Valérie Sanchagrin, employment counsellor
Quitting Your Job
Is it getting hard for you to wake up to go to work? Does your daily work seem unending and tiresome? Do you feel like letting go of everything? Before walking out on your current job, take some time to consider certain things.
Ask yourself why you feel unsatisfied and less motivated. Try to figure out what is bothering you, and why you don’t feel at ease at work. Is it the kind of work you were seeking in the first place? Perhaps it is your boss’ of coworkers’ behavior that bothers you. Maybe your work has become a bore, or maybe things aren’t being done the way they are supposed to be done. Do not quit your job in a sudden flash, such as right after a dispute or disagreement that just took place: a decision of this importance needs to be considered seriously.
What you can do?
Try to make changes in what is a cause for your concern.
You do have the power to make your position better. Speak with your boss; maybe you’ll find out that he may be overwhelmed and not have the time to provide extra consideration for your work. When you address coworkers, make sure you are unambiguous and direct, so as to avoid any possible misunderstandings. Ask questions, to find out about others’ expectations towards you. Do you think you could better answer them and change your conduct? If you want new work objectives or duties, or have new ideas that could help enhance your workplace’s performance, wait for the right time and mention it to your supervisor or boss, in a positive manner. Initiative and enthusiasm are always well appreciated. If you think you deserve better remuneration, prove it and talk about it!
Still nothing?
If despite all your attempts and efforts, nothing has changed and you feel as though you have no control over the problem, and that you don’t feel well holding onto your work, it may be the appropriate time to look for another job, that would better suit your needs. Do not jeopardize your health at work! You can begin looking for a new job while still working, just for the time being.
How to quit your job
The best way to bring up your departure is to mention it to your boss in person. It is better that he or she learn it from you than from someone else.
Also hand in a cessation letter, providing a clear date for your departure on a reasonable time table (art. 2091. Code civil du Québec). You are in no way obliged to say why you want to quit, but you may choose to. The objective is to leave your job in good terms with your employer as well as your fellow coworkers, so as to not burn any bridges. After all, this work experience can be a worthy reference for a future employer. And who knows, maybe you will want to backtrack and come back to your old job some day?!
The Carrefour jeunesse emploi Saint-Laurent’s mission is to support the integration of young adults, aged 16 to 35 and living in Saint-Laurent, in the employment market. Info: (514) 855-1616, or
www.cjestlaurent.org.
(Source: Valérie Sanschagrin, St. Laurent CJE)
(Photo: Courtoisie)
Météo: Montréal, 6 juillet 2008 / 20°C
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/ Vents: 15 Km/h / Humidité relative: 60 % 
Steven Guilbeault - 
