Quitting your job gracefully
A checklist for quitting gracefully: what to tell your manager, how to hand off your work, and what paperwork to collect without burning bridges.

[ ] Tell your manager first, in person
    Your manager shouldn't hear about it from a group chat or a colleague. A direct conversation, even if awkward, is the respectful way to do it.
[ ] Submit your resignation letter
    File it through your company's official process — a verbal conversation usually isn't enough to start the clock.
[ ] Check your contract for the notice period
    Notice periods are set by your contract — often 2–4 weeks, sometimes more for senior roles. Confirm the exact date of your last day.
[ ] Don't burn bridges
    Every industry is smaller than it looks. A good reference is worth more than one satisfying parting shot.
[ ] Decide in advance how you'll handle a counteroffer
    If they try to keep you with money or a promotion, having a decision ready beats an emotional reversal you'll regret later.
[ ] Write a handover document
    Tasks, statuses, contacts, access — all in one file. It saves you calls from your new job when something can't be found.
[ ] Retrieve personal files from your work laptop
    Photos, documents, notes — grab them before you hand the laptop back. There's no access to it afterward.
[ ] Log out and clear your personal accounts
    Personal email, messengers, cloud storage, saved browser passwords — none of it should stay on a device you're returning.
[ ] Save contacts of colleagues you'll want to keep
    Do this BEFORE your corporate email and chat access is cut — afterward there's no way to look up a number or personal email.
[ ] Ask HR which documents you'll receive
    The list varies by employer — final pay stub, tax forms, proof of employment. Confirm ahead of time what you need to collect.
[ ] Verify your unused vacation payout
    Payout for unused vacation days should be in your final paycheck — double-check the math yourself, payroll errors happen.
[ ] Reread your NDA and non-compete agreement
    Check what you can discuss about past projects at your new job and what stays confidential — not knowing the terms doesn't excuse breaking them.
[ ] Return equipment and access badges
    Laptop, badge, keys, corporate cards — check off the list from HR or IT so you're not chasing down a forgotten item after you've already left.
[ ] Update your resume now
    Your achievements and numbers are fresh right now — in six months you'll have forgotten half the details and metrics.
[ ] Update your LinkedIn and other profiles
    An accurate title and dates are the foundation for future recommendations and offers, which can arrive before you even start looking.
[ ] Approach the exit interview constructively
    Give useful feedback without drama or complaints — it's the last impression you leave with the company.
[ ] Say goodbye to the team on your last day
    In person or in a message — a warm goodbye keeps the door open for future projects and references.

Checklist from Unload: https://unloads.me/c/quit-job