I know that it is tempting to want to finally spill all the terrible things (the crap you had to put up with) that led up to your decision to resign. If you absolutely must get it out of your system, write the nastiest letter, naming names and suggesting corrective actions as well as who should be fired. Here is the catch...

Don't send it! That's right, keep it locked up in your safe. My advice: Don't write anything in your official letter that could come back to bite you later. Why.. you might ask.

• You may need a recommendation from your previous company or a recruiter might call your old boss asking about what kind of employee you were when you worked for him or her.
  
  

• Sometimes an employer will contact a previous employer to do an employment verification (even some time after you have been hired!). If some new clerk in HR accidentally sends information including your resignation letter, it could do great harm.

Don't risk it. You just never know what kind of life your radioactive, toxic letter will have even after you are gone. Here is another thing to consider.

Companies rarely (My guess would be practically never) take any advice from an unhappy employee who is resigning. They figure that you were not a good fit and someone else (your replacement) will likely do better without complaining about the very things that made you so mad. Why waste your energy on a letter telling it like it is (that probably won't be read) to people who don't share your point of view?

Perspective: You are about to leave a workplace that, until now, has been pretty important to you. Keep in mind that no one in the much larger world - outside the micro-world of your company - needs to know (or even cares) about why you are resigning from your job. Good or bad, it is your decision and your life choice.

My Advice: Don't waste a second of your time on a lost cause; don't dwell on the issues involved or nasty people you no longer need to be concerned with. Submit your resignation and move on!

How to Do A "Clean Break" Letter

Your assignment from me is to write and deliver a "clean," "neutral" letter devoid of the anger and frustration you rightfully might feel. Let someone you trust and who is very diplomatic review your first and second drafts. Give them permission to remove any anger, spitefulness and accusatory statements.

Here is a working sample letter that will never come back to bite you that you can use:

Dear Bob Smith:

This is to inform you that I will be leaving my position with [company name] effective Friday, June 26. This constitutes my two-week notice.

We can meet and discuss the status of each of the projects I have been working on. I am also available to cross train [add the names of people in the department here] before I leave.

In case you need to get in touch with me after I am gone, my personal e-mail is: myemail@mybiz.com.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

cc Human Resources

Letter Based on Lack of Teamwork/Bad Company Situation

Here is a second example of a negative letter I wrote for a friend who was fed up with office politics and his very weak supervisor. I made every effort to keep it as diplomatic as possible. I did not name any names or place blame. I used "I" messages rather than "You" which can create defensiveness. My intent: It simply isn't working and I am moving on.

Company Address

Dear Bob Smith:

Several issues affecting my areas of responsibility have influenced me to conclude that I am in an undesirable situation. I have made several efforts to resolve the issues but I have not been able to achieve the desired result.

After considerable thought, it is with regret that I am submitting my resignation from (company name) effective (enter the date two weeks from today). Thank you for the experience I wish everyone continued success.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

cc Human Resources

 

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