The question of whether to resign or not from your job is a tough decision to make. There is so much to consider. You have to look at all the pros and cons. Yet, sometimes the signs to resign from your job are hard to ignore. The even harder question is how to leave without burning a bridge.
SIGNS TO RESIGN
Ask yourself these three questions, and if the answer to any of them is yes, then it may be time to start looking for new career opportunities.
1. Do you have consistent negative feelings toward your job?
It is normal to dread waking up early on Monday morning. It’s also normal to dislike certain tasks of the job. But, it is not normal to have strong negative feelings toward your job on a daily basis.
2. Do you have to sacrifice your values at your current job?
Your values are what is most important to you. Any job that makes you give them up is not ideal. Finding a place of employment with matching values helps towards positive job satisfaction. For example, if you value work-life balance, then be sure to find a position that allows for that.
3. Are you on auto-pilot?
Being on auto-pilot is going through the motions of your day-to-day without being fully present. Going on auto-pilot can be dangerous, especially in the nursing profession. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Some of which are not being challenged enough, not growing or learning, and feeling burnt out.
BE PROFESSIONAL
When you know the time has come to resign, do so gracefully. Firstly, talk to your manager about your concerns and see if something can be done to change your mind to stay. If not, then prepare a brief and professional letter of resignation. See these examples for help writing yours. Finally, make sure to give sufficient notification of your resignation. Two weeks is an acceptable amount of time for most industries.
Be as helpful as possible during this time. It may be helpful to create a timeline of tasks that need to be accomplished when you leave. If at all possible, help train your successor. Throughout the whole process show gratitude to your manager and co-workers for the experiences and opportunities during your time being employed with them. After all, you never know when you might cross paths in the future.
MOVE ON
Whew! That is over with, now on to bigger and better things! Remember to apply for jobs that match your values and help you grow as a nurse. It may take a while to feel comfortable at your new job; Especially with meeting new people and learning new skills, but give it a chance. Your new job may turn out to be an engaging opportunity that you look forward to every day.
