When it comes to quitting a job, timing is everything. It can be difficult to know when the best time is to give your notice, especially when you don’t want to leave your current employer in a bind.
One of the best (and worst!) times to quit is when your boss is out of the office, and the most opportune time for that is when he or she is on vacation. Following are a few tips for how to quit when your boss is on vacation. I’ll also answer some frequently asked questions on the topic.
Let’s get started!
How Do I Quit When My Boss is on Vacation?
So you know your boss is on vacation (or soon heading off for a vacation). How do you quit your job if you feel the need to in your boss’ absence? Quitting a job can be a difficult decision (not to mention an emotionally charged one), but it can be an even more fraught situation when your boss is on vacation. Ideally, you’ll have some lead time, but this may not necessarily be the case. However, here are some suggestions you can follow to help ensure a smooth and professional transition:
- Check Your Employment Contract: Before resigning, review your employment contract (if you signed one) to ensure that you are following the proper procedures for resignation. This may include giving notice in writing or notifying a specific person or department.
- Schedule a Meeting: If you know you need to quit before your boss leaves, try to schedule a meeting with your boss before he or she leaves on vacation to discuss your resignation. Though it may put a bit of a damper on your boss’ vacation time, it can give you the opportunity to explain your reasons for leaving and ensure that your boss is aware of your plans (as opposed to “blindsiding” him or her DURING vacation). If a meeting before he or she leaves is not possible, schedule a phone call or video conference to discuss your plans.
- Be Sure to Give Ample Notice: A 2-week notice has become a professional standard if you intend to leave a job.
- Submit a Formal Resignation Letter: Even if you have discussed your resignation with your boss in person, it is important to submit a formal resignation letter. You will definitely need to submit one if your boss is already on vacation. This letter should include the date of your last day of work and express your gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you gained while working for the company.
- Notify Your Team: After informing your boss, it is important to notify your colleagues and team members of your resignation. You can do this in person or by email.
- Offer to Help with the Transition: Offer to help your boss and team members with the transition process. This can include training your replacement, documenting your responsibilities, and ensuring that your work is up to date.
- Complete Your Remaining Work (or at least as much of it as you can): Make sure to complete all of your remaining work and tie up any loose ends before your last day. This will ensure a smooth transition and leave a positive impression with your boss and colleagues.
Overall, quitting a job when your boss is on vacation requires planning and clear communication. By following these steps, you can help leave your job on a professional and respectful note.
How Do I Resign When My Manager is Away?
You may realize you need to quit after your boss is already gone on vacation. In order to do so in a professional manner, you may want to take another step of discussing your departure with the Human Resources department in your company (in addition to the steps listed above). If your manager is already away, HR can provide guidance on the proper procedures and help coordinate your departure.
Do what you can to ensure a smooth transition. Even if you didn’t get along well with your manager, extend them the professional courtesy of giving him or her all the notice you can. It won’t help you or your career to just walk out one day with no notice.
What Do I Do if My Manager Gets Mad When I Resign While He or She Is Out of the Office?
When you inform your manager of your decision to depart, you would ideally like him or her to remain professional and to refrain from exploding in rage.
If he or she does become irate, be sure “take the high road” and to remain composed, positive, and professional. Doing so will only be in your best interest.
Can I Just Call My Boss and Quit My Job?
While it’s possible to call your boss on the phone and quit your job, it may not be advisable from a career perspective. It’s certainly not the most professional or respectful way to leave a job. Resigning from a job is an important decision that should be handled with care and thoughtfulness.
Be sure to give ample notice (at least 2 weeks), and only use phone or email as last options if you can’t meet face to face or at least on a video conference call. Be sure that you keep your Human Resources Department in the loop as much as you can.
Can I Text My Boss That I Quit?
Technically, you can quit via text, but it may not be advisable from a career perspective. It’s certainly not the most professional or respectful way to leave a job. If you text or email your boss while he or she is vacationing, only do so to set up a time for a video conference call or a phone call as a last resort.
Be sure to give ample notice (at least 2 weeks), and only use phone or email as last options if you can’t meet face to face or at least on a video conference call. Be sure that you keep your Human Resources Department in the loop as much as you can.
How Do I Resign With a Remote Boss?
To resign from your job when you have a remote boss can potentially be even a more sensitive situation than resigning with an in-office boss. Avoid using a phone call or email to resign, and instead, set up a time for a video conference call.
Also, loop HR into the conversation if you can, and prepare a resignation letter, giving ample notice before your departure (at least 2 weeks). Loop in your fellow team members, and create a continuity plan so that the transition is as smooth as possible for your boss, your team, and for whomever will be taking over for you.
So, How Do I Quit When My Boss is on Vacation?
Quitting a job can be difficult, and the process can be complicated if your boss is on vacation. By planning ahead, giving ample notice, and leaving on good terms, you can quit with confidence and without causing too much disruption to your employer. Remember, timing is key when it comes to quitting, so make sure you choose the right time for you. Keep your HR Department in the loop as much as possible.
Be professional and positive in your departure. No burnt bridges. Don’t badmouth your employer or the company, and don’t use the opportunity to vent about any issues you may have had. Even if you’ve had a bad experience, try to leave on good terms. You never know when you may need to use your employer as a reference in the future.
