How to Quit Your Job

1. Decide Whether to Quit Your Job

If you quit your job your life will change in many ways, some for the better and some for the worse. Sure you won't have to deal with a difficult boss anymore or a job you don't like, but you will have a whole new set of challenges. Before you quit your job, make sure this is the right decision. There are several good reasons to quit your job. Find out if yours is one of them.

• Is It Time to Quit Your Job
• Quiz: Should You Quit Your Job

2. Make the Best of Your Job If You Can't Quit

You may have decided you have a good reason to quit your job, but there may be something preventing you from doing it. For example, you may not be able to live without your income, even temporarily. If you find yourself in this situation you may not be able to quit until you have a new job lined up. If you can't quit your job yet, find out how to improve your situation until you can.

• Take This Job and ... Never Mind
• Don't Quit Your Job Yet

3. Resign from Your Job

You will obviously have to tell your boss you are quitting. If you think you are going to stick around for a while, don't resign until you know when your actual date of departure will be and don't tell anyone until you tell your boss. You should write a formal resignation letter and speak to your boss in person, unless his or her office isn't nearby. Give sufficient notice. Two weeks is typical for most jobs but professional positions require more time, generally three to four weeks. If you are currently immersed in a large project, give your employer the opportunity to have you train whoever will take it over.

4. Start Looking for a New Job

You have some work to do as you begin your job search. You will have to revise your resume or write a new one, look for job openings and prepare for job interviews. You should also let your network contacts know your job situation has changed, but exercise caution here. If you have decided not to quit your job until you find a new one, you shouldn't broadcast your plans yet.

• How to Look for a Job

5. Protect Your Health Insurance Coverage

When you quit your job your employer will stop paying for your group health insurance. There are two Federal laws that can help prevent loss of health insurance coverage: COBRA and HIPAA. COBRA lets you continue your coverage while HIPAA lets you get new insurance, either on your own, through your spouse's employer or through your new employer, without having to worry about issues, including pre-existing conditions and enrollment periods. You can be subject, however, to a waiting period imposed by a new employer.

• Keep Your Health Insurance: COBRA
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

6. Leave Your Job Peacefully

Your emotions may be running high and you may be tempted to get even with an employer who you feel has done you wrong. Ignore this temptation because any spiteful acts you commit, such as damaging equipment, telling your boss and co-workers what you really think them, or badmouthing them to other people, will only reflect poorly on you. You're better than that and you have too many things to have to deal with without having to restore a damaged reputation.

• Five Things Not to Do When You Leave Your Job