What are the best ways to tell your boss you're quitting?

When giving notice, do not allow yourself to be pressured into extending your notice period beyond what is right for you and your new employer. As much as you may like people at your current firm, there is a new firm waiting for you that needs you to start work. Remember, that if your current manager tries to make you feel guilty or wrong, they would handle your departure well if you died in a car accident tomorrow. They would be upset, of course, but would immediately plan to turn over your work to someone else. They will do the same thing if you give 2 weeks' notice and leave.

Announcing one's resignation is a significant step that requires careful consideration and planning. Before taking this step, it's essential to have a well-defined plan for your next steps. Having a clear vision of what lies ahead will not only provide you with confidence but also ensure a smoother transition both for yourself and your current employer. Take the time to assess your goals, aspirations, and motivations for leaving your current position. Are you seeking new challenges, better growth opportunities, or a change in industry? Understanding your reasons will help you align your next steps with your personal and professional objectives.

Resign for the right reasons, not on a whim. Ideally, you will want to formalise your resignation after an offer, but sometimes, its best to walk away from toxic environments, so depending on your industry and skills, you may find yourself without work IF you need to resign. Be prepared for this, and hopefully you have been applying before hand. If its an amicable departure, try to ensure handover notes or a warm handover is completed as its invaluable to someone who may be backfilling your role. It also can help to summarise your role for your CV/Resume.

Friday afternoons in the US are a typical time to give notice. By saying, "Can I see you for a minute," on a Friday afternoon when you are not already on their calendar, they immediately know you are giving notice. I would not intentionally do it after a meeting. Their mind may be on something they are carrying forward as an action item, a professional headache or some conversation they are reviewing in their mind after a meeting. Thus the question, "Can I see you for a minute," can send a shockwave through their system you did not intend.

Most companies will have some form of exit interview. I disagree with being positive, if something is really bad, this is ultimately your last chance to put it in from of your line manager/HR department. Depending on your relationship, and employment laws, you DO NOT have to tell anyone what your doing next unless subject to non-compete/return clauses in contracts.

When you arrive at the meeting, hand your resignation letter to them and say, "I'm giving notice you my two weeks' notice. My last date with here will be . . ." Then thank them for the opportunity to work for them. If it is being done on camera, once you are both on camera say, "I just sent an email giving you my two week's notice." Then continue with the rest of the little speech above. Yes, offer assistance during the transition and ask if they would like to meet with you Monday to discuss how they see you can help with the transition to the person who will be taking over your responsibilities.