Take This Job And Shove It! Not So Fast.

Here’s how to quit your job the right way.

Wish you could walk in and tell your boss to “take your job and shove it?” You’re not alone. As the economy begins to recover a lot of unhappy workers are feeling more confident about saying goodbye to their current employers.

Over the last few years confidence in the U.S. job market has improved according the 2012 General Social Survey, which has been monitoring and studying social change in America since 1972.Time notes that 54 percent of respondents to the survey said that it would be somewhat or very easy to find a job if they lost theirs, up from 46 percent in 2010.

As increasing numbers believe that it would be easy to find a new job they are less likely to stay in a position where they’re unhappy. In some cases this leads to “extreme quitters” who choose to exit with a bang. Like the hotel employee who told his story of resigning with the help of a celebratory marching band on Work Wars a recent episode of ABC’s 20/20. While this former room-service waiter landed on his feet in most cases telling the boss off won’t work in your favor. As a rule it’s much better to be remembered in a good way.

Always remember the golden rule of leaving any employer: Don’t burn bridges. Michelle Tillis Lederman author of The 11 Laws of Likability says, “Now is not the time to say all the things that you have built up. You never know when your paths will cross again.”

Jesse Lyn Stoner co-author of Full Steam Ahead: Unleash the Power of Vision agrees. ” If asked why you’re leaving, be clear, be straight, be descriptive. You are more credible when you share information and facts. Don’t dump a lot of emotional baggage, accusations, or generalities that can’t be verified.”

Be sure to give your employer enough notice so he or she is not left hanging. Whatever your relationship give your boss the courtesy of telling him or her before your coworkers. You don’t want the boss to hear that you’re leaving through the rumor mill.

Donna Ballman, employment attorney and author of Stand Up For Yourself Without Getting Firedrecommends safeguarding your future.  “Review any agreements you signed before you quit. Make sure you don’t have anything like a noncompete or nonsolicitation agreement that will limit or prevent you from taking your new job.” She also suggests waiting to quit until after you’ve received any commissions or bonuses if possible as your employer will likely look for any excuse not to pay you.

It’s also important to protect yourself against potential accusations.  “Don’t copy or email yourself a bunch of company documents before you leave. Your employer might accuse you of stealing trade secrets or of violating any confidentiality agreement you may have signed, even if you didn’t. Especially avoid sending yourself client lists, pricing information and other information that might have value to a competitor.”

Don’t slack off after you’ve given notice. Seeing it through until the end will help you feel good about yourself when you walk out the door for the last time says Stoner. Lederman agrees suggesting that you go beyond helping with the transition and offer to be available even after your two week’s notice.

No matter what the circumstances you want to leave your current employer on a good note. Stoner says, “It’s not just about ‘not burning bridges’ and making sure you get a good recommendation, but more importantly about who you are and how you feel about yourself. It’s important to leave with your own dignity intact.”

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