Merry Marcus

<strong>QUESTION: Resignation? <br /><br />Dear Merry,</strong><br /><br />I have accepted another job offer as director of OD in a larger company. I am wondering how to resign from my current position? What is fair timing? I am also concerned that I receive my bonus which is significant and is awarded on March 1st. Any suggestions?<br /><br /><br /><strong><br />RESPONSE: Tips & Advice for Giving Notice<br /><br />Dear Executive,</strong><br /><br />Congratulations on your new position! <br /><br />This is sensitive, so I suggest you plan out exactly what you are going to say and to whom. Your boss may not be the only person that you want to speak with about this transition. <br /><br />As you are probably aware, 2 weeks advance notice is the minimal professional courtesy. Depending upon the scope of the projects you are currently working on and your new employer's need for you to start, you may want to offer more than the traditional 2 week notice to see through or pass-off a project.<br /><br />I have a few suggestions with regard to your bonus: <br />1)       If you can start your new job after March 1st that is cleanest and there should be no question about awarding you the bonus. Of course, the bonus is for work that was already done last year and in my opinion you deserve it even if you leave before March. But not all organizations would agree with me on this. Look for the company's published bonus policy. Do you have to be in your job on March 1st? Then keep in mind that sometimes if you are flexible about how you transition out, your company may be flexible with you about collection of the bonus. <br />2)       If your new employer has asked you to start before March 1st, share with them that you have a significant bonus on the table which you would forfeit by joining them sooner. They may agree to a later start date or, very often, companies will match your bonus with some sort of sign-on bonus or other form of compensation. You should be comfortable having this conversation with your future employer.<br />3)       Remember you have room to negotiate with both parties. You worked hard for that bonus and I'd like to hear back that you actually received it. Don't be quick to sacrifice what you have earned!<br /><br /> As you plan your resignation you should also consider the possibility of a counter-offer from your current company. Under what conditions would you accept a counter-offer? At least be prepared and know what your terms would be: higher compensation, a change in level, additional benefits, more vacation, variable pay, etc. Valued employees are very expensive to replace. Not only will your company have to fill your position, but your accumulated company knowledge walks out the door with you. Be sure to take some time to considering their offer before accepting or declining.<br /><br />If at all possible be sure to take vacation between jobs. This is a very unique and sweet time in which you have no work responsibilities from your old job and only the anticipation of what is to come. Relax before you undertake the rigors of being new again!<br /><br />Dare to Deliver!<br />Merry<br /><br /><br /><br />Merry Marcus<br />President<br /><a href="http://www.breakthroughconsulting.com">www.breakthroughconsulting.com<br /></a><br /><br /><br /> <span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; color: black;"> Copyright 2007, Break Through Consulting</span>