The time to go back to school is fast approaching—whether you like it or not. It’s time to figure out what on earth you need for the new classes you’re taking, check if your roommate is okay with putting your 1D poster in your shared kitchen, decide on which sweaters to bring with you (hint: all of them), and it’s time to let your summer job know that they’re exactly that—a summer job.
Leaving a job that you feel like you just got hired at two or three months ago is awkward at best and scary at worst. Chances are, your employer is aware from your interview that you’re a college student who’s home for the summer, but that only makes the idea of telling them you’re leaving a little less uncomfortable.
That being said, from one broke college student to another, some advice on leaving a job with poise and professionalism:
Choose your last day wisely. Some jobs will require a formal notice of leave or resignation. The difference between the two? A notice of leave can let them know you want to come back next summer or during winter break, while a notice of resignation is a little less committal to a return. Either one typically is asked for two or more weeks in advance of your last day. Make sure you choose your last day carefully, with plenty of time to spare, though. You don’t want to be stuck at work when your flight is tomorrow and you’re still not finished packing. Be kind to yourself and the things you know you need time to do before you head back to campus for the year.
Write a notice of leave even if your job will let you get by without one. Professionalism is nothing more than just being polite, and your employer will be impressed if you write a formal letter, even if not required. Going the extra mile and impressing them is less effort than it sounds. A good letter doesn’t need to be longer than 3/4ths of a page, and there is little enough to say that you won’t want it to be any more than that.
- Start with saying how much you enjoyed the job. If you didn’t, and it was obvious, lightly just thank them for the opportunity to work for them.
- Give your reason for leaving, if you have one more complex than “I hate working here.” Either you have to go back to school, or you got hired somewhere else. Do not, I repeat DO NOT mention or even imply ill feelings toward the job.
- Formally recognize that the document is your notice of leave, e.g. “Please consider this my formal two weeks notice.” State when your last day of work will be.
Keep it cute. In all seasons, no matter how you felt about your job, mention nothing about hating it. Ever. Employers that require a notice in writing will likely keep whatever your write to them, and you can’t burn any bridge that will be in your employment history. Future employers might actually contact those references you gave them, and you don’t want anyone saying that you quit by telling them off. Your written notice is not the place to express your feelings of seething hatred towards working in retail. If you have to get your anger out, write an “honest” letter with as much swearing as you feel the need. Then, delete it and write a professional version that will leave your employers thinking better of you than you think of them.
If you can, deliver it in person. Exit gracefully, so the advancement of your career isn’t hindered just because you called your boss a mean name when you were 18.
