(Published in the Job Market-Working People section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Oct 15, 2006, Sunday)
By Roel Andag
Contributor
KING Henry VIII sent two of his six wives to the executioner for beheading. Even if Queen Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Seymour may have denied in their farewell message any imputed wrongdoing, they both hailed the king and wished him long life, perhaps in the hope of royal clemency. Resigned as they were to their fate, they exemplified graciousness worthy of emulation of anyone who wishes to resign.
Don't treat your resignation as a date with the guillotine. Instead, use the experience to sharpen your career blade. Your goodbye can be your welcome mat to other opportunities such as sustained relationships, job leads, and income prospects.
After working nonstop for 10 years, I decided to take a brief break from the 8 to 5. I resigned, with the decision to concentrate on my consulting so that I can enjoy some rest while earning at the same time. Here are some tips that can turn your resignation into a career-sustaining move:
1. Submit your resignation at least 30 days before your intended date of departure. You are complying with the Labor Code and demonstrating good faith to the company as well. Do not broadcast your resignation. There is time for that.
2. E-mail your colleagues a personal farewell note a day prior to your departure. Thank them sincerely. The note should never exceed three brief paragraphs.
3. Avoid emotional notes. They suck the energy out of the reader. Try light and easy.
4. Include your forwarding address, e-mail, and phone numbers. If you have a website or blog, include the link and ask them to visit the sites. Make sure that your website and blog will help propel your career not jeopardize it. No offensive content, please.
5. Inform them of what you intend to do post-resignation. The best activities are consulting and volunteering. It tells them that you intend to remain productive while enjoying some down time.
6. Let them know if you're looking for a job. Ask for referrals.
7. If you resigned because another company has hired you and are proud of it, then mention it. But be aware beforehand of your new company's nondisclosure requirement. Don't blow your cover if you joined the Secret Service.
8. If you have pending applications, let your prospect companies know that you have resigned and that you'll be ready to join your next company. This works especially when you have been short-listed and their decision has not been forthcoming. Do not sound as if you resigned because you are anticipating that one of your prospect companies will hire you readily. Observe subtlety and delicadeza. See No. 7.
9. If they reply, respond in kind. Tell the sender how his or her message affects you. See No. 3.
10. Leave an "out of office" auto-reply in your official e-mail so that letter senders will not be misled. See No. 4.
11. If you have a rift with a colleague, see him personally for a pleasant closure.
For these tips to work, it is assumed that you performed well in your job, related well with your colleagues, and are leaving the company under friendly circumstances.
