When to tell your boss your quitting if they're busy all day

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the appropriate timing and method for notifying a boss about resignation when the boss is busy and has been out of town. Participants explore various approaches to giving notice, including the necessity of a formal resignation letter and the importance of face-to-face communication.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest notifying the boss as soon as possible, even if it means interrupting them, as resignation is a significant matter.
  • Others propose scheduling a formal meeting to ensure the conversation is not rushed or overlooked, emphasizing the importance of a face-to-face discussion.
  • Several participants mention the necessity of providing a written resignation letter, with some noting that this may depend on the workplace culture or policies.
  • There are differing opinions on whether a resignation letter is essential for all jobs, with one participant humorously suggesting it may not be necessary for lower-wage positions.
  • Some emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the employer, suggesting that a pleasant exit could be beneficial for future opportunities.
  • A few participants highlight the need to understand company policies regarding resignation, particularly the involvement of Human Resources in the process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that notifying the boss promptly is important, but there is no consensus on the best method or timing for doing so. Various competing views on the necessity of a resignation letter and the role of HR also remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific workplace policies regarding resignation that may affect the process, indicating that practices can vary significantly between different organizations.

Hodgey8806
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I received a job offer I'm accepting, but my boss has been out of town this last week. Understandably, he is swamped today, but I have to tell him for the two weeks notice. So, my question is when should I tell him? At the first free moment?

Thanks!
 
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I vote first thing.

Say "Welcome back! I quit!"

Wait! Maybe be more diplomatic than that. . .
 
Hodgey8806 said:
I received a job offer I'm accepting, but my boss has been out of town this last week. Understandably, he is swamped today, but I have to tell him for the two weeks notice. So, my question is when should I tell him? At the first free moment?

Thanks!
do you guys use outlook. Setup a 15 minute appointment at the first available time to tell him. Unless he is swamped for emergencies (ex. angry customers, external meetings, etc). You can do the formal stuff later
 
Yes, first thing. For something like this you need to interrupt him, not just wait for a free moment.

Also, it will be good to follow-up with an e-mail to get a recorded date and time for the notification.
 
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Usually you're supposed to give notice like this in writing, so prepare a letter.

Beyond that I would book some time to tell you boss face to face. Email him and tell him that you need to meet with him by a certain date. If he is unavailable in that time frame, you should at least tell his designate (the person looking after the shop while he is away). Either way book a specific meeting so that you're not trying to slide the matter in on top of something else.
 
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Choppy said:
Usually you're supposed to give notice like this in writing, so prepare a letter.
I think it depends on the job. If I am working at McDonald's I'm not writing a resignation letter :)
 
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Why you got to kick McDonald's when they are down?? ;)
 
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The resignation letter is good. Usually it needs a signed paper copy. Putting this signed copy on your boss's desk is usually acceptable. Though sending an email in addition is ok. Include the date. Keep it short and professional.

Just keep in mind when you quit: One day you might want to come back to this place. And one day the company you are going to might do business with the company you are leaving.

No matter the feelings you may have had, a pleasant exit is not expensive and may get you a lot in terms of good will later.
 
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Just keep in mind when you quit: One day you might want to come back to this place. And one day the company you are going to might do business with the company you are leaving.

No matter the feelings you may have had, a pleasant exit is not expensive and may get you a lot in terms of good will later.[/QUOTE]

Good advise...
 
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  • #10
One additional thing that hasn't been mentioned: make sure you understand your current employers' policies. Where I work, Human Resources must be involved. I must give HR at least two weeks notice as well, and usually that is done after meeting with a manager/boss (you don't want your boss to find out you are leaving from HR!).

Also, lingesh is right. Make the leave pleasant and do what you can to wrap up and/or hand-off work. You never know what doors you may need to walk through in the future.

jason
 
  • #11
jasonRF said:
One additional thing that hasn't been mentioned: make sure you understand your current employers' policies. Where I work, Human Resources must be involved. I must give HR at least two weeks notice as well, and usually that is done after meeting with a manager/boss (you don't want your boss to find out you are leaving from HR!).

Also, lingesh is right. Make the leave pleasant and do what you can to wrap up and/or hand-off work. You never know what doors you may need to walk through in the future.

jason
Oh I made a mistake while quoting that...actually it s from DEvens..
 
  • #12
Hodgey8806 said:
I received a job offer I'm accepting, but my boss has been out of town this last week. Understandably, he is swamped today, but I have to tell him for the two weeks notice. So, my question is when should I tell him? At the first free moment?

Thanks!

As soon as possible. If he's really busy, pull him aside and tell him, because someone handing in their resignation is kind of a big deal.
 

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