The RIGHT Way to Resign

 

The RIGHT Way to Resign: Quit Your Job on Good Terms

By Who in the Zoo Recruitment

Resigning from a job can be tricky. There’s a right way and a wrong way, and how you leave can impact your reputation, relationships, and future opportunities.

Why This Matters

Australia is experiencing a talent shake-up. Many employees are considering leaving, while others remain disengaged.

  • Around 61% of Australian employees plan to change jobs this year

  • Yet only 7.7–9% actually changed employers in the 12 months to February 2025

This gap signals a lot of intent without action and potentially a lot of workplace friction.

Source: 9News, Perkbox, ABS, Australian Bureau of Statistics

What’s Driving Employees to Leave

  • Financial pressures: Cost-of-living stress has driven more people to seek new opportunities (up from 48% to over 60%)

  • Feeling underpaid or overlooked: 60% say a pay rise would make them stay

  • Seeking purpose and fulfillment: Some high-earners are leaving for values-driven careers

  • Quiet cracking: Hidden disengagement even among those not leaving

Common Pain Points

Employees often struggle with:

  • Fear of burning bridges or damaging professional reputation

  • Uncertainty about counter-offers or whether to stay if offered more

  • Feeling trapped between disengagement and the risks of change

  • Not knowing how to resign gracefully or transition responsibilities

Source: 9News, Information Age, News.com.au

The RIGHT Way to Resign (Step-by-Step)

  1. Give proper notice: 2–4 weeks (or as per company policy)

  2. Resign in person: Or via video call if remote

  3. State your resignation clearly: Include your final working day

  4. Express gratitude: Highlight positives even if moving on

  5. Offer transition support: Handover tasks, train colleagues, provide documentation

Bonus: Handle counter-offers with clarity—focus on long-term fit, not just salary.

Transition with Grace

  • Document key tasks, projects, and contacts

  • Train or brief successors, even informally

  • Tie up loose ends and leave on a positive note

  • Consider an exit meeting: honest but professional; it matters long after you’re gone

Final Impression Matters

Your last weeks shape your lasting reputation.
A graceful exit preserves relationships and your professional legacy.
How you leave can open doors, even when you think you’re closing one.

Thinking of Resigning?

Do it the right way. Protect your legacy, stay professional, and keep doors open.

Share this with a friend and comment with your tips!

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Jahzel Christi LamigComment