How to quit your job professionally and gracefully

Departures can be a challenge when you decided you need a change in your career path. The part that a lot of people dread most, is finding a way to tell your boss "I Quit".

Regardless of the situation you were in or your relationship with your boss, you should leave the job without burning any bridges. Your friendship with your soon-to-be ex-boss could benefit you whether it is to build a network, gain credibility or even a potential partnership in the future.

So what is the best way to quit your job?

Communicate face-to-face

Nobody likes a cliffhanger or an unpleasant surprise. Receiving a resignation from an employee is no different.

Do not do the coward thing by just shooting an email or leaving your resignation letter on their table. That will not only insult your boss, it could also take a longer process to get a response from them, leaving both parties in an awkward and sour position.

Set an appointment with your boss to deliver the news in person. This will ensure that your time with them is undisturbed and you can focus on the conversation. It will also give a chance for your boss to know your reasons and maybe receive constructive feedback from you.

If you are afraid of what your boss's reaction might be, just remember that you are not the first employee to send in their resignation and this process has been done several times before you. It is part and parcel in the working world.

Related: 5 compelling reasons for leaving a job

Start the conversation right

State the reason for your departure. Keep it short and simple, and make sure you phrase it nicely so that you not too sound condescending. Do not beat around the bush and give long explanations that may come off as excuses.

"I have enjoyed working for you and contributing to this company. At this time, I feel that to maximize my potential, a change of direction is needed. I am stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring new options."

"Thank you for the opportunity you have given me these past few years. However, a new opportunity presented itself to me and it is an offer that I simply cannot refuse. It is exactly what I have been seeking for my next career move."

You can then move onto the logistics. Depending on your company's resignation requirements, check with your HR department and state the specific date of your anticipated last day. That date will be useful for the transition on both ends.

The next thing to do is to show that you are willing to help with the transition. This will not only smoothen the process for everyone involved, it will also show that you are a responsible employee, which could score you credibility points for your job references.

There are many things you can offer to ease the situation:

• Briefly share your work plans from now to your last day. Talk on what will be completed by your hand, what will be delegated or passed on.

• Do a proper handover. Prepare a clear instructions manual for the next person taking over your roll in the company and guide them if necessary.

• Tell them that you will keep your eyes peeled for potential candidates.

Related: 10 Reasons Not To Accept a Counter Offer When Resigning

Always be prepared. Lead the conversation

Even if you have worked for the company for a long time, your conversation might not go as planned. That said, you would want to be prepared for any scenario. Your boss may ask you to leave immediately, extend your notice period or persuade you to stay with a counteroffer.

• When you send in your resignation, make sure you are ready to leave on the day itself. Chances are, your boss might tell you that you have to leave immediately, leaving all company-owned equipment and gadgets and to cut off all electronic access to the documents you worked with in the company.

• Depending on whether the team is short on staff or completing an important project that you are handling, your boss may guilt-trip you into staying a little longer.In this situation, it would be wise to consider asking for a positive reference or a recommendation letter in return.

• There is also a popular scenario where your boss does not want to let a valuable asset to the company go and asks you to stay. If a counteroffer is what you are looking for, you may comply with this situation. However, if you have made up your mind on quitting, be firm and do to get swayed. Remember that you chose to leave for a reason, so stick to your intention.

Having "the talk" is never an easy step. Regardless of the outcome, always leave things better off. Once you have passed that stage, we promise that you will have a huge burden lifted off your chest and it will be filled with relief with whichever decision you've made.