or form. What’s important is that you’re prepared for the question. It shouldn’t catch you off-guard.
When explaining your reason for resigning, make sure to be as concise as possible. If you’re leaving because of how unfairly you were treated or any grievances you’ve had (that wasn’t properly addressed before), this is not the time to lay them out. This is because your boss may attempt trying to smoothen it over or address the problem and if you’re resigning, you’re not looking for any resolutions.
It’s best to gloss over this question with something along the lines of, ”Trying out new things.” Or “Other growth opportunities” and the likes. Do not be baited to explain the real reason behind your departure. Make sure you’re professional, empathetic and express gratitude for all the time you spent there.
State When You’ll Official Leave
This is when your notice ends. Before resigning from a remote job or a traditional one, you’re required to give a two weeks notice. In your email, phone call or video call, it’s important to make sure the date is clearly stated. This clears any doubts and also saves you from future confusion.
How to Write a Resignation Email to Resign from Your Remote Job
Before sending an email, it’s best to have had a proper conversation about the subject of you resigning from your remote job. If your company has very little to no real-time conversations, then it’s okay to just send an email.
This email must be sent to your direct supervisor, but do not neglect to CC other people that should be aware of your departure. An example of this is the head of Human Resources, etc.
Write only what they need to know and nothing else.
An email resigning from your remote job is a formal letter and it doesn’t need to be anything more than that. A resignation email should contain necessary details such as your last day, pending projects you need to wrap up before leaving and express thanks for the time you spent in the company.
Your resignation email should be short as you’re entirely in control. Unlike a phone call where you’re not sure what turn the conversation is going to take, with an email, you’re in control of all the turns. This means your email resigning from a remote job should contain only what you want the company to know relating to your time there and your pending tasks. Nothing else.
Your resignation email will most likely be read by more people than the ones you sent it to. This is why you want to make sure your email doesn’t sound or come off disrespectful. Even if you have a lot of opinions about your boss and how they handled issues, a resignation email is not the place to do that. You shouldn’t send anything that will mar everything you’ve done there and the time you’ve spent there. A resignation email is not the avenue for you to take shots at everyone that’s ever done anything wrong to you.
How to Resign from a Remote Job Over the Phone
Phone calls have the propensity to deviate from the main reason behind them. You have to take note of this and make sure it doesn’t happen.
Before getting on the phone to resign from your remote job, you must take note of what you’re going to say. If it makes it easier, write it down and practice beforehand. While preparing, you shouldn’t only practice what you’re going to say but practice answers in anticipation of the questions they’re going to ask. An example of these questions would be, “Why are you leaving?” and “Can we do anything else to change your mind?” These are examples of some of the questions you’re going to be asked. To ensure none of these questions catches you off guard, prepare for them and make sure you also know what you’re going to say beforehand.
When making this call, you want to make sure it’s a scheduled call. This helps you prepare for the call and sets a place where you’re able to concentrate and are free from any distractions.
How to Resign from a Remote Job on Video Calling Channels
The secret to doing video calls properly, especially when resigning from your remote job is to treat it as if it were a traditional in-person meeting. As with the phone call, make sure you create a note, whether mental or physical concerning what you’re going to say in the meeting.
It’s important to feel confident and be as professional as possible. If you’re going to have problems remembering your talking points, you could use a notepad to highlight these talking points.
Conclusion
It’s often difficult to keep working with the same focus after you give your notice. While you’re still giving your two weeks, you must continue to work with the same professionalism as though you weren’t leaving. If you have any pending commitments, be sure to clear out all of them.
Resigning from a job is no easy task. It’s also very important to give yourself grace and remember to take it a step at a time.
This is a great read, Jim, and you’ve focused on the process and this is a great way to ensure you don’t burn bridges. You never know when you need a professional referral or if a new, better opportunity comes up at your former employer. It’s always important to take the high road and leave on good terms. Stay professional, be brief and find ways to support as you head towards the exit. Remember, you are the one that is moving onward to bigger and better things!