Giving Notice at Work

[Monkeywrench]

The time is approaching when I need to give notice that I am leaving my job. In the past when leaving a job it has always been to take another job, and the process is simple: get new job, tell them I'll start in two weeks, give two weeks notice.I am thinking that I will give my manager three weeks notice this Friday, since I can. I am wondering whether my resignation letter should mention the reason for leaving (the thru-hike part, not the I hate my job part), or if I should stick to simply stating my end date as I usually do. Any thoughts?

[bruchko]

just depends on your boss and your relationship to him. He will probably want to know why you are leaving so making it positive for him and you is probably the best way to go. No need to burn any bridges, no matter what your thoughts are towards the job. you may need him for a reference somewhere down the line.

[catfishrivers]

No. Resignation letters should simply state that you are resigning and the date you plan to be your last day worked. You might thank them for the time you worked there as well. You don't want anything in writing that might come back to haunt you.

[Quoddy]

The type of job and the size of the organization would be a big determining factor. Some jobs, upon receiving a notice, will terminate the employee immediately. I hope you're not in one of them. In a small, friendly atmosphere you could let them know why and convey that you enjoyed your time of employment, otherwise a simple last day will suffice.

[Hooch]

No need for stating in a resignation letter why you're leaving. Just tell them that you're resigning and when it is effective. Also thank your company for the opportunities/professional growth/challenges, etc. Once you get done with your hike, you may want/need to use them as a reference and you definitely don't want to burn that proverbial bridge if you ask me.

[snowhoe]

As a small business owner I would ask why you were quiting to make sure their was no problems you had with the company or other employees. You dont have to say what you are quiting for. You never know hiking the a.t. or other long trail might be a dream of his too. Like what was said before dont burn any bridges. If you were a hard worker there might be a job waiting for you when you get back. Good luck.

[timhines]

If you are a good employee, I would put in a resignation letter ASAP. 6 weeks out, 5 weeks, out 2 weeks out, doesn't matter. Common decency to let your employer find a replacement.

I wouldn't include the reason in the letter, but if you have a good relationship I would tell them face to face. I'm sure they will respect your courtesy.

[mtbmatty]

i would certainly give all the particulars pertaining to the when and why you plan to resign. depending on your relationship w/ your supervisor, maybe type up the letter and consider delivering it personally. as stated above you don't want to burn bridges. who knows you may end up applying there in the future, or at the very least need the reference.

[beerandpizza]

when i put mine in, i just kept it simple stating that i wished to resign and the date. but my boss was of course curious as to why and all that. so i told them exactly what all we planned to do and he was very happy for us. he just said to keep a journal so he could live vicariously through us.

[mister krabs]

If you are a good employee, I would put in a resignation letter ASAP. 6 weeks out, 5 weeks, out 2 weeks out, doesn't matter. Common decency to let your employer find a replacement.

I wouldn't include the reason in the letter, but if you have a good relationship I would tell them face to face. I'm sure they will respect your courtesy.

Depending on the company, this could burn you. Like mentioned before, some companies walk you on the day you turn in your letter. Most people who work for these companies already know whether that applies, but it doesn't hurt to ask around. I agree with discussing it with your boss, mentally prepare them for your leaving with your general plans. If they are receptive then be more forthcoming, if you get a bad vibe from it, then play it close to the vest.

[Slo-go'en]

I'd say it depends on what kind of job you have and the kind of company you work for. If your in retail and are easy to replace, just walk away from it. If you have valuable skills for the company, they would likely like to know why your leaving and might ask you to come back when your done with the hike. In any event, it's always a good idea to leave on good terms in case you need a reference or want your old job back.

BTW, I lived in Quincy once - glad I don't anymore!

[Tinker]

Thank them for allowing you to work for their company. Don't burn any bridges. If you feel an explanation is necessary, tell them that you have an opportunity to acheive a goal you've been dreaming of for a long time. Whether you tell them it's the AT is up to you. Some will think you just need a vacation, some will think you're running away from responsibility. If you like the job, tell them about when you'll be back and ask if they might consider rehiring you. Be humble and thankful. It will go a long way.

[Skyline]

I would make the resignation letter as short and straightforward as possible. Quitting. Last day. Thank you.

Depending upon the relationship you have with management, you could go into some detail about your thru-hike verbally, more casually than in a letter. You don't want there to be hard feelings or bridges burned. You might also take this opportunity to inquire about opportunities at this company after your hike. In this economy, you might need them.

[lunatic]

As an HR Manager who recently gave notice (I'll be starting my thru in 2 weeks) I have extra insight into this...but most here have provided accurate advice.
Skyline has hit it on the head: Your resignation letter should state only that you are leaving the company (can include the statement "for personal reasons" if you want), the last day to be worked, and that you thank them for the opportunities you had while with the company. If you have a really good/close relationship with your manager or others - you can provide them with the specific details outside the letter if it won't damage the relationship.
I chose not to reveal the hike. This is because my boss (President of the company) doesn't believe in these types of things. He thinks you should take care of yourself during your two weeks of vacation and on the weekends. Longer activities or breaks are a sign of weakness or other issues. He has respected my statement about personal reasons and that I've told him I don't have another job. That leaves it open for him to interpret. Not that I ever want to work for him again, but I'd like the reference.
-L

[Monkeywrench]

Don't burn any bridges.

Bridge burning is the furthest thing from my mind. I work in IT and it tends to be a small community where no matter where you go you tend to run into people you worked with before. I would never dream of saying anything negative, either verbally ortr in writing, when leaving a job.

I guess that was really my question, whether saying why I am leaving could/would be perceived as somehow negative. For myself, I admire people wh are willing to pursue a passion, but maybe not everybody does.

I have no desire or intention to go back to this particular employer. It's a nice place to work; they pay well, have great benefits, and everybody I work with there is nice, but I just don't fit in well with the way things are done there. This has really surprised me, as I worked for a consulting firm for over ten years, in all kinds of client sites, and felt comfortable in every single one of them. This is the first place I have ever worked where I wasn't able to adapt and get comfortable.

Regardless, I wouldn't want to leave a negative impression with anybody there.

[snowhoe]

Dude then who cares what you tell them.

[Tagless]

Ditto to a lot of great advice provided above... don't burn any bridges. Be general about your reason for departing. Handle this in as positive a manner as possible. This more "professional" approach is likely to be helpful to you in the long run.

[johnnybgood]

Agree with Tagless , no time to be a dick. Be straight forward and confident in any discussion about your future plans. Good Luck!

[Bidwell]

I'll play devil's advocate... you should storm out like Costanza. Make them remember you for that reason. In years from now, people will still ask "Yeah... remember him? That guy got CANNED!"

[bigboots]

I sat down with the Pres., VP and my immediate boss to talk to them, even though literally everybody else in the company knew what I was doing before I talked with the Pres and VP. All is well, and they said they want me to return if work is available. Although they very unsuccessfully attempted to "talk me out of it"

Have a great hike everybody!