how to quit your job

How to Nail Your Exit Interview

If you've ever quit a job before, you're probably already familiar with an often uncomfortable and overlooked aspect of employment: the exit interview. But what you might not realize is that an exit interview can be just as important as a job interview. Not only do you want to leave your place of employment with a good reputation for the purpose of references, but in case you want to come back some day.

Here are our top tips for nailing your exit interview.

1. Don't Think It Doesn't Matter

While you may be tempted to air all your grievances and get your complaints out in the open, in most cases, this isn't a good idea. Not only is it unlikely to actually incite change, it's a surefire way to get yourself written off by the company. There's nothing wrong with calmly and respectfully telling the HR representative you're likely to talk to that you have issues with the company, but make sure you don't cause a scene, no matter how much you may feel like it.

2. Prepare Ahead of Time

Don't go into an exit interview assuming that you'll just come up with what to say on the spot. While you may not know exactly what they're going to ask you, you can be sure they're going to ask you what you liked about the job and what you didn't like about the job. Make sure you have a clear and concise list of the pros and cons of your former position, a few ideas about how you would improve your position, and a few ideas about what you wouldn't change. Try to project the kind of poised and positive attitude you would want to project in a job interview.

3. Focus on the Relationships You Built at the Company

This doesn't only apply to the exit interview itself, but also to all of your behavior as you prepare to leave your job. Write notes to all your colleagues that you connected with, thanking them for their help and support. Try to compliment a specific talent you think each person has. These kind of small gestures may seem like no big deal, but they go a long way to ensuring you preserve the relationships you built at the company — relationships that may open doors for you later in life.

4. Focus on the Positives

If you begin the interview by first telling the HR rep what you loved about your job, they're more likely to see you as a level headed, neutral person when you tell them the things you didn't like about your job. Plus, focusing on the positives is a much better way to ensure you leave the company on a good note.

Most importantly, keep in mind that an exit interview isn't an ending, its a new beginning that could have a big impact on your career in the future.

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3 Signs It Is Time To Quit Your Job

Making the move to quit your job is a major one. While you may feel more than ready to grab a cardboard box filled with the crap on your desk and flip off your pea-brained boss, a moment of reeled-in reflection and a few deep breaths before making a rash decision would be wise to say the least.

Quitting may very well be the best option for your career goals and personal needs, so knowing the signs that it is time to quit will guide you through this life-altering process. Quit with confidence so you can move on to something even better! Here, see quitting as a 1-2-3 process with these 3 signs it's time to go. Just don't let the door hit you on the behind!

Beyond Bored

Do you stare longingly at the clock as time ticks ever so slowly 'till it strikes your favorite hour – 5pm? Someone who's interested and enthralled with their work is never (or rarely) checking the clock; in fact, the day usually flies by. Boredom at work means you'd rather be somewhere else or doing something different and it's no way to live your life.

As per Business Insider, "Researchers believe prolonged feelings of boredom while at work are a warning sign that you are searching for more meaning." Passion and growth are two important happiness factors for an employee. Do you check off those boxes? Are the boxes even available?

Boredom can lead to feelings of hopelessness and lack of pride. If you're not being challenged or the work is simply mind-numbing, you are not where you belong. According to Inc., "Every job has its downsides. But every job should also have some fun moments. Or exciting moments. Or challenging moments. Or some aspect that makes you think, 'I'm looking forward to doing that.'"

If you can't find an inkling of such feelings about your job, and rather than putting your all into it, you're busy seeking out other pleasures, boredom has officially set in. It's time to seek a new job and find a way to make what you're doing more interesting in the meantime.

Horrible Boss

Not everyone has to go gaga over their boss, but if yours is a real monster, it can lead to a horribly unpleasant work environment. If your boss is condescending, rude, unfair, unjust, or just plain arrogant, you may want to leave ASAP, because he or she isn't likely going anywhere soon.

As per Inc., "A great boss knows that if her team succeeds--and each individual on that team succeeds--then she will succeed too." Bosses should never demean employees or ignore their ideas. When your boss or company shoots down or even laughs at your ideas, it's not only insulting, it's demotivating. And pretty soon you stop caring."

And not caring about what you do every day is no way to spend your valuable time. There are other options out there with bosses who appreciate their workers. If talking to your boss doesn't make a difference, it will not only affect your performance at work, but you'll begin to feel miserable all the time.

Along with day to day nuisances and personality clashes, if things are truly horrific, move away immediately. Forbes notes advice from Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert, "If you're the victim of bullying, sexual harassment or other egregious behavior, you should certainly keep an eye out for other positions, regardless of what corrective measures you're taking."

Bad bosses don't deserve well-meaning employees. Give your efforts to someone who appreciates you and your hard work.

Stressed to the Max

A certain degree of stress at work is understandable and even motivational, but if you find yourself seriously stressed out and it's affecting you not only mentally, but physically as well, it may be time to throw in the towel and seek out a job with a better balance. As per Forbes, Sutton Fell, CEO and founder of FlexJobs says, "If you get anxious or unhappy just thinking about work, that's a good sign that it's time to move on."

Perhaps you're spending way too much time at the office with not much to show for it, losing precious time with family. A balanced work-life situation is key. "When you find that you're spending less time with your family because of work, or you cannot commit the necessary time to your job, you should consider looking elsewhere," says Fell on Forbes.

Stress isn't the same as nerves or anticipation however. A big project that requires lots of attention and revision may cause stress, but that is natural and par for the course. Stress brought on by unfair work hours, a too-large workload, low pay for demanding work, or lazy co-workers who put the pressure on you is unhealthy and unproductive.

As per Dr. Travis Bradberry on LinkedIn, "No paycheck is worth sacrificing your health. Job stress can lead to depression, insomnia, headaches, frequent illness, and worse. Don't let this happen to you."

Quitting may seem daunting or exciting depending on how down in the dumps your job has placed you. If you've weighed your options and quitting is on top, seek out new opportunities to make the most of your skills and talents. Life is too short to keep a job you simply can't stand.

Are you ready to find out if a new area of employment is better suited for you? Try the MAAP assessment test - it helps match skills, passion, and personality to the best job for you. It may just change your life!

Quitters can win after all!

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