“I hereby resign my position”

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That’s just what Nixon wrote allegedly when he quit his post as president!  A bit brief as they come, short and to the point but  as letters of resignation go, not really to be recommended.

Being unhappy at work,and knowing you are not respected or valued for what you do are often key factors in wanting to change jobs. And, leaving your job can be a traumatic and stressful thing. Occasionally it’s a reaction to something that becomes the ‘last straw’. The natural reaction might be to just walk out, write a letter or e-mail, actions which may or may not be regretted later.

On researching the topic – and I am sure you will have your own stories too, I’ve come across numerous examples of what someone has written to their current boss using witty phrases, cutting sentences and cringingly oblique comments. One great example is here.

However, even if you have no qualms about your reputation and wanting to leave your job with dignity, you might want to think carefully about unsuitable, inappropriate and highly incongruous resignation letters!

What do you think of this one? It is not to be recommended as a resignation letter.

Dear [Recipient's name]:

Yesterday I woke up and realized that this is the worst career experience I’ve ever had. Therefore, I’m officially notifying you of my resignation from [company name]. My last day will be today.

This company has many problems. [insert problems here]

On top of that, I can’t stand working  for you any longer. You, alone, have been a constant source of pain and suffering for me ever since I started this job. I can’t understand how you made it this far in the professional community.

Today is a great day for me since I will never have to see, hear or listen to you ever again.

Goodbye, and good-riddance!

Best wishes,

[Your Signature]

Lots of people do write humorous  resignation letters, but they don’t actually intend to deliver them.  It can however be cathartic to write the words down to get your anger and frustrations out.  If the letter/e-mail should be read by your soon-to-be-ex-boss rest assured you are most unlikely to receive a reference or recommendation from them. Bosses are renowned for their sense of humour failing when it comes to their staff criticising them and having the gall to leave their employment.

If you are serious about writing a funny or obtuse resignation letter, keep it as professional as possible.

And to quote some advice found online:

• Take advantage of double meaning. If your boss always wears a blue tie, make a reference to feeling blue every time you see him or his tie.
• Utilise inside company jokes that your boss will understand: “I’ll miss most the stale donuts and watered down coffee.”
• Be facetious: “Though this is the best and most exciting job I’ve had in my entire two year career – not…”
• Don’t let him forget you. “Though it will be hard to find someone to fill my shoes, and the smell, I am confident there is another employee out there who is lazier than I am when it comes to doing laundry.”
• Be careful of what you 0000cc;">joke about. If you signed a confidentiality agreement, joking about going to the competition to share secrets of a new product development, like the secret formula of the company’s new perfume, could lead a lawyer to your door. Though it is not illegal to joke, many employers will not take sharing secrets lightly.

My advice however is – don’t do it.  Resign with dignity!

Lynn
http://assessment4potential.tel/

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About Lynn Tulip
Lynn Tulip is a career management and HR professional running her own HR consultancy. Her passion is working with individuals, helping them rekindle their work passion. Read the newly published Get That Job, the art of successful job hunting.. Apart from loving food and fitness, she enjoys her ever growing family. Find her online or follow her @LynnTulip and @A4P_HR
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