Resigning from My Position: Seeking Advice
I’m looking for guidance on how to formally submit my resignation. To provide some context, I currently work as a Controller for a manufacturing company. Recently, a former boss reached out with an opportunity for me to become the CFO at a rural hospital. This new role comes with a substantial pay increase and better benefits, so I’ve decided to accept it. My start date is set for May 5th.
The main concern I have is timing my resignation, especially with our yearly 10% bonus being paid out on April 18th. I was planning to submit my resignation on April 21st with a one-week notice, rather than a full two weeks, for two reasons: first, to ensure I receive the bonus, and second, I don’t feel a strong obligation to the company after witnessing recent layoffs, considering I’m just one of over 40,000 employees.
Additionally, my boss recently announced that he will be in Europe for work from April 7-11 and on vacation from April 12-27. If I were to give my one-week notice, it would occur during the second week of his vacation. To complicate matters further, my boss approached me at the end of this week with some sensitive information: he indicated that either I or my coworker (the Senior Controller) will be laid off in the coming months. He mentioned he would prefer to lay off my coworker and have me take over his role, and to facilitate this transition, he wants to send me to the headquarters in Europe during the month-end close in April.
Given the circumstances, I have no desire to stay with the company; their willingness to lay off employees has made me feel like just another number. How should I approach submitting my resignation now? Considering my boss’s honesty about the potential layoffs, would it be appropriate to give my notice this week, knowing he’ll be unavailable for the next three weeks? Should I express my intention to be transparent as well and request his support in ensuring I receive my bonus?
One response
It sounds like you’re going through a complex situation, and it’s great that you’re thinking carefully about how to approach your resignation. Here are some steps to consider:
Timing of Notice: Given that your main priorities are receiving your bonus and starting your new job as soon as possible, waiting until after the bonus payout on April 18th makes sense. However, it’s also important to consider the impact of your absence on your team, especially if your boss will be away for several weeks.
Communicate Openly: When you do decide to resign, it may help to be straightforward with your boss about why you’re leaving—especially since he has been open with you about the potential layoffs. You could mention that your decision has nothing to do with him personally, but rather stems from your need for job security and better opportunities.
One Week Notice: Submitting a one-week notice on April 21st is reasonable given your situation. Just be prepared for potential pushback, especially if your company might be in a precarious position with layoffs looming. If you choose this path, frame it positively when you talk to your boss.
Handling Confidentiality: Since your resignation could affect team dynamics, especially with impending layoffs, consider how much detail you want to share about your new opportunity. It’s okay to keep the focus on your personal career goals without divulging everything.
Requesting Your Bonus: When you give your notice, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask about the bonus. You might frame it along the lines of wanting to ensure a smooth transition for the team and your desire for a fair resolution given your contributions up to this point.
Follow-Up with Human Resources: After you submit your resignation, it might be wise to check in with HR about the payroll process to ensure your bonus is processed and to clarify any other benefits due to you.
Overall, approaching the situation with professionalism will serve you well, as you maintain your reputation in an industry where you may cross paths with individuals from your current company later on. Good luck with your new opportunity!