29 Jun How To Quit Your Job Like a Boss – The Resignation Email That Will Make Everyone Love You On You Way Out
When I resigned from a large consulting company after 4 years of working as a consultant, I sent out my farewell email at the end of the week. The next day, the CEO sent it out to the ENTIRE US Consulting Practice. (A lot of people).
Note: I wasn’t a Director, Partner, Senior Manager or even a Manager. I was a Senior Consultant. I didn’t save the company millions of dollars by inventing a new methodology or product. I wasn’t given any top performance awards or recognized as a global leader within a company.
I can only guess it was because he saw something noteworthy of sharing. In short: I loved working there & it showed in my e-mail.
There are good ways and bad ways to leave a job. This is not a good way:
Below, is the way I did it – with a heart-felt letter. I’ll let it speak for itself.
(From CEO <name redacted>)
Colleagues,
I recently received a message from Robbie Abed, a practitioner in the Technology practice who is leaving to pursue an opportunity in industry. I was struck by how he captured in his own words our core belief about taking care of our people – especially our focus on mentorship and colleagues for life.
With his permission, I am forwarding this wonderful illustration of how we actively mentor. Robbie has our best and my thanks go to the colleagues below (and the multitude of others) who brought mentorship and apprenticeship to life. So in Robbie’s own words the reason why this company is special.
Best,
P.S. I made a few small deletions for wider distribution.
From: Abed, Robbie (US – Chicago)
Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2010 5:06 PM
To:<redacted>
Cc: <redacted>
Subject: I won the lottery, bought a million dollar condo in Miami, and I am retiring at the very early age of 28. This is why I decided to leave the firm.
Well, not exactly. It is true that I am leaving. Tomorrow (Friday) being my last day.
I hate good bye messages. Well, let me rephrase. I hate the majority of other people’s good bye messages. How could you summarize a great experience with a great company with amazing people in 2-3 sentences? I couldn’t do that. I think we all deserve more than a “hey, it’s been fun – see you never!”
Through my time here, I have come across some amazing people, many who have directly affected the work I do, who I work for, where I work & when I work. Here are a few people that I can’t thank enough (in no particular order):
<name redacted> – Thank You. You helped staff someone you barely knew, on an amazing project even when I threw a staffing curveball at you last second. You listened and I appreciate that.
<name redacted> – You were my first career counselor, and along with <name redacted> you directly affected where I was staffed, and it was always for my benefit. Even when you knew you were going to lose me as a counselee you still went out of your way to help me. Thank you.
<name redacted> – Career Counselor #2. You tell it how it is, and that’s an amazing thing. You guided me through many difficult situations, spoke the truth and let me make the best decision for myself and <company name> (I’m starting to think I was a difficult counselee!). Thank You.
<multiple names redacted> – I had a great time there, and you guys were the reason I dealt with the delayed flights every week. <name redacted>, sorry I had to beat you so many times in billiards. Some things I just don’t lose in, no matter who I’m playing.
<name redacted> – Thank you for everything. I never knew how bad my writing skills were, until you pointed them out to me! Sorry for recommending the worst restaurants possible in Chicago. I am slowly improving in my recommendation skills. Thank You!
<name redacted> – OK, forget what I said. I’m a horrible restaurant recommender and <name redacted> is always the first to point that out. Thanks for the laughs & putting up with me. I also apologize for you walking across Chicago to find the restaurant I made reservations at. Next time, read directions better I’ll provide clearer directions. Thank You!
<name redacted>– Thank You for everything. I will miss seeing you front & center in the telesuite calls. Regardless of what everyone else says, you’re the best looking one in the telesuite. Thank You!
<name redacted> – Thank you for everything. You were always able to guide our team in the right direction, and laugh when the project got stressful. It helps a lot. <name redacted> prepared me for all the writing I was going to do, so hopefully I wasn’t too bad!
<name redacted> –Thank You for everything, and I’m sure you will guide the <project name redacted> in the right direction. As with many, you were flexible in my role and let me shine with what I’m good at. I tried to get the new system named <system redacted>, but I guess that doesn’t fit in <company name> naming standards. Thank You!
<name redacted>– Career Counselor #3. You’re the man. Thanks for being honest with me, and thanks for all of the career advice. Thank You!
I have a local opportunity to do business development, sales for a much smaller company – and I have a feeling that this is what I will be really good at.
I might be back, you never know. I will take full advantage of the alumni program.