Due to a new (AND EXCITING) job opportunity, I had my last day at the retail store I have worked at for over a year. It was not my first ever job; I worked at a movie theater for a few months. When I decided I was too busy to keep working at the theater my senior year of high school, I decided I needed to quit. Not knowing how, I simply requested a bunch of days off on the online schedule until they eventually just let me go. I learned from my mistake from my first job and knew that I had to learn how to quit a job on good terms. After successfully giving my two weeks, and successfully getting through them, I feel as if I’m qualified enough to give my advice on how to leave a part time job. (If only this article was available two years ago, when I was trying to leave the movie theater.)
First and foremost, you have to give a notice to your manager. At my job, I had multiple supervisors, but ideally, you should give your notice to the first in command. Make sure to give at least a two weeks notice, so your employer has plenty of time to figure out what to do when they lose one employee. Depending on your job and different circumstances, giving more of a notice might be ideal in case they need to find someone to replace your position. But for a part time associate at a retail store, two weeks should be good. Do not mention that you will be leaving to anyone else until you tell your manager. It might offend him/her if they hear from someone else that you plan on quitting — people talk, especially if it concerns your job. It is a good idea to both verbally give your notice, and give a typed version as well. For the typed notice, use this format:
(Date)
Dear (Manager’s Name),
This is a letter of resignation from (position) at (where you work), effective on (last day), two weeks from this date.
(Put a personalized thank you note here).
(Skip a line to sign your name with a pen, thentype your full name.)
If you would like, you can add in your reason for resigning, but I didn’t, personally, because I didn’t want to accidentally type out an article worthy explanation of my new job opportunity.
After giving your notice, remember that you still have your job for two more weeks. Even though you’re leaving, it is no excuse to be unprofessional for your remaining shifts. Always be on time and, even if you didn’t like your job, be respectful. If someone asks why you’re leaving, absolutely explain it to them. I was nervous I was being too excited about my new opportunity, but the people you work with have seen you grow through this job, so even if they are sad to see you go, they will be excited for you. While I was rambling about my new job, I made sure to say that I was sad to leave this job. They understand, and to managers/supervisors especially, you aren’t the first person to have left the job. They understand that you won’t be there forever, and you have no reason to feel bad for leaving.
Thank the people that you want to thank before leaving, and say goodbye to the people you want to say goodbye to. If there is anyone you want to stay in touch with once you leave, make sure to express that to them.
Final piece of advice: if you get any sort of employee discount, take advantage of it during your final days.
