好色先生TV

So, having been inspired by the fabulous tales of other people鈥檚 fantastic careers, which you eagerly turn to every week at the back of 好色先生TV, you have decided to take the plunge and accept a new job. But then comes the really tricky bit: the small matter of resigning.

Decision time

For some people, the moment the phone rings and a job opportunity arises, they succumb to the overwhelming urge to accept, even before serious consideration is given to whether it forms part of a planned career path. Yet for others, making the decision to resign can be as stressful as starting a new job.

The first thing to do is stand back, clear your head and be objective. Break away from your normal environment, grab a weekend away, talk to the family, bounce it off non-work colleagues 鈥� anything to take the decision out of your daily routine. The worst thing you can do is base the decision on the back of a bad day.

All sorts of thoughts will be going round your head: am I being disloyal? 鈥� my boss has always been good to me 鈥� better the devil you know 鈥� I鈥檓 leaving a final salary pension 鈥�

These are all security factors that, for some, will nearly always justify not making a career move. If the potential rewards don鈥檛 outweigh the risks on a personal front, you are probably making the right decision. You should also be asking: am I valued, challenged, happy?

The answers to these questions should be clear in your mind before tendering your resignation. If at any point the prospective job is no longer appealing, respectfully decline. Do not try to capitalise on the offer if you intend to stay.

An auction will without doubt damage your relationship with your employer and any gains are likely to be short-term.

Exit strategy

If you take the decision to leave, it is time to adopt an exit strategy. First thing on Friday morning is normally a good time to resign. Simple but obvious preparation helps it to run smoothly: check that the boss is in; type your resignation (a simple confirmation and thank you, no explanations); arrange a drink with a friend from outside work for the evening as a focus and de-stress session.

Lack of sleep and butterflies are natural. Keep reminding yourself why you are leaving, of the opportunity that lies ahead and prepare yourself for 鈥渢hat resignation conversation鈥�.

Be decisive and adopt a strong delivery. A simple 鈥淚鈥檝e accepted another position鈥� should suffice. Typical responses might be: 鈥淲here are you going?鈥� (I鈥檇 rather not say). 鈥淎nything we can do?鈥� (Thank you, but no - I鈥檝e already accepted the other position).

Don鈥檛 look back

A weak delivery (鈥淚鈥檝e been made an offer鈥�, 鈥淚鈥檓 thinking of leaving鈥�) immediately suggests that you are open to persuasion. Prepare yourself for an almost hostage-style interrogation as the boss clears his diary for the next few hours: 鈥淲hat are your frustrations?鈥� 鈥淲hat can we change?鈥� 鈥淲e had big plans for you!鈥� 鈥淚 don鈥檛 accept your resignation!鈥� (They can鈥檛 do this, by the way).

You may miraculously receive (within hours of your resignation) a new role, title and revised salary. Some people may be treated to This is Your Life-style guest appearances from the managing director and longstanding colleagues.

It is important to remember at this point that your decision has been made. If they value you, they will want to keep future options open. So shake hands and perhaps leave with the line 鈥淲ho knows, maybe one day I will be back鈥�.

And, with that, close the door.