Take this job and shove it

I ain't working here no more

My woman done left and took all the reasons

I was working for

You better not try to stand in my way

As I'm a walking out the door.

Take this job and shove it

I ain't working here no more



Johnny Paycheck may have had good reason to be unhappy about his job when he sang this song, and you may be tempted to borrow this famous line when leaving yours, but don't.



There's a lot to consider when a CCIE feels it's time to make a career move. Typically, compensation is not the main reason. How a CCIE earns a living is as important as how much they earn. Greater technology challenges and responsibility usually drives the decision to look around. A limited career path may also be a factor. Moving up in a company is often tied to management responsibilities, but many technologists don't want to manage staff. While mentoring is attractive, the responsibility for annual reviews, budgets and morale takes all of the fun out of pushing bits and bytes.


Here are some tips for a smart search, and a healthy transition:


Keep positive



I advise anyone interviewing with a recruiter to refrain from being negative about a current employer. Negativity is a red flag, and gives me a reason to do more thorough reference checks.



Give plenty of notice



Happy or not, you owe your employer notice of your intention to leave. In the US, a two week notice is standard. 30 days is common in the UK. Often a CCIE's responsibilities for a project or critical deliverable may necessitate a longer notice and when an employee has the courtesy to note this in their resignation, it is usually appreciated. However, be careful if your next employer is pushing you hard to wrap things up with your current employer earlier than you are comfortable with. Burning bridges is dangerous. The CCIE community is small. Your paths will cross again. Be polite and do the right thing.


Well that foreman, he's a regular dog

The line boss, he's a fool

Got a brand new flat-top haircut

Lord, he thinks he's cool

One of these days, I'm gonna blow my top

And that sucker, he's gonna pay

Lord I can't wait to see their faces

When I get up the nerve to say



Be polite



Never allow yourself to quit in anger or frustration. Collect your thoughts. A simple resignation expresses an appreciation for the responsibilities given, makes a statement about the decision to make a career move, and the date intended for separation. Avoid a long, drawn-out process. Remain in control of the exit and prevent personal feelings from entering the process. I have seen tears, shouting matches, and tire slashing. Quitting is hard especially if you've been working with the same team for years. Feelings that you are letting down the team by leaving are real.




What to say



Here's an example:



"Tom, I appreciate the opportunity you have given me over the past few years. I have made a decision to move on and would like to ensure we have an orderly transition of my responsibilities. It is my intention to resign my position effective January 23rd, 2008."



How to say it



Deliver your resignation in person and face your boss in a private area. Ask them to give you some time on their schedule to discuss a personal matter. Most managers will be pretty busy and will have to add you to their calendar if they think the discussion is a business matter. Let them know it is important and of a personal nature. Don't dwell on negative discussions and practice what you are going to say to avoid blurting out anything you might regret later. Hand them your letter of resignation and give them a moment to take it in. Let them know it was not an easy decision to make and offer to assist in your transition.



Final advice



Leave on a good note and never say, "Take this job and shove it"!

Bridge Resourcing Solutions

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