How To Successfully “Fire Your Boss”: Planning Your Professional Exit

Leaving was my only option of finding peace.

April 1, 2013 was the exact day that I essentially “fired my boss”. I had no plans on quitting a corporate job that had gainfully employed me for thirteen years, but that day ended up being my last. I was absolutely miserable for twelve of those thirteen years, feeling unappreciated and ineffective, and later realized that I only remained in the Company (as long as I did) because of the people that I worked with.

Those relationships just weren’t enough to keep me at the company. I didn’t want to become dependent on the paychecks associated with the position (and they were amazing), so leaving was my only option of finding peace.

Firing your boss requires a plan. You’ve now decided that you want to try your hand at a new business venture, or as an entrepreneur; or, you’ve made up in your mind that you are more valuable elsewhere; it could be that you’ve determined that your time at your current place of employment has come to an end.

But, unless you are walking into a plethora of funds and total job stability, let’s review three very important points that you need to consider in order to successfully fire your boss:

1. How much money do you have saved? Research shows that you should have six months to one year’s worth of your income saved, if you are planning to leave your place of employment. This will cover your expenses while you are in search of a new position, or while you are getting situated in your new position. If you are branching out on your own as an entrepreneur, having a solid savings will allow you the room to grow your business without the stress of worrying about bills, etc. You should also consider adding a little extra to cover emergencies that may arise.
2. Make sure that you are leaving on good terms. It is a great idea to exit any position in good standing. Your employer needs not know your true feelings about your job. Your time as an employee should reflect a quality work product being put out, being able to work well in a team environment, and a consistent office presence. Upon your exit, you should have a formal letter of resignation, which should also include a message thanking your employer for the time spent with their company. It is not necessary to get into the details of “why” you are choosing to leave, however you can state something as simple as “I am pursuing other opportunities at this time”. Keep your letter simple, respectful, and most of all professional. There have been instances where people have needed to return to a previous employer. It would be in your best interest to leave and have the option to come back.
3. Plan your two weeks notice around your next professional career move. To give an employer two weeks notice prior to exiting your position is a professional courtesy, and is also an industry standard. It is an excellent idea to plan your notice with your new start date for the next phase of your professional career. If it is at all possible to plan your exit around your start for the new position, this would make for a seamless transition, and there won’t be too much time in between paychecks. If you are submitting your two weeks notice, and you do not have an official start date close to your last day, this is where the six months to one year’s worth of savings comes into play. While waiting to begin your new phase, you are still able to meet your financial obligations. If your notice is submitted, and you are branching out as a New Business Start, you still have the saved reserve to fall back on while growing your business.

It goes without saying that sometimes things won’t always go as planned, but it’s better to prepare for the worst and expect the best, than to have no plan at all. Firing your boss does not have to be as harsh as it actually sounds; think of it as you giving yourself the room needed to spread your wings. Growth requires change; and sometimes that change means that you will have to “fire your boss”!