Do not make your last day at work the worst. Only you know what triggered that decision in the first place. Whether you have been planning for it or just made the decision, it’s all good. But truth be told, you have something to lose when you leave a bad reputation behind. God knows how much you worked to be where you are now. Why spoil it now? If you are planning to quit your job, you might want to avoid these things as you make a goodbye speech.
“I am leaving because there are better places of work than this one”
Let's go slow here. You have worked at that bad company for 3 years. You gained good experience and you are alive, you have afforded to fend for yourself and your family all this while as you work at that bad company. Did you just realize it's a bad place? You do not have to compare your place of work to others as you quit your job. It is a bit unprofessional.
“ I am leaving today”
What! No, please do not do this. You might be at a point where you cannot take it anymore or you are tired of seeing your work colleague’s face because you are not getting along. I can relate to that. But let's stay proficient till the end of the day. Your employer or supervisor needs to prepare for you, HR will have to get your benefits and gratuity but also importantly they need a replacement. Storming out with no heads up is worsening everything.
Why the rush? A notice period is a better way to sign out, let your employers prepare well for you.
“I am not valued here”
Maybe it's the truth or not, but no one wants to know that you are quitting your job because you are not valued. Truthfully, such things highlight your weaknesses in a flash. Your employee might wonder why you are still part of the team. Company politics aside, if you did things right you will be valued by the company. When you feel there is no value attached to you and the work you do, then you have some internal homework to do on yourself as well.
“I am sorry I have to go”
Please do not be sorry. You are not doing anyone a favour when you stay or doing them wrong when you quit your job. It is always said that the day you join your company, is the day they plan for your last day as well. All employers know that staff will not be there forever, so it is okay that you choose to leave now. Instead of apologizing, appreciate the good times and all that made your stay there worthwhile.
“This environment is toxic”
Oh, wow! You have survived to date. Please do not quit your job and quit your manners too. That toxic workplace has been there for you. No place is perfect, even if you are self-employed. Stop highlighting perfection as you quit your job. You have outgrown your tasks and responsibilities and it is okay. Tell your employer it is time to take on new tasks.
“You can always replace me, there are better people”
Do you think that your employer has no clue about other people better than you? Here you are choosing to remind him about your incompetencies. Which kind of reference or recommendation letter do you hope to get? Employees always say such things, and you wonder if it is from a place of ignorance, no offence. But if you want to quit your job, make sure you stay the best candidate even on your way out. Instead of saying such things, tell your employer that you are willing to train someone for the position.
“This is not my father’s company, I had to leave at some point ”
Of course, it is not, or else you would not be quitting your job. Instead of claiming imaginary shares in your workplace, please leave your job with some sanity.
“I see no future here”
At least they prepared you for your next position. Take it or leave it, your past job experiences are the reason why you managed to get that good job. Without an opportunity to work in that place with no future, you will have no experience. Save such things for your peers, but do not tell your employee or manager that you are quitting your job because you see no future there.
“You failed to increase my salary, I have to go”
Where is your integrity? It is not always about the money. I know the big pay is so attractive but saying such things when quitting your job will send out a message that you are just a product to be taken by the highest bidder.
“Ask my manager why I am leaving”
By the time you are asked why you are quitting your job, probably they have already got all the information they needed from other parties. Do not be disrespectful at the last minute. Your reputation is at stake here. You can politely refer them to your exit interview if you do not want to talk about it.
Quitting your job is solely a personal decision, it might be influenced by one’s need to change careers, maybe you have seen some red flags and it's just the right time to focus on something new. Before your final decision, you might want to re-evaluate your options.