By: John Glover (MBA)
What was the last job you had, and how did you quit? Chances are you likely decided you were ready for something different, and put your two weeks notice in. That’s the traditional way of quitting a job, but users on social media have been changing the sentiment, and it’s not necessarily for the best. As you move onto the next job or career, it’s important to leave on a positive note so that it can set you up for success in the future.
Cancel culture is taking on a whole new meaning and is now moving into the corporate workforce. Influencers on TikTok have been telling their audience that putting their two-weeks in is not necessary, and is in fact dead. The sentiment behind this is that employees don’t really owe their employers anything, and that a two-week notice is doing too much. This is understandable, especially if things have been going south, but overall it’s still something that experts advise against.
A lot of professional growth experts say that a two week notice is one of the best ways to leave a job. Burning bridges is not something that anyone wants to do, and cold-quitting a job is a sure-fire way to burn those bridges. Taking back your pride and adhering to the two-week protocol can help you keep those connections you have made, which can potentially help you on your corporate journey.
“When you’re ready to leave a job, it’s the end of that chapter and the start of another. The prospect of something new is exciting, I totally get that. But, make sure you’re not burning the chapter you’re leaving on the way out. Leaving a two weeks’ notice is more than just a professional courtesy, it’s a bridge that keeps the network you built alive.” says A.J. Mizes, CEO & Founder of The Human Reach.
Now this is not to say that every case deserves a two-week notice, but users on social media should not dictate how you quit a job. They do not know your personal story, and following their claims could cause more harm than good. Not only is a two-week notice a courtesy for employers, but it can help you tie all loose ends together as you prepare for what comes next.
Giving yourself those two weeks to finish out your job, organize your files and help train the next employee can help build those leadership and managerial skills that you can take with you in the future. You don’t want to leave a business to crumble and sometimes quitting write away can create problems that you might not even realize.
“Let me ask you this: when you’re flying home after visiting a friend, would you just leave them without notice? Of course not! You’d thank them for having you, tell them you enjoyed your time, then depart. The same should happen when leaving a job. A two weeks’ notice serves as a notice of respect. It tells your former work environment – colleagues, managers, even blossomed friends – that you appreciate the time you spent with them and indicates the level of respect you have for them. Above all, it really takes no effort to be kind. Leaving a two weeks’ notice is a generous gesture any manager will always appreciate,” says Mizes.
It’s also important to think about the work relationships you made along the way. Not putting your two-week notice in can put more things on their plate, which could potentially harm your friendship. You not only don’t want to burn bridges professionally, but you also don’t want to harm those personal relationships that helped push you to be the best at your job.
Sometimes ending a job on a positive note can feel like the last thing you want to do, but it can give you the closure you need as you take on whatever comes next. Putting in your two-week notice can help you feel like the best employee possible, and deserving of all the good things coming your way. By taking this extra step you can ensure that your professional and personal connections are still intact, and you can set yourself up for success.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
