Considering Quitting? Here’s How to Talk to Your Boss About It.

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Don’t start with the “Q” word.

November 27, 2024

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Telling your boss that you’re thinking about leaving isn’t an easy conversation to have. How do you decide whether to even broach the topic? How do you frame the discussion? And how do you turn this possibly awkward and adversarial conversation into a productive dialogue? Start by first assessing the risks. Bottom line: Think long and hard about whether this conversation is worth the potential fallout. If you do decide to say something, get clear on what you hope to get out of the conversation — especially if you want to stay at your organization. A productive conversation about your future with the company also requires taking your boss’s priorities into account. And don’t neglect to follow up appropriately after the conversion; your response can reinforce positive outcomes or help smooth over tensions.

It seems counterintuitive, but when you’re thinking about quitting your job , your boss might be the best person to talk to — yes, your boss. After all, your boss knows your strengths, weaknesses, and your potential within the organization. An open conversation could lead to unexpected solutions. So, how do you decide whether to broach this topic? How do you frame the discussion? And how do you turn this possibly awkward and adversarial conversation into a productive dialogue?

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RK

Rebecca Knight is a journalist who writes about all things related to the changing nature of careers and the workplace. Her essays and reported stories have been featured in The Boston Globe, Business Insider, The New York Times, BBC, and The Christian Science Monitor. She … Read More