Whether walking into your boss’s office and telling them off, or leaving in a tizzy right in front of your coworkers, rage quitting isn’t new. However, it is now in vogue!
I get it, you’ve had enough of the crazy hours, bad bosses, and doing the work of three people. Nonetheless, this can have unanticipated negative ramifications on your future career. Your world is smaller than you think!
Imagine walking into an interview or doing a video interview several years from now, and on the other end is someone who saw the meltdown, or worse your old boss. Think it won’t happen to you, you’re naïve.
After 26+ years in this industry, I have horror stories about unexpected interviewers. What about interviewers talking about you outside of interviews? They could be speaking to former colleagues and bosses you don’t realize they know and getting the 411 on your behavior.
If you quit, do it right:
- Give two weeks’ notice.
- Can’t give two weeks’ notice, then clean out your desk, and calmly walk into the boss’s office and say the following: “I appreciate the opportunity that you have given me here, but at this time I must tender my resignation effective immediately.” Protect yourself by printing the same thing out on paper, sign and date, and formally hand it to them. Don’t give reasons, get into an argument, let them bully you, or start a scene.
Be careful before giving notice if the “rage” is transient. Is the situation really so bad you can’t stay while job searching? Weigh the potential effects of your actions away from work, to make the best choice. You won’t get UNEMPLOYMENT! You may need to get a part-time job while searching for a new, full-time job. Know the consequences and decide how to move forward before you resign.
If you find discontentment, anger, rage, etc., setting in – get that resume updated, and start a job search now. Better to leave on your terms, thoughtfully and in a positive manner versus a torrent of temper. To making better career decisions!