Need help quitting job, please!!

[buddy's_mom_29]

I work as a paralegal in a large law firm, and am also receptionist for the firm. I have worked there for 1.5 years, and my boss, while being a ranter and raver at times, is also very nice at times. WELL, I was offered a job with another law firm, which is smaller (1 attorney) with better pay and hours, and I know the people in the firm, and like them very much. It's a much more relaxed atmosphere, and has other perks also. It should be a no brainer, I almost positive I would enjoy the new job better. The problem: I feel a huge amount of guilt about my current employer. How do I tell him? I've never quit a job, except when I was like 18, 19 years old. Not in my professional career. I just don't want to hurt feelings, or ruin my chance of a good reference later. I have been a very good worker, and am afraid quitting would ruin all that I've worked for there. Of course, I would be putting in a notice, btw. I would very much appreciate any input! Thanks

 

[hanley]

My 2 cents

The law firm that offered you a job, are they in need of help & are you the only rec.& para.at this big firm you are working for now? 1st don't burn any bridges with the firm you are working at now, all of these lawyers know each other if you are in a small town. Talk to your boss & tell him, this firm is in need of your help,but don't put him in a bind either, tell him you are giving him 2 week notice & he may not accept your notice, he may offer you more money & perks to stay with him or he will be understanding & be glad for you to help a friend in need & give you best wishes. Just don't lie about where you are going to work,cause he will find out & then he would really be upset & this could cause problems for you in the future.LOL,Hanley

 

[buddy's_mom_29]

Boy, I certainly couldn't lie about where I would be going, cause the attorney who wants me to work for her is a mediator, and my current attorney uses her often to mediate cases, . My hubby mentioned the fact that they may offer me more money, which just makes my decision even harder. I would give at least a two week notice though. I couldn't leave him in a bind, I would feel awful if I did that. I already told the attorney who wants me that, and she basically told me I could start whenever I wanted. Thanks alot for the input!

Oh, I am the only receptionist, but there is a paralegal for each attorney, and the former receptionist still works there and could be rec. until they found someone, which helps.

That's the biggest concern, is burning bridges. Definitely don't want to do that.

 

[Rlr.Giraffe]

I think it's important just to emphasize that you are going for a new opportunity. It doesn't sound like your current job is bad, but the new one will offer you more of what fits with your lifestyle and career choices. As an employee, you don't have to justify why you're leaving.. only give them pertinent info!!! But, be courteous, keep your resignation letter short and sweet and thank them for giving you the opportunity to work there. I find it's usually only when people start giving too much info that they get themselves in trouble . One way you could not burn bridges is to offer to train your own replacement too! Just a thought... Good luck!

 

[MOMMA KAREN]

I agree with Giraffe. You are leaving to explore new opportunities. I hope that as long as you keep this idea in the forefront of your resignation that all should go well. Keep it positive. Just make sure to be honest and give a notice. You've worked hard and deserve a good reference for the time you've put in. There is no sense in throwing it away in an effort to be deceptive or non-confrontational. Good luck!

 

[BeckyNC]

I think it's always difficult to resign a position when you are moving to a new opportunity rather than escaping a bad situation. As others have said, it's most important not to burn any bridges. I'd just let your current boss know it was a tough decision and your current position has provided a wonderful opportunity for you, but you feel this new situation is also a great opportunity. It is not necessary to go into great detail. No rational boss, who understands why one would switch jobs, will give you a hard time for leaving. It think one of the most difficult things about resigning is the anticipation of the reaction you expect when you give notice. I've always received a very understanding response.

Congrats on your offer, by the way!

 

[shannonmac]

don't talk about it with coworkers

this is just my advice from a situation I was in once.
my mother had called me at work to ask me to move back home. one of my coworkers overheard me and went and told my boss, and I hadn't even made a decision yet!
so now I had to make a decision and explain myself to my boss, when I didn't even know what I was doing. luckily she was understanding to the fact that the other person just wanted my job (and then never got it). I ended up staying on for a month to help them through the busy season.

 

[2BoxersnOhio]

It against the law for anyone to state anything other than time of work at anyplace. Technically you could be one of the worst employees someone has ever had, and they're not allowed to disclose that. They are not supposed to tell any other possible employers of yours if you were fired or if you gave your 2 weeks notice (doesn't mean it doesn't happen, they're just not supposed to by law). Really, the only way you burn your bridge there really.. is to up and leave, then they wouldn't want to hire you back.

Do a search on the net for "resignation letters". There are some really good ones out there that can go on about how good the job was, how much you learned while there, etc.

Good Luck

 

[Scrapper's Mom]

While you think there is an emotional attachment to the job and the people you work with; remember, business is business. You probably aren't the first paralegal or receptionist your boss has had and you won't be the last. If you remain professional and polite, you should have no problems. People change jobs all the time, especially if they get a better offer. And that is a good idea about offering to train your replacement.

 

[abradbury.5]

Jen & Genie are right.

For one thing, business is business. And it's great that you like your current boss, but this new position offers you more opportunity and perks that meets your needs better. Keep in mind all the perks you offered up as an explanation to us--it is more than just money.

Keep your resignation letter polite and professional. Say that you've really enjoyed working for them. Give them two weeks' notice. The offer to train your replacement is a nice suggestion, but I wouldn't put that in the letter--just offer when you speak with your boss.

I've resigned from a couple of positions, always for better opportunities. The companies I resigned from always tried to keep me, but I told them very politely that accepting the new position was the right decision for me--and they were always understanding.

BTW, you didn't mention if this was a formal offer you received from the other law firm, but I would make sure it was formal (in writing) before I resigned from the current position.