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For the past few months, I’ve shared a series of blog posts for those struggling in their current job but can’t leave yet for a new one. Now, I want to share how you can quit your job professionally and correctly when the time is right, so you can safeguard your career and your personal brand.
When I quit my job
When I left my career services job at a university in North Carolina to relocate to Nashville, I was pleasantly surprised by the going-away party my supervisor threw for me.
It was almost like a retirement party, allowing me the opportunity to say goodbye to the people I had worked with across campus. My boss even had it catered to include all my favorite foods!
In my parting words, I remember saying, “You know you’ve worked for a good boss and a good organization when it’s hard to say goodbye.”
Because of this, I felt like I owed it to everyone (my supervisor, my counterparts, and my students) to be intentional in how I made my exit.
I wanted to see a major event I’d previously been planning through to the end, which I did. I refused to leave before this project was completed, because I didn’t want to put the burden on someone else to finish what I had started.
However, there was some risk in doing this. When I got the offer for my next job in Nashville, my new employer wanted me to start right away. But, the event I’d been planning was still two months away. They weren’t real excited about having to wait so long to fill their empty position.
However, when I explained to them how this same loyalty and courtesy to my current employer would transfer to my next employer, they understood and appreciated it. In fact, it made them want to have me on their staff even more.
I have other examples of times when I’ve quit well, like when I switched departments at one university and worked both jobs for 6 weeks, just to ensure my replacement was well-trained and well-equipped to take over the role for a smooth transition.
And, of course in my younger days, I also had some poor examples of how I left a job.
How to quit your job well
People watch, people talk, and people remember how you quit your job. The good, the bad, and the ugly all play a part in the networking process.
While it can be tempting to act on temporary emotions such as hurt, anger, and frustration, doing so can have a long-lasting negative impact on your career trajectory.
But there are things you can do to protect your brand and reputation, especially if you’re changing jobs within the same industry or career path.
1. Keep your emotions under control
When you quit your job, it can stir up a lot of emotions: frustration, relief, sadness, even excitement for what’s next. This is perfectly normal.
But in order to quit your job well, the goal is to keep those emotions in check. This doesn’t mean you have to be a robot. It means choosing professionalism over venting.
Stay calm, professional, and brief in your conversations. You don’t have to over-explain your reason for leaving, and you don’t have to apologize for it.
Save the venting for after you’ve left. You’ll be remembered for how gracefully you handled your departure—not for any last-minute drama.
2. Give enough notice
Understand and know what your company’s policy is on giving notice.
For example, when I left my job in the career center at Vanderbilt University to start my own business, I wanted to keep the door open in case my business didn’t pan out and I needed to return someday.
Their policy clearly stated if I ever wanted to work there again as a salaried employee, I would need to give at least 30 days notice, so I planned accordingly. You should do the same.
Also, be prepared for a possible dismissal sooner than your notice is up, perhaps even the same day you give it. There are companies who will react to your notice this way, but you can only control your own reactions and plans.
3. Make the transition smooth
Giving enough notice doesn’t just apply to the amount of time you agree to stay before exiting. It also has to do with ensuring your transition out will be as smooth as possible for your employer and co-workers.
Examples of this include:
- Documenting key processes, login information, and ongoing project details.
- Offering to train your replacement or brief your team on outstanding items.
- Leaving your new contact info in case questions arise after your departure.
4. Offer constructive feedback
If your company asks you to participate in an exit interview, resist the urge to unload every complaint. This isn’t the time for a vent session. Instead, it’s your chance to leave behind something valuable.
Think about feedback in terms of solutions, not problems. For example, instead of saying, “Management never communicates,” you might say, “Weekly team check-ins could help improve communication and alignment.” This small shift makes your feedback easier to hear and more likely to be acted on.
Constructive feedback allows you to quit your job with integrity and influence, leaving a positive impression while also helping the colleagues you leave behind.
5. Manage digital footprints
When you quit your job, you’re not just walking away from a desk, you’re also leaving behind a digital trail. Cleaning up this trail is a small but powerful way to protect your personal brand.
Start with the basics:
- Remove any personal files from your work computer.
- Back up what belongs to you, and delete the rest.
- Clear your browser history and log out of personal accounts.
- Set a polite out-of-office message directing people to the right contact in your absence.
Also, don’t forget your online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your transition, and share a forward-looking post, if appropriate. This signals to your network you’re moving on with professionalism and intention.
6. Express gratitude
No matter what your experience was like, showing appreciation when you quit your job is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to protect your reputation. Gratitude leaves people remembering you for your professionalism and maturity.
This doesn’t have to be over-the-top. A short, genuine thank-you note or email to your manager and team goes a long way. Highlight something specific you’re grateful for, such as a skill you developed, a chance you were given, or a mentor who invested in you.
Even if your job wasn’t your favorite, there’s always something to be thankful for: the paycheck which carried you through a season, the experience that clarified what you don’t want in your next role, or the lessons learned from difficult moments.
Gratitude reframes your departure and helps you quit your job with dignity and positivity.
7. Stay in touch strategically
Just because you’re leaving a job doesn’t mean you have to leave your network behind. The relationships you’ve built with mentors and peers can be invaluable down the line. But staying in touch is about quality, not quantity.
Think of it as nurturing, not networking. A quick LinkedIn connection request with a personalized note, a congratulatory message when someone hits a milestone, or a coffee catch-up every few months can keep relationships alive without feeling forced. The key is to make it genuine and consistent.
Staying in touch strategically also includes knowing boundaries: you don’t need to keep up with everyone, just the mutually meaningful relationships. This approach keeps your professional circle active, and when opportunities arise, you’ll be remembered as someone who’s thoughtful, reliable, and easy to work with.
Conclusion
When you quit your job, it’s an opportunity to model professionalism and grace with your career and brand intact. How you exit can shape how colleagues, managers, and future employers remember you, so handle it thoughtfully.
If you’re at the point of leaving your current job and want guidance on doing it professionally and in a way that safeguards your career and personal brand, I can help. Schedule your complimentary consultation by completing the paNASH intake form. There’s no obligation—just support to help you quit your job well and find your next opportunity.
