Working and staying for the company for a long period of time is a virtue as it helps you show your loyalty to the company. Just like the laws of the universe, everything changes and that includes your will to continue your tenure in an organization, changes in economic and business conditions. There are circumstances that resignation is the last resort and the best logical course of action. But before you resign, it’s best to consider these things:

Make sure you got a contingency plan

Plan B or Contingency plan refers to the fallback where you can rely on whether it’s a second job, savings or business. Without Plan B is akin to a person falling down the stairs or attic without a trampoline on the ground. You can skip this part if you already own a stable business or have enough savings which we can say thousands to millions in your local currency.

Pad your wallet

Padding your wallet means saving enough to cover the transition period that is the time of leaving your job for a new one. Even if you've already started in your new job, you’ll have to wait for the salary cut off before you get your first paycheck from them. Without savings, you’ll end up indebted to your friends and relatives. The amount you need depends on your living condition. If you just rent an apartment and your owned house is in the province, then you must double your savings.

Budget your savings and expenses

Trim or remove your wants and maintain only your needs. Since you’re living in your comfort or money-protected zone, you’re at the risk of depleting your savings unless you got a new job already.

Inform your company about your plan in advance

Most companies, if not all, have this 1-month policy before resignation which is intended to prevent understaffing or workflow disruption. Your last month should be the time when you’re still doing your best to finish the job. It’s a different matter and urgency if you’re suffering from insomnia, serious illness, sexual harassment and physical abuse.

Find out when you’ll get your benefits

Ask the company’s admin or human resources when you’ll get your benefits which include last paychecks, separation pay and unused leaves. Clarify if such unconsumed leaves will be converted to cash. Find out when you’ll get your paychecks - this depends on the company. Some give it after 3 months or 5 months.

Write a resignation letter

Write a letter devoid of grammar and punctuation mistakes. State there that you’re thanking them and telling them that you’re still there to help. Here is a link from resumegenius.com

Use your unused medical privileges

It’s likely that your company has a medical or health insurance plan for regular or tenured employees. Use these medical credits to book medical checkups for you and your dependents, if applicable.

Make a proper handover of smartphone and laptop

If you’re working in the office or remotely, you likely use a company-provided laptop for office work, programming, writing and communication. Other gadgets such as smartphone may also be provided for communication, presentation and other work-related purposes. Delete your personal information, run disk cleanup and remove clutter from browser and desktop before returning these electronic devices.

Politely decline counteroffers

If you are resolved to leaving the company, you should politely decline any counteroffers that an HR personnel or manager may bring. This is likely to happen if the employer is minding about the short-term impact of losing you.

Save samples of your work

This can be your portfolio – art, articles, web design, motion graphics, photographs, blueprint and anything that can serve as proof of your work and skills. You can save them as softcopy, hardcopy or as a website in a web hosting account.

Train your successor

It’s a courtesy to make things easy for the successor while it’s boorish to leave a bunch of jumbled things to a newbie who doesn’t know how or where to start. Most companies follow a protocol of handover which is listing things that have been delegated to the newcomer. Make sure that Mr. A or Miss B reviewed the handover checklist, then train him/her about the following:

• Daily routines
• Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
• Client or customer relationship management
• Documentation or file organization
• Other specific tasks

Update your resume

When was the last time you updated your CV or qualifications in Ohjobs.ph? 1 or 2 years ago? If you can’t even recall when, it’s time that you update your work experience, competency, contact information, its formatting, etc. Add skills to your skills set earned during your tenure. Upload or add link to your portfolio, if applicable.