How to Quit a Job the Right Way

I'm pleased to report that I love my job. I have great leaders, a great team, and work for a great company. But it turns out I'm an anomaly. According to a recent Gallup survey, less than one-third of Americans are engaged in their work.

If you're part of the other two-thirds - those who are unhappy with their jobs and look forward to the day when they can walk away - let me offer some advice: Make sure you quit the right way.

There may be times when you're tempted to leave in a blaze of glory, to tell off your boss through interpretive dance, or deploy the emergency exit and slide to freedom. But don't do it. You'll regret it. I promise.

Here are a few dos and don'ts if you are planning on quitting a job. Let's start with the don'ts.

Don't:

• Send in your resignation via text, e-mail, or voicemail

• Forget to give at least two weeks' notice

• Mentally check out after you give notice

• Talk trash about your boss, coworkers, or the company

• Brag to your coworkers about your fancy new job

• Post all of your grievances on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor

Do:

• Deliver your resignation in person

• Give two weeks' notice, even if you are miserable

• Thank your boss, coworkers, or others for the positive experiences

• Work hard and finish off strong

• Tie up any loose ends, transition remaining work to others, and leave good records for the person who replaces you

• Take part in an exit interview and offer professional and constructive feedback

It's a small world - especially in the healthcare industry - and news about former employees travels fast. Over the course of my career, I've had dozens of experiences where I was impressed by a job candidate's interview and formal references, only to hear from former coworkers who had a different story to tell.

Social media makes the world even smaller. When evaluating candidates, employers don't just look at CVs and cover letters. They look at Facebook posts, Twitter feeds, and Glassdoor reviews, too. I had a former employee who, after leaving the company, turned to Facebook to rant about her experiences. When I was called for a reference, I politely suggested that the potential employer take a look at her Facebook page. The company rescinded its offer.

No one wants to hire a person who is not professional, mature, or who holds a grudge. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all - especially on social media.

There's nothing wrong with quitting a job. If it's not a good fit, it's better for both the employee and the employer to parts way. Just make sure to do it the right way. Though keeping your cool may not be as satisfying as blowing up and storming out of the office, it's a much better choice in the long run.