INTRODUCTION:

Welcome. You're reading a transcript on Links at Bain and Gray, a catalogue of podcasts centred on all things business support in the workplace. Our aim is to bring you interesting and relevant content that will keep you up to date and thriving in your role.

Tray: Today, we’re discussing a topic that can feel quite tricky. How to resign effectively.

Emily: Yes, it’s a funny one, isn’t it? Resigning is often awkward and something people think about for a while before acting.

Tray: Exactly. So, what do we actually mean by “resigning effectively”?

The Importance of Resigning in the Right Way

Emily: When I started thinking about this, I realised there’s a wealth of advice on how to land a job, but not nearly as much on how to resign properly. Yet, throughout your career, you’ll likely experience both. You can resign well or very badly. I’ve seen both, and the difference is significant. It’s also worth remembering: resigning can be stressful.

Tray: Absolutely. The build-up can be intense, especially if you’ve been with a company a long time. There’s loyalty involved.

I remember the very first person who resigned from Bain and Gray 15 years ago. I took it so personally! I was mortified. But the reality was she was a fantastic employee who simply wanted to develop her career, and we couldn’t offer what she needed. She left for all the right reasons.

Before You Decide to Resign

Tray: That really illustrates an important point. Make sure you’ve explored every opportunity within your current organisation before deciding to leave. Don’t resign without first having an open conversation with your boss about your career goals.

Emily: Absolutely. You need to be sure you’re not jumping ship for the wrong reasons. Check if there’s scope for development internally. Most companies would rather you speak up about your aspirations than leave without discussion. Good employers often support career moves, even if that means eventually moving on.

How to Approach Resignation

Emily: The first and most important thing is: have the conversation face-to-face. Please don’t just send an email or leave a letter on a desk, that feels so impersonal. Book a meeting with your line manager and explain your decision in person.

Tray: And before you do that, make sure you’re 100% clear on why you’re leaving and what your current organisation can’t offer you. If you’ve thought it through and your reasons are solid, then approach the conversation positively. Thank the company for what they’ve done for you, acknowledge how they’ve helped you grow.

Emily: Yes, be gracious. Whether you’ve been there for two years or ten, it’s been part of your career journey. Leave on good terms. You can share constructive feedback during an exit interview, that’s what it’s for. But keep the resignation conversation positive and professional.

After the meeting, follow up with a formal resignation letter. And here’s a golden rule: don’t resign until you have an offer in writing from your next employer. Never make the leap until it’s confirmed.

What To Do If You Get a Counteroffer?

Tray: What about when you’ve resigned and your company asks you to stay, maybe with a salary increase or new promises?

Emily: It happens often. My advice? Think very carefully. Go back to why you started looking in the first place. If your concerns weren’t addressed before, will they really change now?

Sometimes people are tempted by more money, but if nothing else changes like your role, your opportunities, or the culture, you might find yourself in the same position a few months later. Often, the grass isn’t greener.

Tray: Exactly. If your decision was thoughtful and based on solid reasons, don’t let a last-minute offer sway you, unless something genuinely new and exciting is on the table that addresses your original concerns. Otherwise, you risk delaying the inevitable.

Emily: And remember, people rarely leave a job just for money. It’s usually about career progression, culture, or work-life balance. Be professional, be kind, and stick to your values.

Final Thoughts

Tray: Thanks, Emily.

Emily: Thank you.