Hey WSO,
Looking for some advice on how to leave my current job: am moving from a freight trading role at a physical house to an energy derivatives trading role at a fund.
I've been at the former for about nine months and - frankly - it just wasn't for me. My gut told me so at the interview, however it made sense at the time to bury any misgivings and give it a go. Naturally, I'm very pleased to be changing tact and pursuing a career in which I see long-term enjoyment.
The timeline to date is as follows: I interviewed on a Thursday and received the offer call on Friday. I informed them that I have a 1mo notice period and will hand in my notice once I've received the contract and offer letter. As it presently stands, I intend to wait until I receive confirmation of my contract's receipt from the fund before pulling the trigger at my current firm.
As this is the first time I've ever quit a job, I'd hugely appreciate your thoughts on the actual mechanics of quitting: First off, I imagine there will be some disappointment. The guy I'm currently working under is due to depart for the firm's Asia office in a few months' time, with me stepping up to cover his responsibilities. My departure will mean a re-shuffle of staff for someone to occupy my role, and then (later) my higher-up's role. This will probably cause some initial consternation with the team manager. I intend to write a letter of resignation (e.g. "To whom it may concern, I am writing to give my immediate formal notice of resignation, dated XX/XX/XX..."), and to sign my name at the bottom. I will ask the desk manager for a private conversation away from the desk, whereupon I'll explain that I'm resigning (handing him the letter) and outline my reasons. Again, I think this will come as somewhat of a surprise - while I have enjoyed working with the team, the work simply isn't for me, and it's exclusively a professional issue. I hope to tell the Asia-bound guy the evening before over a beer: he's been hugely supportive of my work and is, for all his faults, a nice guy. I feel I owe him the courtesy of saying thank you and pre-warning him.
Thereafter, my plan is a little less clear. I have no idea whether they'll make me work the full 1mo (I assume not, however am keen to hear if people think otherwise). I do, however, assume I'll be getting calls from coworkers I've previously worked with asking why, etc, etc. - as I've said (and especially as the firm is relatively small) I think it will cause a little surprise. I also assume the MD will give me a call (he's based in another office), however I have no idea whether he'll be stoic or hostile (both would fit his character). I intend to write an email to those I've worked with thanking them for their time and support, and wishing them well in future. All going well, I can then cut it off cleanly and take a small break before beginning my new role.
I think the above makes good sense, remaining both professional and polite. I certainly don't want to be burning bridges!
Just left my first gig after 9 months to do trading at a bigger shop, emailed them my letter of res cuz my boss was working remote and did so the second i received a verbal and written offer..
They were upset as it was unexpected but thats a them problem. Just cut the chord as delicately as possible and focus on making an unbelievable impression on the guys at your new shop, your current employers opinion of you is a sunk cost
Perhaps things are different today, but I've always used the standard: 1. Letter of resignation 2. Provide the required notice. I read you are required to give 1 month. Longer than I'm used to seeing, but if that is their policy, I would try not to break it. Try not to burn bridges if you can help it. 3. Have an exit strategy such that you have an answer as to why you've chosen to go elsewhere. Most places will want you to have an exit interview to understand whey you chose to leave. Even if it is b/c the place sucked, have some agnostic answers and don't be negative towards the organization. If you're just starting out, you want to have some decent references. 4. You may want to send a generic "good-bye" email to your co-workers, but don't be negative about the company. You never know where these people you're talking to as equals right now will end up in 5 - 10 years. For those real friends, you should have their private email address where you may choose to share more, but stay professional in all of your public correspondence. 5. As I've told my kids, we are now in an era where anything and everything you type on a public forum may be used against you in the future if you choose to say something stupid.
Good luck. Making a career-change is exciting and a little frightening, especially as you get older. Just remain professional in all matters associated with your departure and you can't go wrong. At least as far as the act of leaving the job is concerned.
When I quit, I took a hard drive of intellectual property with me. When their lawyers came after me, I made them sign a non-disparagement agreement in exchange for the drive. It was an okay strategy in retrospect.
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