Resignation rates reached record highs in the UK last year, signalling a significant shift in the job market landscape. What does this uplift show us? One key message that we can deduce from this fact is that employees are more comfortable with the prospect of leaving a job, prioritising their progression and values over staying in a workplace that doesn’t serve either of these factors.
With this in mind, and drawing on our own first-hand experiences with candidates, we’re going to explore the process of knowing when to leave a job, and doing so the ‘right’ way - listing some essential ‘dos and don’ts’ to.
Knowing when to leave a job
Knowing when to leave a job isn’t always a million dollar question, but for many, it can still be a tough call to make. As an employee, you could be faced with clear signs that indicate it might be time for you to move on, but sometimes, arriving at this conclusion requires some deeper thinking. We’ve rounded up some of the most common signs that it might be time to pursue your next move, and these include:
You’re experiencing career stagnation
Career stagnation can manifest in multiple ways, and it’s often overlooked as a sign that your role is no longer satisfying your professional needs. One scenario might be enduring countless performance reviews and setting new objectives, only to meet what’s expected of you without any form of recognition - false promises of promotion or new responsibilities often come part and parcel with this. In other examples, you might have watched those who were hired after you get promoted first, or you could simply be losing count of all of the new faces on Zoom calls or annual all hands.
In its simplest form, career stagnation takes the form of passive thoughts - you will likely wonder if you’re in the right role or not, every so often, but you won’t necessarily take action on these ideas.
You’ve seen behind the smoke and mirrors: toxic work environments
Many workplaces are great at luring in employees based on the false premise of having a positive company culture. The veil is only lifted when you’re months (or years) into the job, watching the same vicious cycles pan out, and you’re finally able to see the situation for what it is. When work culture becomes unbearable or toxic, it can start to affect your well-being and job satisfaction, contributing to extreme burn out in the worst examples.
Here are a few toxic workplace red flags to look out for:
Glorifying unsustainable hours - when it’s portrayed as admirable to work during your evenings or weekends.
Constantly going ‘above and beyond’ with limited recognition - and to the detriment of your own wellbeing.
Seeing the truth behind the ‘company benefits’ - some companies masquerade behind having a pool table in the office in place of access to a reliable health care scheme.
Almost 73% of professionals have left roles due to circumstances such as those we’ve listed above, so understanding why company culture matters is key in the recruitment sector.
You’ve got unfulfilled passions and goals
Sometimes, a shift in your own passions, objectives, and sense of purpose might lead to falling out of love with your current role - or even your entire career path. Changing your trajectory will allow you to focus on the things that drive a genuine sense of enthusiasm, so if you’ve been feeling disengaged from your current circumstances, then it might be time to reassess what it is that makes you tick.
The way employees are prioritising a need for self purpose has evolved rapidly since the pandemic. A recent survey found that 38% of people want to have a social impact in their job, with a further 49% of respondents citing the pandemic as a factor in their need for having a sense of purpose at work.
You’re experiencing life changes & you need more flexibility
Another post-covid shift that has reshaped the corporate world is the need for flexible working, and these requirements are a frequent factor on many resignation letters at the moment. While employers had no choice other than to accommodate for remote work during lockdown measures, it’s no longer an option for some workers. If you became accustomed to remote or hybrid (split between remote working time, and office hours) work during the pandemic, but your employer has reverted back to an office-first model, then you might come to the decision that this lack of flexibility doesn’t suit your lifestyle.
How to leave a job on good terms
So, your mind is made up, and you’ve accepted a new job offer. Leaving your current role on good terms is not only professionally responsible, but also a smart move for your long-term career. Here's some actionable tips for leaving a job gracefully:
Get clued up on your notice period
When you decide to leave your role, you’ll do so in line with your current notice period, and you’ll be able to find details on this in your employment contract. The typical UK notice period is a month, but factors such as how long you’ve been employed, accrued holidays and data sensitivity might impact the time frame you have between handing your resignation letter over and leaving the workplace. It’s good practice to find out how long your expected notice period will be when you let your current employer know that you’ll be leaving, and there will often be an opportunity to come to a mutual agreement on when your last working day will be.
Being considerate in this respect will help to ensure a smooth transition from your current role, and it’s also a sign of respect for your current employer.
Craft a respectful resignation letter
While not all companies require a resignation letter, they’re a relatively common practice in the corporate world, and ultimately, they communicate your news to your employer respectfully. There’s etiquette to follow when drafting your resignation letter, and we’ve summarised the basics that you’ll need to cover below:
Make a clear, concise statement outlining your intention to leave - most employees lay out their intention to leave by referencing their job title - i.e, ‘I will be resigning from my role as HR administrator at [company name’.
State your notice period- as we’ve suggested, research your notice period in advance and make sure it reflects company policy. If you could be breaching any data sensitivity by remaining in your role, then your employer will be able to advise and amend your notice accordingly.
Avoid reeling off your reasoning for leaving - your notice letter isn’t an opportunity to document any frustration towards the role you’re leaving behind, and it gives you a chance to depart on neutral grounds when you avoid doing so. Criticism of the colleagues or company that you’re leaving is an unprofessional move to make at this stage.
Express your gratitude - giving thanks to your current employer is a typical (but not compulsory) feature of many notice letters, as it gives you a means of signing off in a good light.
Stay professional once you’ve handed your resignation in
When you know that your next challenge is just around the corner, it can be easy to detach from your current role and the expectations that it entails - but ‘checking out’ isn’t a wise way to bring your employment to an end.
By maintaining professionalism during your notice period, you’ll benefit both your own interests and those of your coworkers. Fulfil your job responsibilities, avoid negativity, and assist with the transition where possible. Relationships that you’ve built during your role aren’t worth harming in the run up to your exit, as they could prove handy at a later date!
Leaving a job shouldn’t be a daunting process, as it signals the start of a new, exciting journey! By knowing when to leave, having valid reasons, and departing on good terms, you can embark on your next challenge in a professional manner.
Here at Runa Recruitment, we communicate this to all of the candidates that we work with, so if you’re looking for a recruiter that supports you through the entire process of finding a new role, get in touch with us today! We provide expert HR recruitment and recruitment for office admin, EA and PA roles; and we're also a reputable recruiter for digital marketing. We hire for roles at various experience levels too, so check out our job board for our latest postings.