Quit in style

If you’ve handed in your resignation and you’re on to better things, there may be a temptation to just say, ‘Stuff this, you lot. I’m off!’

But as always in life, a little dignity is preferable and will pay you dividends. After all, you never know when you might need these people again and you don’t want to do anything that might backfire on you in the future.

Author Nina de la Mer has tips for leaving with decorum that should stand you in good stead. “Leaving a job can be as delicate a negotiation as getting hired in the first place,” she says.

Firstly, she advises: “It’s wise to write a polite letter of resignation to your line manager thanking them for all the help and guidance they have given you in your career. With luck you should receive a glowing reference for your next employer.”

Don’t let yourself down

In her guide, The Modern Maiden’s Handbook, she also gives a warning about leaving dos. While it might be tempting to down as much booze as you possibly can, if you end up in the gutter at the end of the night that is how you will be remembered - and all your hard work disguising yourself as the personification of professionalism will go right down the drain along with the dregs.

“The tradition of colleagues having a whip round, collecting money for a present, is a lovely one,” she says, “but it makes sense to put in a few hints with a close colleague if there is something you particularly fancy.”

She also gives some tips if leaving your job is not entirely of your own volition. “Treat your dismissal as if you have been kicked out of a particularly bad night club,” she says. “Swagger out of the building, head held high, and make it clear you were too cool for their party anyway.”

Look on the bright side

But, however bitter you feel, don’t be tempted to wreak havoc and revenge on your employer. Photocopying or mailing your entire contact list will almost certainly be found out and will not help you. Your new employer won’t be delighted to be defending you in a legal case and they won’t be thrilled that they’ve hired a thief!

And finally, if possible, take a bit of time out before heading off into something new. Make sure you take the time to stop and smell the roses, especially if you have been given the boot. Sometimes we need to take time and look around.

And if you’re unhappy at work, but haven’t made the decision to quit yet, you’ll find more advice at www.happinessatworkindex.co.uk