Give Proper Notice without Burning Bridges

In many industries, giving at least two weeks' notice is the standard, although is not required by law. It's also a sign of respect. Giving notice gives your employer time to adjust and start looking for a replacement. Even if the job feels temporary, showing courtesy on your way out will help to protect your reputation.

Start by telling your supervisor directly. If possible, do it in person or over the phone. Keep it simple. Let them know you're resigning and the last date that you'll be there for work. Be sure to thank them for the opportunity. You don't have to explain your reasons for leaving, unless you want to.

On the flip side, if the workplace feels unsafe or you are facing harassment, you may need to leave immediately. In those cases, document what's happening and consider speaking with HR or a trusted manager. This is an exception to the rule when it comes to resignation etiquette. In most cases, a calm and professional heads-up is all you will need.

Remember that the trades and service industries are tight-knit. Word travels and supervisors talk. A respectful exit today could help you land a better job tomorrow, or even get rehired down the line. Giving proper notice lets you leave with your head held high.

Write a Simple, Respectful Resignation Letter

A resignation letter doesn't require the same amount of time that you would put into a resume or job application. It does need to be clear and professional. Think of it as a short, formal document that confirms your decision and gives your final work date. Even in hands-on jobs in blue-collar industries, putting it in writing helps avoid confusion. It also shows that you're serious about leaving on good terms.

Here's a basic structure that any resignation letter can follow:

• Date and greeting: Start with the date and address the letter to your supervisor or manager.
• Opening paragraph: State that you are resigning and let them know your last day of work.
• Optional appreciation: You can tell them how you appreciated the time working there.
• Closing: End with a polite sign-off like "Sincerely" or "Best regards."

Keep it short. One or two paragraphs are sufficient. There's no need to explain why you're leaving unless you want to. Remember that a resignation letter is not the place to voice complaints or use emotional language. The letter is part of your professional record, and it may be shared with HR or future employers.

Here are good real-world examples of resignation letters.

Handing Off Your Work Like a Pro

Once you've given notice, your goal should be to leave things in good shape for the next person. That means tying up loose ends, organizing tools or materials, and making it easy for the next person to step in. Even if the job doesn't involve paperwork or long-term projects, a clean hand-off shows pride in your work.

It's a good idea to start by checking with your supervisor. Ask if there's anything specific they would like you to finish or prepare before your last day. If you are working on a crew, let your teammates know where things stand. You'll want to keep them in the loop by letting them know what's pending and where they can find anything they need that you're currently responsible for.

If leaving involves turning in equipment, clean it up and return it properly. If you've been using a company vehicle or other company items, make sure they're turned in according to any guidelines. For jobs that require more detailed tasks, leave notes or written instructions for whoever takes over. Also, check the rules for when your final paycheck is due.

A smooth hand-off shows that you care about the team and the work, even as you are moving on. That kind of positive attitude sticks with people. It can even lead to strong references or future job offers down the line.

Leave on Good Terms (Even If It Wasn't Perfect)

Everyone understands that not every job is going to be a dream job. Sometimes the hours are tough. Sometimes the pay isn't great. In some cases, the management doesn't treat people right. Still, how you leave can say more about you than how the job went. Even if things weren't perfect, it's still worth finishing strong.

Keep your exit professional. Avoid venting to coworkers or badmouthing the boss on your way out the door. Word gets around in industries where people often move between companies. A few careless comments can follow you around a lot longer than you think.

Instead, focus on what's next for you. Say a polite goodbye to your team. If you appreciated something about the job, be sure to tell them. If not, just keep it short and respectful. You don't have to fake it. You just have to be civil, and that's what people will remember. If a future employer calls your old supervisor for a reference, you want them to hear that you left on good terms, rather than a list of complaints about you.

You don't have to pretend that everything was perfect when leaving a job. However, you can still show maturity and walk out with your good reputation intact.