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Quitting or Leaving Work
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When the time comes to leave work, you can do
whatever you want. You can raise hell, say you hate everyone and yell out, 'I
quit!!!' But in other cases when you want to leave professionally, you can use
this lesson to help.
There's a common phrase when you are leaving a company. 'Don't burn the
bridge.'
This is basically saying you should leave on a good term. If you leave on a
good note, then you have the option of coming back to the company or your
position if something goes wrong with your next job. So basically, you are
leaving the bridge back to your position.
If you are leaving because you have an offer from a different company, here are
some professional statements you can make to your manager.
Hi
Mark, I have a wonderful opportunity to work at a different company. I enjoyed
my time here, but I shouldn't pass this up. I am putting in my two week notice."
Remember that in the States, changing job is very common. So it is no big deal
when you leave a company. Businesses understand the need for change and realize
that some people want different challenges in their life. So don't be nervous
when you have to leave.
Giving a two week notice is standard. This gives your current employer the
chance to hire someone to replace you. It also gives some time for you to
finish the remaining work you have to do. Not giving a two week notice is one
way to burn a bridge. The new company you are going into should realize this
and will not expect you to start your job immediately if you have to give a two
week notice. If you don't have a job, then this doesn't apply to you.
Here is another example.
Hi
Mark, unfortunately I have to tell you that I am leaving the company. I really
enjoyed my time here and I appreciated all your help on my tasks. I have to put
in my two week notice."
Hi
Mark, I received an offer from a different company. This is a great opportunity
for me so I accepted the offer. My decision on leaving is not because I didn't
like my duties here. I really enjoyed my experience. But I am at a point where
I want to find other challenges. I hope you can understand."
I have seen some people leave the company to go on a year trip around the
world. Others I have seen just wanted to spend more time with their kids. I
know in some countries it is hard to get back into a company after you leave,
but in the States, if you are a good employee, it is easy to get their job
back. Many times after a long break, they returned to the same company.
Mark,
I have decided to leave the company. I have worked here for 10 years and I
really enjoyed it. But I want to take a break and spend more time with my
family. So I am putting in my two week notice."
Hi
Mark, I have come to a decision to leave the company. I am going to travel for
a year and this is the best time period for me to do so. I have always wanted
to travel for an extended time period, and this is the only time I can do it. I
can work for another month, so hopefully that should give you some time to find
a replacement. And if you want, I can train the new employee on my areas."
Negotiating before Leaving
Receiving a job offer is another way to negotiate a
salary increase or a position change. If you are a great employee then your
current employer might try to entice you to stay. If you are willing to stay,
you can say that you received another offer and you are still thinking about
it. If they try to make you stay, you can state what it will take for you to
stay.
Hi
Mark, I am at a crossroad in my career. I have recently interviewed with a
different company and they extended an offer to me. I haven't decided yet, but
I wanted to tell you before coming to a decision."
If at this time they ask you to stay, then you can ask for a couple of things.
If
I didn't like this company, it would be an easy decision, but I really like it
here. However, I have been asking to take on Program Management responsibilities
here. Also, they are offering me a 6 percent higher salary than my current pay.
Can anything be done about these two things?"
Hi
Mark, I have been thinking about moving back to my home town. I have a job
lined up, but I haven't decided yet. I wanted to let you know before I make my
final decision."
If they ask you to stay, you can say the following, but if they don't ask you
to stay, then it is useless.
Well,
they are offering me a higher salary. It's 7 percent higher than my current
salary. Would it be possible for you guys to match this?"
General Statements
When you talk to co-workers, you will eventually
tell them that you are leaving. Here are some general sentences.
Next
Friday is my last day."
I
already put in my two week notice."
I'm
leaving the company."
I
accepted a job offer from ABC Company. This Friday will be my last day here."
I'm
leaving this dump."
I
would've left a lot sooner but I had to get a job lined up first."
I
got screwed here so many times. I don't want to work here anymore. My last day
is this Friday."
It
was great working with you. I wish you the best on this project."
I
had a wonderful time here. I wish the best for you."
I
really enjoyed working with you. I'll send you my personal email so keep in
touch."
If someone else is leaving, then you can say something good like the example
sentences below.
I
hope you enjoy your new job. Let me know if they have any other opening."
Good
luck in your new job. We'll keep your seat warm for you in case you want to
return."
Hey
Jack, good luck with your new job and save me a seat."
We'll
miss you here. Good luck with your new career."
Quitting or Leaving Work - Interactive
Practice
Click on Listen
All and follow along. After becoming comfortable with the entire conversation,
become Person A by clicking on the Person A button. You will hear only Person B
through the audio file. There will be a silence for you to repeat the sentences
of Person A. Do the same for Person B. The speed of the conversation is native
speed. Use the pause button if the pause between each sentence is too fast for
you. After practicing several times, you will be able to speak as fast as a
native.
1
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Listen All |
Person A |
Person B
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A: "Hi
Mark, I have something important to tell you."
B: "Come on in. What's on your mind?"
A: "Well, I have decided to leave the company. I had a wonderful time
here, but it is time to move on for me."
B: "May I ask why?"
A: "I got an offer from ABC Company. It's a management position and I
really don't want to let this opportunity pass me by. You know I have been
looking for a management position here, but all the positions here are
full."
B: "I understand your decision and you have my support."
A: "Thanks for understanding. I can work here two more weeks."
B: "Ok. Will you be able to finish your current assignment?"
A: "Yes I will. And if you hire someone within two weeks, I would be
happy to provide training on my areas."
B: "That would be great. We're going to miss you here."
A: "I'm going to miss this place too. Thanks."
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2
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Listen All |
Person A |
Person B
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A:
"Hi Mary, I interviewed with another company and they offered me a
position. I wanted to let you know before I made my decision."
B: "I'm sorry to hear that. But I appreciate you telling me before you
accepted the offer."
A: "I really enjoy my work here, but I was concerned about the lack of
opportunities. I put in effort to gain more experience here, but the projects
are limited."
B: "What would help you to decide to stay?"
A: "I would consider staying more if I could change my position. I would
love working in this same group, but I would like to be doing something
different. And finally, they offered me 6 percent more than my current
salary."
B: "When do you have to make a decision by?"
A: "They want me to respond in a week."
B: "Let me see what I can do and I'll let you know tomorrow or on
Wednesday. Can you wait until then?"
A: "That's not a problem."
B: "Great. I'm going to do everything I can to keep you on board."
A: "I appreciate what you are doing for me."
B: "It's the least I can do. You're a valuable asset here." | |