When to Resign: The Right Time and The Right Way to Leave

There comes a point when you decide it’s time to leave your current job.

There can be several reasons for resigning, whether it’s pursuing a new path, dissatisfaction with your present role, or personal matters that call for a change.

Regardless of your reason for leaving, it’s important to make sure you part ways respectfully and maintain a good relationship with your employer.

Before making your move, one major thing to think about is when the right moment is to resign.

We’re here to guide you in this article, we’ll go through the following questions:

• How can you resign properly?
• Why should you pay attention to the timing of your resignation?
• What’s the most suitable month to resign?
• Which day of the week is best to resign?
• What time of day should you give your notice?

So, if you’re ready to learn how to choose the right time to leave your current job, keep reading.

How to Resign from Your Job?

Quitting a job isn’t always easy, especially if you’ve been with your company for a long time.

Still, you can make the process smoother by following four straightforward steps:

Leave on a positive note: you don’t want to damage professional relationships, as you never know when you might cross paths again

Keep the talk short: you don’t have to explain every reason in detail, just stay polite and to the point

Practice your resignation talk: this helps you sound confident and prepares you in case your boss makes a counteroffer or tries to convince you to stay

Pick an appropriate time: timing can affect how your message is received and can help you avoid unnecessary tension

Why is it Important to Pick Carefully When you Resign from Your Job?

Choosing the right moment to quit is essential because it helps you leave a strong and positive impression.

Show respect to your manager and your team as you prepare to move on.

Even if they’re unhappy about your decision, they’ll remember how professionally you handled it.

If you exit gracefully, you’ll increase your chances of getting a good reference later or even being welcomed back should you want to return.

What is the Best Month to Resign from Your Job?

December is usually seen as the most favorable month to resign.

Many U.S. companies release their year-end bonuses during this period, so if you’re planning to move on, it’s wise to wait until after receiving it.

Also, since December is a popular time for employees to change jobs, there tend to be many new openings, making it easier to find another position.

Other suitable months to resign include January, February, and March, since many employers are still filling roles left open after December departures.

When is the Best Day of the Week to Resign from Your Job?

Friday is often considered the best day to hand in your resignation.

Doing so gives you the weekend to unwind and distance yourself from work stress.

It also gives your employer and team time to absorb the news more calmly before the next workweek begins.

However, try not to resign on a Monday or Tuesday.

Those early-week days are often packed with meetings and pressure, which can make the whole situation more tense for everyone involved.

What is the Best Time of Day to Resign from Your Job?

Just as it’s wise to pick the end of the week when resigning, it’s also better to give your notice toward the end of the workday.

If you decide to do it earlier in the day, you might end up spending the rest of your shift feeling tense and facing awkward conversations.

In addition, if your chosen day happens to be something other than Friday, it can make those uncomfortable hours stretch even longer.

It’s generally a good idea to speak with your employer an hour or two before the day ends, so you can share the news calmly and wrap up your day with less pressure.

Summary

That’s it now you know the right time to step away from a job and why it matters.

Let’s quickly go over the main points to keep in mind:

• Best month to resign: December is often the ideal choice since many employees leave around this time, creating more openings and making it easier to find your next role.
• Best day of the week to resign: Friday works best, as it allows you and your team to take in the news over the weekend and return with a clearer mind.
• Best time of day to resign: the end of the workday is usually the calmest time to do it, as you’ll have fewer awkward moments and can head home afterward.

To sum it up, choosing the end of the year, the end of the week, and the end of the workday helps you leave your job on a respectful and positive note.

Now that you’ve learned all this, you can resign from your position with confidence and professionalism.