Turning in your resignation is not always easy. Even if you hate your job, hate your boss and can not wait to start that new exciting job or perhaps you have an inkling that you are about to be fired, it can be very difficult to resign tactfully and gracefully.On top of that you want to leave on good terms for future references or perhaps even to be rehired by the organization at some future point. The grapevine travels amazingly so you can never know how far bad vibrations left over will travel at some point.

What to do. First of all do you really want to quit in your heart of hearts. If this is so then ensure that you handle your resignation with as much tact and preparation that you would assign any other business endeavor. Again it is not wise to burn your bridges no matter how angry you feel.

First of all you are always more valuable to another employer if you are gainfully employed. Do not quit your job before you find another. For some psychological and cultural reason an employer will feel that if you are employed by another firm then it stands to reason that you must be employable , a good catch and they will have to pay you more to obtain your services.

If you do quit without finding a new job or are placed in that position by downsizing , being fired or just bad luck remember it can take three to six months or even longer to find that new employment. Unless you quit for good cause you may not be eligible for the unemployment benefits that you may feel that you are entitled to.

Consider if you have enough savings or income to manage on. Even if your employment situation is not the best you might want to consider hanging onto the job that you have, as well as your paycheck to start your job search before you resign. The old saying is that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush reigns true.

Now if you do give notice be aware that there are government and employment labor contractual rules that state what "minimum notice ". It is generally two weeks term however perhaps your firm, industry, government rules or employee decency demands more. For example if a retail store does 90 % of its business during the Christmas season it may be legally correct neither but nor morally or ethically to leave your employer in the lurch during that vital peak time. If you choose to stay a longer time period after resigning remember you that it is your choice and not the employers.

What to say and how to handle the difficult task on hand of actually informing your boss or employer. You are best to say the minimum - which you are leaving. Even if you are tempted to " tell off " your jerk superior remember that in the end it may make you feel good but other than that will accomplish nothing and may cost you either in the interim period before you leave or after. You may find that your job for the next 2 weeks is to clean the parking lot with a toothbrush. Your grandmother may have advised you that if you have nothing nice to say don't say it. Emphasize the positive and talk about how the company has benefited your life and the life of your family but now it is time to move on. Offer to help during the transition and afterwards. Perhaps you can be involved in the hiring and training process with all or your well recognized expertise.

Lastly it is best to write a proper document for the records - both yours and theirs. Write a proper resignation letter. Ask for a letter of recommendation from your manager or superior for even if you leave on good terms there may be no one left of the old crew when you need that vital employment reference. And lastly do not forget to visit the human resource department to inquire what benefits may follow you a period of time even though you are no longer employed at the firm and to verify your address for any government forms or windfall checks from your former employer.