So you have reached that ultimate time to resign and you are almost certain that you are making the right decision and the right move. But have you really thought it through? Are you moving up in your career or sideways; and are you leaving for the right reasons?

When should you resign?
Never resign spontaneously or because you have had a difference of opinion in the office or a disagreement. Resigning is a tough decision and should always be well thought through and planned, so that you don't find yourself in a difficult position.

Penny Tan worked as a buyer for a design company. Artists would send her their work and she would decide whether to buy them or not to be printed on gift cards. Her taste was different from her bosses and often she would be criticised in front of other colleagues about the art she bought. Although she could accept that their tastes differed, she tried to buy in the interests of the company and work that she thought the general public would like. After working there for two years, again her boss degraded her buying ability. Jenny simply picked up her bag and never returned. 'I am shy by nature and this was not the right thing to do, but I could not take his criticism anymore and felt like crying. I got so wound up that I could not return. My boss was a very influential man and called up his contacts and told them not to employ me. It got so bad that when I applied for new jobs even the receptionist would be a little funny to me on the phone!' Although Jenny was not in the wrong, she did not have as much influence as her boss and he made her hunt for a new job. Eventually Jenny found a new position in a rival company, but she regrets not resigning in a more professional manner with something confirmed to go to. 'It was a waste of my time and energy, if only I had not acted hastily it would've saved me a lot of stress.'

Resigning does not have to be a negative experience for both you and your employer. If you play your cards right you can leave with a good taste in your mouth and perhaps the offer that you can have your job back at any time. You should always resign for a positive reason: perhaps you have been offered a career advancement in another company, perhaps you are starting your own business, and perhaps you are starting a family. If you are moving to a different company ensure everything is signed and sealed before you leave such as contacts and the package you require. Don't leave until everything is secured and you are 100% sure that your next move will be smooth.

Thomas Hyde decided to look for another job while he was still working for his current employee, an international music company. He had several interviews and was offered a job with a similar company but for a larger package. He thought that everything had been arranged and had even been given the date to start working at the new company. He decided to resign from his current employee and was confident in the decision he had made. However, he had not signed a contract with the new employee and after resigning received a call from them telling him that the position was not available. They were sorry but they could not employ him. Tom was dismayed and felt terribly foolish. His current employer had been swift to employ someone new and he was left without a job. 'It was so humiliating, here I was without a job after working all my life, if only I had signed a contract, I acted far too hastily,' Tom added. Tom learnt from the experience and eventually secured a job with yet another company, but at a loss to his salary!

How to resign?
Be sure, be confident and be prepared for any response. The usual procedure is to draft up a resignation letter to your direct boss and have a meeting with him/her to give them the letter. The letter should be short and succinct and should read something like this:

Dear Mr Xx

After much consideration, I am terminating my employment with x. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the experience I have gained and the support given. I wish you and the company well in all business ventures.

Yours sincerely
Rosalie Garrett

Be prepared for any reaction. Some bosses may be shocked or even horrified, some may be glad, and some may be relaxed about the situation. They may even try and persuade you otherwise there and then or at a later date with a monetary incentive to stay or an appealing package. There is no need to react immediately and say: 'no I have made my final decision,' as the offer may be exceptionally attractive and a very good opportunity. Take time to muse it over and tell them you will come back to them in a couple of days.

Also be prepared to be asked why and what your next step is. If you are moving to a competitive company be prepared to be escorted out of the company there and then, this is the usual practice in most companies. Dipti Vajpayee worked for a newspaper in the advertising sales department. After three years she was headhunted by a rival newspaper and decided to take the job. As soon as she told her boss where she was going, a call was immediately made to security and she was escorted off the premises. 'It was all very solemn and horrible. I felt like a criminal, but I knew I was making the right decision so I went for it,' Dipti explained. This was the usual practise for her company. Usually, most employers will be sad to see you go if you have been a good employee and wish you well. It is in your interest to resign positively, you never know when and where you will be in the workplace and you may work with or for your current boss/employee in the near future.