Ask HN: How do you leave a job?

Document, train so others can pick up where you’ve left off, and then skip town.

If something gets lost in progress, it’s not your fault, it’s your company’s fault for not making sure there was coverage.

I have always struggled with this issue as it feels like you're abandoning your team and leaving them hanging. Especially when you like and respect your teammates. At my last job I was the sole developer in the company and responsible for a major project for our biggest client. My job previous to that I worked as a consultant and was the PM/main developer on two different projects. The guilt I felt in leaving was real and was something I struggled with to even accept the new offers.

That being said you have to do what is in your best interest. In both cases, the move I made was just what I needed at the time and improved my outlook and passion moving forward. To make up for some of the guilt, I worked like hell the last two weeks, cleaning up as many outstanding issues as I could and documenting everything I could. I also made myself available for questions after I left, though you want to be careful about committing too much time there.

And guess what...in both situations the company moved on and eventually got past the initial hurdles of replacing me. It's likely the same will happen in your case and you'll realize you spent way too much time worrying about something that should you decide to leave, is no longer your responsibility.

I'm one of those people that move jobs more often than you do (roughly once every 2-3 years).

I prefer to arrange an in-person meeting with my direct manager. If that's not possible, Zoom/other video platform.

If it's impossible to get facetime in some capacity, phonecall/email is a last resort.

Always on a Friday. Ideally in the afternoon (3PM).

I rip the bandaid off quickly and tell them I've decided to move on and X day will be my last with the company (don't bury the lede). I thank them for being great. I talk a little about why I'll miss the team and company overall.

Generally, the manager will want to notify the team. If it's going to be more than a week in the future, I tell my closest work colleagues and ask them to keep it quiet for the "formal" announcement.

We then start the handover process. Document anything major that's fuzzy. Finish anything that you can. Don't be one of those people that coast for the next 2-4 weeks and do nothing.

During the exit meeting, I never throw shade on the company. SHUT YOUR MOUTH. There is no benefit to YOU by unloading all the issues with a company. Sure, it might help them, but you will be leaving a bad taste in their mouth, which may come back around in the future (be selfish - shut up). I outline my reasons (almost always it's money, remote work options, or leaving to join a scrappy startup with a nice equity package).

If you get a counter offer (after resigning, not during a normal salary negotiation), do not take it. You will regret it, trust me.

I worked as a firefighter-paramedic for 14 years. In June of 2020 I decided to leave and found another job totally different career field.

On a Thursday I turned in my resignation and gave my 2 week notice. I called out sick on Friday. I had vacation scheduled for the next 2 weeks.

Sayonara bitches!