My karma ran over your dogma
"[When you decide to leave] you need to make sure you are creating good work karma," says Laura Berman Fortgang, career coach and author of Take Yourself to the Top. She agrees that if you handle your resignation poorly with your current employer, the bad karma will follow you to your next job.

Other experts agree: Even if you don't believe in karma, you shouldn't burn your bridges.

Leaving in a huff is not an option. "In the short term, you will blow off some steam, but it will hurt you in the long run," says Damian Birkel, founder of Professionals in Transition, in Winston-Salem, N.C., a volunteer support group for the unemployed and under-employed. He says that having another job lined up before you turn in your resignation will make you more valuable to your new employer -- and give you the edge to negotiate. Plus, he says it is much harder to find a job when you are out of a job.

You should also have an action plan, according to Birkel. Document different projects that you have worked on, summarize your work experience and make a list of the things you need to take with you when you leave so that you don't have to come back for anything. Also, before you pack up you should check with your employer to find out what you can take with you -- such as files, contact information and completed projects for your portfolio. For example, if you've signed a confidentiality contract, you may not be able to take any company information with you.

A clean departure also means preparing for your replacement. "Be flexible to minimize the impact of leaving," says Birkel. Make a file for the person who will be filling your shoes so there isn't a huge glitch in the changeover. Or you could even offer to train your replacement.

Why take the trouble to make the smooth moves if you're ditching this job anyway? "Recommendations are critical," says Bernie Milano, partner in charge of university relations for the accounting firm, KPMG. Even if you're not concerned about a recommendation from your previous employer, it is important to note that other employers may be watching your actions. "Your new employer is going to make certain assumptions about you based on how you leave your current job," Milano reminds.

"Be gracious and get the hell out of there."
Fortgang says that a graceful exit requires looking at the big picture and doing some homework. For example, no matter how bad your job is you should find at least two reasons to be grateful for your position, and take the time to write down what you have learned. She also suggests that you think of two nice things to say about everyone you worked with and tell them before you go. All in the interest of good karma, mind you.

Experts agree that you should give at least two weeks to one month of notice before you take off. Fortgang says your resignation should be given in writing if your workplace is more formal, but if you have a good relationship with your boss or the office is more laid back, you can schedule time to tell your boss in person. However, she warns that if you are going to deliver it in person, you should be absolutely positive that you are doing the right thing.

"If you have doubt, they will be able to smell it," Fortgang says.

If you're sure about your decision to leave, Fortgang suggests using an exit interview to discuss what you have accomplished while at the company. But make sure you don't make the interview a gripe session. "Just be gracious and get the hell out of there," she says.

Get the boot
Depending on your age and experience, there are disadvantages and advantages to leaving a job. If you're young, the advantage is that you probably don't have the baggage (mortgage, children to feed) that an older employee may have. But, at the same time, you may not have as much negotiating power when asking for severance pay, medical coverage and ability to forward your 401(k). Talk to your boss or human resources department about your rights.

Steven Mitchell Sack, author of Getting Fired, warns that quitting your job may be a bad decision if you are concerned about receiving unemployment, pension, benefits and bonuses.

And he says that you should never sign a letter of resignation. "It's a trap," says Sack. If you are being asked to resign you should "milk the company" for what you can by demanding severance pay and benefits. Besides, he says, "there is no stigma to getting fired anymore."

But Fortgang disagrees: "Getting fired means you didn't take the opportunity to get out of there." She says that aside from the business aspect of getting canned, "getting fired does something to your self-esteem."

Good karma pays off
If you plan your exit wisely, quitting your job doesn't mean you have to give up benefits, business contacts or your self-esteem. Being flexible and levelheaded is your key to a new career.

It worked for William Gaultier. When he told his boss that he would be leaving the Hoffman Agency to start his own company, e-Storm, they worked out a compromise to help the agency make the transition. The day after Gaultier announced his decision to leave, Hoffman came back and said that he wanted the agency to be e-Storm's first client.

"It's bad PR when an employer and employee part on bad terms," says Gaultier. "As long as you are honest and you mean well, people will recognize and appreciate that."

-- Posted: Feb. 18, 1999