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Seven Tips on How to Resign with Style and Grace

You've decided that where you are is not where you want to be. You're thinking that's it's time to make a change. You're wondering if there is something better out there for you.

If you have finally decided it's time to look for a new employment opportunity, keep in mind that actions today may influence decisions tomorrow and then review these eight tips on how to resign with style and grace.

Build Relationships Don't Blow Them Off

If you suddenly see this as an opportunity to tell your ungrateful boss - or anyone else who might have angered you - where she can get off, don't do it. It's important to maintain good relationships for two reasons.

First, you're going to need job references. Even if company policy controls what an employee can say about you, they may not work there forever. If you need to use you ex-boss as a reference somewhere down the road, keep on her good side now.

Second, building a network of knowledgeable contacts is always important to a career. You never know when you may want to use them as a reference, a job search tool or call on them for their expertise.

Give Your Boss Advance Notice

While you may feel like screaming from the rooftop, "I quit," or get tempted to share the good news with your all your coworkers first, do the right thing and make sure your boss is the first to know. And be sure you provide at least the customary two-week notice.

Not only does it leave a favorable impression, there are employers who have a "no rehire" policy for employees who don't give notice. Now while you may not ever think you want to work there again, why take a chance. On top of that, if it goes down in your personnel file that you are not rehireable, a future employer may hear about it.

Put it in Writing

This doesn't have to be anything fancy, just a simple note that indicates you are resigning your position, the effective date and your signature. Address it to your boss and hand it to her personally.

Don't Get Short-timers Disease

This is the toughest part of any job. Giving two weeks' notice and then continuing to go to work each day and perform at the same high level when it would be just so much easier to pull the covers over your head.

However, if you have ever taken over a position where someone has let things go, so that you walk in to face a mountain of work, you can understand the importance of keeping your workload under control.

Train Your Replacement

When you've quit your job, two weeks can seem like

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