Giving my two weeks notice tomorrow. Very nervous. Tips?

Hey all, 
 
Tomorrow I'm letting my boss(es) know that I'm leaving my job in two weeks. I've never quit a job before (though I've had some jobs end organically; one company closure and a couple temporary things) and I more or less know what I want to say. Obviously, I'm not looking to burn any bridges, and I'm not going to rattle off a slew of things I didn't like about the position/crew, but I'm still insanely nervous.  
 
Any one have any inspirational things to say? Any "hold your head up" type of advice? Maybe personal anecdotes? 
 
Thanks in advance!

Just say it. They can not stop you. No reason to be scared (I understand how you feel. My first time doing it I had worked there an entire year. Boss was very understanding) Tell them as much as you are comfortable saying. Tell them you enjyoed working with them. 

Do you have another job lined up? Why are you quitting?

I did it once before when I was 18. I concocted this weird story of why I absolutely had to leave and there was no way out. Made up something about a new job and school or whatever.

Looking back, I feel like a fool. I should have just said "this job blows worse than being broke in my parent's basement which is what I will happily be 2 weeks from now."

If you have a new job lined up just say that. Let them know that this is the direction you want to take your life, regardless of what it is. I'll be quitting my job in a couple months and I'll be telling my boss "this is what I need to do to put myself on the track that's right for me."

But I know how you feel. Just remember that you're not doing them any "favors" for working for them. Sometimes it feels that way. It feels like you're part of a team that would do worse without you. Frankly, you're just some guy that works for them. Sure you may have some friends or whatever but who knows. Maybe the guy that comes after you will care way more and do a better job and really help them out.

Do you have another job lined up? Why are you quitting?

Thank them for the opportunity you've had in working there, be honest about why you are leaving and what about it enticed you away, and continue to do you job well for your final two weeks. It's way easier than you think it's going to be. It's completely normal to feel nervous about it, but once it's said and done you will surprised what a big deal it wasn't. Good luck!

Take a band with you and record it.

You feel your abilities and potential no longer benefit the company as you feel they should.

Your resignation will allow better opportunities for growth and improvement for both the company and your career.

You're grateful for the opportunities and valuable life lessons they've provided while you worked there.

Basically, apply for the job, but in reverse.

Don't suck up, but focus on the company's value. The boss doesn't care if you're not getting what you need anymore, but he certainly cares about the business he runs. It's not that you and the job don't fit together anymore, because that implies that you've been declining at your job for a while, but rather you and the job don't fit as you feel you both should.

@DarthOrange: that was delightful and they look like the group of friends u see in a sitcom, i didnt think that actually existed.

@DarthOrange said:

Take a band with you and record it.

WOW. It's amazing that as soon as I saw the boss I KNEW he was the boss and I instantly disliked him.

No, I usually don't have irrational issues with authority, but I seriously feel that dude's resignation was justified.

A better idea is to get fired then they have to pay you compensation.

walk into your boss's office and shit on his desk, then say "there's your two weeks' notice".

There's no right or wrong way. Don't feel embarrassed. Just remember, whatever you do, let them down gently.

Pay it forward.

@HistoryInRust: I've quit a couple jobs for those exact reasons. Leave out the hatred, obviously but do tell them that you feel that you're ready for a more challenging, fulfilling position and you feel that it hasn't been offered to you. Say thanks, shake hands and steal as many office supplies as possible on your way out.

Edit: seriously, you can accrue SO MANY ill-gotten pens over 2 weeks.

last time i quit a job i just told the reason why i needed to quit and i gave him 1 month notice just so he had a chance and finding a replacement.

just say it nicely and explain why and if they got questions just answer them you can also say that you dont want to burn any bridges so that they understand its nothing personal. in any case what the worst thing they can do, fire you?

one of my friends just quit his job not long ago and when he told his boss that he did he answered you still work here?

I was nervous at first because for some reason I felt my boss would be pissed off and yell at me for some dumb reason. Just be confident and do it, like ripping off a band-aid. My boss was cool and understanding, I was moving out of state for another job and.. a girl... -_- but my boss was cool and wished me luck which is all you can really ask for.

@HistoryInRust: Huh, if I'm correct, depending on where you work, you don't have to say a thing. I didn't say anything and just signed the pink slip (or whatever it was). The only way they knew in person was because my best friend working at the job as well told the lead that I was leaving since I was moving.

I didn't have to say anything though, you just have to sign. I was really worried I'd have to tell my boss because I thought he was going to talk to me about where I planned on going next, and all the 20 questions to go with it, I was relieved that that wasn't the case. It's probably best to tell them, as I think about it now, but it really doesn't matter as long as you get something to them.

As long as you're giving notice you don't need to say anything. You're doing the professionally courteous thing. If they expect something else from you that's their problem.

I don't understand why you're nervous about it. Not that leaving a job should be easy, but the part where you tell your boss is just part of an everyday thing for them. If you are close to your boss, than sure it can get awkward, but really you are making a life decision - and if you based it off of positive reasons, then there is no reason to worry.

I know what you mean, it is kind of weird to give a two weeks notice, but just be confident and just give it to them straight. It's your choice to quit, and I am sure your boss would be extremely happy you gave a two weeks notice and didn't just never come back or straight up quit like I did when I had my first job as a teenager. If you have a reason to quit that you feel comfortable telling your boss, than just do it and it will go smoothly.

The only thing you're required to tell them is that you plan to leave in two weeks. Depending on the job in question, your employer may wish to schedule an exit interview, in which case they'll sit you down and formally ask you questions about your time with the company, why you're leaving, and so on.

Just be as polite and courteous as possible, thank them for the experience and for giving you opportunities. It's easy to quit without burning bridges as long as your are respectful and aren't leaving for malicious reasons.

@HistoryInRust said:

@NTM: I'm pretty hip to this idea. I'll probably say something because that's just the way I am. But, yeah. If he's all like, "Yeah, alright. Sign this and have fun," then I'm following those directions to the letter and getting the fuck out of dodge.

Giving two weeks notice is far more palatable than "we're re-envisioning our department and have to let you go," believe me. I'm in the freelance writing game myself now, and would love to be where you are right now financially. Good luck to you, sir. Don't sweat it. This type of thing is your boss's meat and mead. Be respectful, and you'll be hugely relieved when it's done.

Its really just professionalism to give 2 weeks notice. This gives you an opportunity to return to the company if needed, that is if you were a good worker. Also, if you want to use the compnay, a manager, or co worker as reference it's a nice gesture. Good luck in your future endeavors.

@HistoryInRust: No, you just go in and get it yourself, I mean, if he's around, you may have to ask for one, but if he's not, just grab one and sign it, then that's it. I didn't even talk to my boss about it, I don't think he even knew about me leaving until I was gone, my lead found out the last day. I don't think you have to give a two weeks notice to him in person, you just have to give the two weeks notice. Like I said though, it really probably just depends on where you work.

tell them that your putting in your two weeks.

just to tell you, you might not even work the entire two weeks. they might just put your last week.

i hope that you find a job that you like.

Be polite, thank them graciously even if you hate their guts, and tell them it's time for you to move on to something new. Life changes and sometimes the job doesn't change with it.

Know that bosses have heard tons of people quit before you. You won't be the first. It's just part of their job to go through the process.

I've quit two jobs before. One was because the management, employees, and customers were so terrible I was going home every night screaming obscenities about all of them to myself in my car. I quit and it was no big deal. The other time was because the customers were creepy as all get out - I had a stalker, I had scary people call me from inside the buildings on their cell phones, weird men exposed themselves and then ran away, etc. I was polite when I quit, gave my reasons, did the whole thing, but my boss passive-aggressively pleaded for me to stay for an hour and a half while I was still on the clock and my coworkers needed me. He was not the brightest man.

You might run into crap, you might not. The important thing is to always look out for your best interests.

Good luck! I hope your next job turns out to be a keeper.

Yo boss man, i quit *middle finger*.

@Example1013 said:

walk into your boss's office and shit on his desk, then say "there's your two weeks' notice".

@SexyToad said:

A better idea is to get fired then they have to pay you compensation.

As awesome as that would be, that can hurt your chances of getting another job.

You type up a letter, saying

"I heretofore give (required days/weeks of notice) notice of my resignation. As of (date of resignation) I shall no longer be employed by (company name).

(signed)"

That's it. You don't need to explain anything.