Deciding to leave your job to start a business is a big decision. You want to make sure you do it right so you can maintain your professional reputation and relationships because you never know who your boss is connected to. Here are some tips from voice actor and producer Johnny George on how to quit your job gracefully so that your departure ends on good terms.

Your Boss Should Know First

You should always tell your boss before you tell anyone else at the company. This shows that you respect them and the company enough to give them a heads-up before making any formal announcements. As soon as you have a departure date in mind, schedule a meeting with your boss and explain your decision face-to-face. This is an opportunity to give them notice and discuss any loose ends that need to be tied up before you go.

Your Resignation Letter

After you’ve had that conversation with your boss, the next step is drafting a letter of resignation. Apollo Technical explains that this formal document should state your last day of work and include a short, polite explanation of why you are leaving. It’s best to hand-deliver this letter so there is no confusion about when you will be leaving the company.

Two Weeks’ Notice Is the Right Thing to Do

The standard amount of notice for quitting a job is two weeks. This gives your employer enough time to find a replacement and train them for the role. In some cases, four weeks’ notice may be appropriate if you have special knowledge or skills that will be difficult to replace. If possible, offer to help with the transition by training your replacement or writing up documentation of your duties and responsibilities.

Professionalism Always Wins

It’s important to maintain professionalism during your final weeks at the company. You don’t want to burn any bridges because you never know when you might need those connections in the future. Stay focused on your work and avoid getting involved in office politics. Be available to answer questions from co-workers and trainees, but don’t overwhelm people with information overload.  And finally, resist the urge to badmouth your boss or the company—this will only make you look unprofessional.          

Say Goodbye on Good Terms

Once you’ve put in your two weeks’ notice, there’s only one thing left to do: finish out strong! Stay focused and productive during your final days at the job. Give 110% until the very end. Showing this level of commitment will leave a positive impression on your boss and co-workers, which could come in handy down the road.        

Leaving to Start Your Own Business        

There are many reasons why people choose to leave their jobs and start their own businesses: flexibility, freedom, and autonomy are just a few of the perks. And if you’re planning on starting an LLC (Limited Liability Company), there are even more benefits: LLCs provide personal asset protection, flexible taxation options, and can be owned by multiple people—to name just a few. So if you’re considering starting your own business, an LLC might be the perfect structure for you. As you research everything for your business plan, having an idea about your business structure will be a big part of your launch.     

Take advantage of software and platforms that are suited to your new endeavor. All startups need accounting software, and most can benefit from CRM and marketing software. If you are starting up an e-commerce business, you should invest in an e-commerce platform that makes creating customized buyer experiences easy. Options for commerce can include a variety of features, including B2B and B2C services, data tracking, and more!

Timing is everything

I left radio after almost 40+ years in the Production Room. So I had a great learning foundation and a strategic launch to go out on my own as a voice actor when the time was right. The best way to go solo is to be sure you’re stable in your current job and performing as a voice talent on the side part-time. Developing a client foundation that will support you once you go out on your own. When your clients understand you now are able to focus full-time on their projects, you should be able to bring in new work with them and a new batch of potential clients due to your devoted time developing your new marketing.

Leave with a Graceful Bow

If you’re thinking about quitting your job to start a business, there are some things you need to do first, like telling your boss, writing a letter of resignation, giving two weeks’ notice, maintaining professionalism, and leaving on good terms. When you use the above tips, you’ll be in a position to quit your job gracefully and set yourself up for success in running your own business. I mentor several voice talents and they stay in touch with their progress. If you decide to strike out on your own, stay in touch with us so we can celebrate your victories with you.

_{Photo Credit: George Milton via Pexels}