Should I be honest in my resignation letter?

[seaglass]

I'm planning to resign tomorrow and I do not plan to put this job on my resume, I've only been there since January.

I'd like to be honest about why I'm leaving as an opportunity for the company to learn - part of the reason I'm leaving is my fault (I thought I could adjust to a 4p-1230am schedule and it's not working) but most of it is their fault - they hired me for one job and then changed my responsibilities dramatically. And other things.

There are a lot of unhappy employees and I thought I'd share my experience with them - from the trivial - it would be a nice welcoming gesture to give new employees a pen and paper on their 1st day on the job instead of relying on them to bring it from home, to the more consequential lack of preparedness of new employees in their transition from training to being on the floor.

I want to do this because I don't have anything against the company and spent many years in previous positions designing process improvements to help the people on the front line, making their job easier. So when I see something that can improve employee sat, it's kind of hard to keep my mouth shut.

They'd probably blow it off anyways, right? Does this sound really arrogant?

Also, I want the resignation to be effective immediately, I know they aren't going to hire someone to specifically replace me in 2 weeks because I'm a call center rep.and they're always hiring so it doesn't seem necessary for me to stay any longer in a job that I dread.

As a manager what would you think of this? As an employee, have you ever done this before?

[xmas74]

1. I have just walked out mid-shift in the past.

[ixion]

2. best not to be

even companies that I really despised I kept to myself. It's just safest that way, IMO.

[joeybee12]

3. I've been tempted, but never have...

...they'll probably ignore it. But I would give a two-week notice--you'll never know when something like that might come back to bite you in the ass!

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

Although you're not planning on putting this on your resume, I'd

be careful not to burn any bridges. If you're asked reasons why or given the opportunity to 'debrief,' then perhaps you can go into some details, but remember: you never know where you might wind up meeting these people. You could wind up working with them again years from now (employees and/or managers at another company, say). I'd play it safe.

[Donailin]

10. GMTA

good advice :-)

[Bunny]

22. Exactly right. It's a small world. Don't burn any bridges.

They won't listen to you anyway.

[seaglass]

7. I'm thinking they'll probably escort me out but I'm not sure.

How could it come back to me? It's not like I'm leaving them in the lurch, I'm not even very good at what I'm doing.

Geez, I really don't want to work there another hour but now I'm feeling bad.

[KG]

4. no need to be specific

my letters have always read simply: 'i hearby resign from my position with this company'. just say good-bye and move on.

[mr_hat]

12. Which always gave them a good chuckle, I'm sure.

[KG]

20. they'd find that funny, why?

[mr_hat]

29. Hereby, not "hearby".

[KG]

30. whatever

[mr_hat]

35. Well done.

[Orangepeel]

5. you'll be gone soon enought. there is no sense in burning your bridges

you don't need to lie, but you should be completely professional

[UrbScotty]

6. Yes - tell them how NOT to treat employees. (nt)

[HeyManThatsCool]

8. You should definately tell them

& not in a pissy way, just be professional about it.
Basically a "no hard feelings.. but in the future you might want to" letter.

[Donailin]

9. Never burn your bridges

I say this a small business owner and employer. If you are resigning, give them the courtesy of a two weeks notice, wouldn't you expect the same? Also, you just NEVER know when you might need a good word from them, so I would resign with a hint of regret that you have to leave in the first place, be complimentary, polite and professional. Trust me on this -- the world is small and karma is real. As for giving hints on what they should do to make the work place better, I wouldn't. They may be a future competitor of yours.

[HeyManThatsCool]

11. Theres being rude & obnoxious and theres being professional

stating a few truths wont kill them and as along as it isnt a shit fest your kharma is clear

[Glenda]

13. Don't say anything negative...

It's too late to have any effect, you've probably done all you can to try to change the job/situation. On the way out is the least effective time to say anything. And it could only count against you. The company will not learn or care about what's in your letter.

Seriously.

[Kire]

14. do you submit your letter at the start of the two weeks notice period?

If so, then the less the better. Just walk out. It's not up to you whether they tank or not. The other employees are grown ups and they will walk out when it is their time. Don't be a hero.

[Technowitch]

15. No, in the letter just resign

If you still feel the need to say something to someone though, say it verbally. And use those words, "I was hired for one job, but the responsibilities changed dramatically. This isn't what I signed on for. Also, if you don't mind my saying so, I think there are a number of things you could also do to help get and keep good people. Including such simple things as providing a pen and paper to someone on their first day's training."

Oh, and if you really, really don't want to go back, in your resignation letter say something like, "I know that it's traditional to provide two-weeks notice before resigning. However, given the fact I've only been here since January, this seems excessive. Unless you have strenuous objections, please consider this to be effective immediately."

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

16. It's kind of like telling someone the real reason you're dumping them.

It might SEEM like a good idea at some point in time, and seem noble to be honest, but usually the reasons you're leaving have to do with the reasons why the company or job sucks, and often they either already know or don't care, don't really want to hear them.

Most of the time, even if your intentions are good, it's best to just leave with the usual hackneyed cliches on as good terms as possible, so as to have the least burnt bridges.

Now on the other hand, if you have serious grievances, major problems that could result in legal action, people not writing a reference for you etc. it's best to have as much documented as possible, although this would hopefully have been taken care of long before the resignation letter stage.

[seaglass]

18. Yeah, I guess I can be kind of naive in that I think that if

a company can save money by reducing turnover they would want to do that - but perhaps in a cost/benefit analysis it works out just as well for them to repeat the cycle.

I don't have a serious grievance, I assume some people would like the job - just not me.

[FloridaPat]

17. I've seen done before and it doesn't make any difference. They

do what they want to.

[seaglass]

19. OK, I guess I'll just make it short and sweet, no advice from

me.

Don't know about the two weeks notice though. I'm pretty sure they'll escort me out - wouldn't want to spread the negativity
:-(

Thanks all for your suggestions.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

21. When did this thing of escorting resigned or fired employees out begin?

Did it start during the implosion of the dotcoms and all the narfing of laptops etc.? Or is it a lot older than that? Rather scary to think that the default assumption when you're leaving a company is that you're a crook...

[bettyellen]

23. it's all to common these days........

[seaglass]

24. I'm just thinking that if I'm resigning they will assume I'm

unhappy so they won't want the unhappy virus to spread to other employees (though many already have it), also they might think I wouldn't do a good job because there would be no repercusssions.

I'm just guessing here, I've never quit a job before nor been escorted out but an employee who was in my training group resigned last week and she just disappeared. I don't know whose choice that was.

[Gyre]

25. No point to it.

They already know about the conditions and have decided to ignore it and instead churn thru lots of employees instead of making the necessary changes. They've made a cost-benefit analysis that tips against making employees happy. Presenting your observations is totally futile, but if it helps you to tell the truth, you might just go for it.

Gyre

[seaglass]

27. You're probably right, it doesn't really help me to tell the

truth just thought it might help them - silly me.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

28. The unfortunate reality is that it has more potential to harm you than to

help them. In an ideal world this wouldn't be the case, but there you have it.

[Dastard Stepchild]

26. If its on paper...

There is a record of your comments. It probably wouldn't hurt you in the future, but I am always very hesitant when something is being recorded in writing.
If you truly wanted to improve the company, and wanted to present this in a way that they might listen to, your best bet would be to stay on and create change from within. I'm not sure that a manager/organization would give a departing employee's thoughts as much consideration. Just my guess...

[seaglass]

31. That is really what I wanted to do and my goal in joining the

company. My plan was to take an entry level position to understand what the front line job was like, to learn the business and then to move on to a project manager type position. I actually spend a lot of time off hours reading industry periodicals, keeping up on issues between the industry and government and my company and competitors.

Unfortunately, the job itself has taken a turn for the worse. While I was enticed by helping customers with technical problems, it turns out that the job will be strictly billing for 6 months.

Other than the fact that I have zero interest in billing, it limits my ability to learn and move on. I had no intention of being on the phones for more than 6 months.

In addition, because I have no interest or aptitude for billing (I don't even review my own bills) I'm not very good at doing it quickly so I'm set up for failure. I'm nowhere near Average Handling Time or even the Call Volume of my peers. So if I can't succeed in this position and even though it wouldn't use the same skill set that a pm position requires, I think it would be very hard to advance without being a superstar.

I guess I'm giving up. Not like me at all.

[Kire]

32. If they want to fail as a business, let them...

Maybe someone will learn a valuable lesson.

What's that rule on Star Trek? The Prime Directive?

[SOteric]

33. No. Don't burn your bridges. And if you're going to burn your bridges,

don't do it in writing. Years from now there will possibly be an 80% turnover in this company and none of those you work with now will still be around to remember you. All they'll have is your snarky resignation letter in a file.

If you really feel you have to say something to them about poor morale and the unfair alterations to your job description, say it to someone appropriate in an informal exit interview. Keep your comments restricted to only constructive, positive feedback. (i.e., "In my opinion you'll improve morale and likely retain your help longer if the company XXXXXXXX").

[seaglass]

37. Thanks, I was going to do it in a positive way but it doesn't

seem that it would be taken in the spirit given, so it's probably best to forget it.

[Bluebear]

34. Have you learned NOTHING these last 24 hours?

O8)

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

38. YOU are a naughty one! Bad BlueBear!

[wovenpaint]

36. I'd just give 2 weeks notice

I've found out first hand that explanations are basically twisted around to suit the company and you could end up looking like a complainer/quitter. The advice of karma possibly biting you on the butt is good advice.
Do they give exit interviews? You could touch on things then, briefly and professionally, at that point. Where I work, a 2 week notice is expected, but then they escort you out that same day. Maybe you'll be "lucky" enough to have that happen. But definitely give a 2 week notice. You don't want to look too unprofessional-and as others have mentioned-don't burn your bridges.
Best of luck and I hope you find something better for you soon!

[peekaloo]

39. No. Say it in the exit interview.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

40. Good luck to you. Take the high road. It's always the best.

While you might think you're helping the other employees, you never know how it might be construed. Keep it congenial, give the two weeks' notice and if your employer says, "don't bother," then I'd say fine. I'd offer the 2 weeks first, though. I wish you sincere good luck, and hope you find something where you'll be happier soon.

[carpetbagger]

41. Don't be dishonest, but don't be forthcoming.

I have a feeling you'd be having a meeting with your supervisor instead of resigning if you thought they'd actually listen to you.

As it stands right now, you have two priorities: resign, and don't stand out like a sore thumb, so that when someone checks your entire work history 10 years from now, they don't hear sighing over the phone.

If they care about what you think, they'll ask. Then you need to praise the work environment, the company, and the management, give as nice a reason as you honestly can for leaving (and trouble with late shifts is a totally reasonable, no-fault reason to leave), and then give advise if specifically asked.