How to Professionally Resign from a Position

So, I feel like this is a topic that may seem like it is common sense knowledge, but I recently had a less-than-stellar situation at work. So, I thought perhaps I should write about it in hopes that someone would read it and maybe think twice before acting (a fool).

You land your dream job and everything seems like it couldn't be more perfect. But, what happens when you realize that what you thought would be a good fit really isn't? Sometimes life isn't perfect and you need to re-evaluate and do what is best for yourself. And I'm talking about what is best for yourself in both a professional and personal manner.

One thing that I think is so important is that you never want to burn any bridges or lose any connections. Especially in certain geographical areas where the physical therapy community is small. A lot of times people know people who know people who know people who... you get the picture. If you need to resign from a position it is of utmost importance to do so graciously, and with your reputation still intact.

So, what is the "professional" way to resign?

1. First, talk with your supervisor

• Nothing stings more than a complete blind side. If you are struggling in your position, talk to your supervisor or mentor (if you have one). Sometimes your supervisor may not even be aware there is a problem and if it is one that can be rectified the first step is letting them know.

2. Provide your own suggestions on ways to improve your employment situation

• If you are overwhelmed, stressed about scheduling, don't like a certain policy, etc. come prepared with some suggestions on how to fix the situation. Nothing stinks more than having someone say, "This sucks" with no ideas on how they would like to fix the situation. 

3. Carefully consider the pros/cons

• Once you've discussed your issues and you've come up with some potential "fixes" decide if this is going to truly work for you. I am a big proponent of keeping a pros/cons list to help yourself see outside of the emotions.

4. Once you've made your decision, create a resignation letter

• There are plenty of resources available online to help you create a professional resignation letter. 

5. Give at least 2-4 weeks notice.

• I know most companies have a policy, so you should follow it. Under no circumstance should you ever disappear and leave your caseload with no therapist to treat. Four weeks gives your employer (and yourself) time to assess the situation, find a replacement and get your caseload in order to take over.

6. Discuss your decision (calmly) with your supervisor

• Take the time to discuss your decision with your supervisor in person. Although the professional relationship is not going to work out, they still gave you a position and you owe them the respect to discuss your decision. Again, don't burn bridges- you never know where you may go and who may know someone you worked with before!

7. Move on and keep your lips sealed!

• You've done it! You made it through your resignation notice and now you are free. Be proud that you did what was right for you. But, please keep your lips sealed when it comes to your prior employer. No matter how awful the situation was, you never want to badmouth a former employer. It just plain looks bad on you. It will never reflect poorly on the company. 

Happy One Year Anniversary (to me)!

Today marks a special day in my physical therapy career... I have been my company for one full year! I cannot even believe that I have been a practicing physical therapist for ONE YEAR! I often think back on my time in school and praise the Lord above I am no longer in classes. Right now, if I were in school, I would be in neuro class.

I feel like I have learned a lot in one year and that I have a lot more to learn as I grow as a physical therapist. Working for my company has been great and stressful all at the same time. But, I'm looking forward to what the future will bring.

Here are ten things I've learned in the past year:

1. When you get a straight forward patient case, be thankful; they do NOT come often.

2. No matter how much you try to get "buy in" there are just some patients that aren't going to buy what you are selling, and that doesn't make you a bad physical therapist

3. You will get people better that you thought you could never get better; and vice versa... You will not get people better that you thought you could get better.

4. You'll find that the most rewarding part of your job is when you can laugh with a patient.

5. Your coworkers will drive you insane from time to time; it's not always sunshine and happiness.

6. You will learn to love the patients that are difficult to love.

7. When you think that you cannot do one more thing, you'll do ten more and impress yourself with your own multi-tasking skills.

8. You may want to quit, and that's OK, everyone has job related stresses.

9. You will learn that it is finally OK to take care of yourself and have hobbies, instead of reading your notes all night.

10. You will learn that yes, after all the questions and doubts, you did make the right choice!