How honest would you be about why you've decided to find a new job and resign?

How honest would you be about why you've decided to find a new job and resign?

I have to resign from my job next week and while I can provide my boss with a few true reasons for moving on that don't have much to do with my work and the org at large, the real reason I'm leaving is that I see no future for myself there. To be frank, I don't foresee being supported for a promotion-- nor do I really even see good opportunities on the horizon to be promoted. Lateral moves, yes, but actual promotion, no. I've been doing great work and getting positive reviews; at the same time, I've felt sidelined by politics and stuck watching people with less experience be invited to take part in major initiatives while I'm assigned grunt work and told atta girl.

So, I started looking around. There really isn't any reason for me to stay at this point, nor do I want to take a lateral move into another section to more or less do what I'm doing now. I started applying for jobs and voila, something worked out. I think my supervisor will be very surprised that I want to leave. I don't think my superficial reasons are going to be accepted. The new job will be an obvious step up and a good salary increase. Do I let them know that I found what I wanted elsewhere?

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77 Comments

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  1. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    Personally, I'm not a big fan of giving details or being particularly honest when leaving. Mostly because what you say isn't going to change anything. Are companies even still doing exit interviews?

    I would just say that you're moving on for a better opportunity. End of.

  2. Anonymous

    My former company did an exit interview.

    Angry because I HONORED my notice -- PTO was mandatory paid out. Interview was at 11 the last day. She begged me to leave early so she could say I refused to honor my commitments!!! I stayed to the last minute to prove my point. These people jerked me around too long (since day 1) and gave me work they knew I had no credentials in as well as making me do the work of others (It was suggested I work 70h a week to fullfil the four roles despite hired as one: lead accounting. No raise, no bonuses, no comp time - just complaining because 45 wasn't enough) HR, supplies logistics, lead accounting (only in my branch I was interviewing for) and auditing processes/reports

    The woman that interviewed me was upset because she said I was unqualified at roles I WASN'T hired to do.

    Glad I'm gone!!!!

  3. Anonymous

    Keep it simple: found a better fit elsewhere. Enjoyed working with you.....

  4. Anonymous

    I'd be very careful with this. Preferably, I would say that I felt that it was time for me to move and have some growth and ready for a new adventure and challenge.

  5. Anonymous

    But why be careful when the individual is already leaving?

  6. Anonymous

    Because in our work-life, you never know when you will encounter previous bosses or co-workers. It is always best to leave diplomatically and enter a new job diplomatically, As well. My personal humble opinion.

  7. Anonymous

    I'm a huge fan of being blatantly honest when leaving a position. Fortunately I've only had to break out the flamethrower once, but as long as you are diplomatic you can be honest and still keep a good relationship if you'd like to use them as references.

    If not- burn it down.

  8. Anonymous

    Personally I do not think you owe the employer so much detail. Be polite and explain only that you have been offered an opportunity that you have decided to pursue. If you know you will be accepting the new role, then there is no room for discussion. I advise politely declining counter-offers. And express gratitude for what you gained during the role you are leaving.

  9. Anonymous

    When I left my first job, I told my supervisor that if I stayed 10 more years, I'd still be doing what I'm doing today. He responded, "Tell me what they offered you, and I'll see what I can do." He didn't get that I couldn't progress and grow personally or professionally in that job and thought it was all about the money. So I talked to the director (his boss) and told him precisely the same thing. Is response was, "You're probably right. When I took over, I expected 100% turnover on your team, and with you, I have it." Before the director was promoted and a peer to our boss, one of my teammates called him a pathetic SOB to his face, and the rest of the team was collateral damage. He was making our team miserable from the moment he was promoted.

    At least from the conversation with the director, I knew I was doing the right thing.

  10. Anonymous

    I don’t think that you owe them any type of explanation. They have to accept what you tell them.

    It’s not your job to try and help them fix their organization with a real assessment, when in reality they probably can’t handle or accept the real reasons for your departure.

    I would keep it simple, professional, and surface-level. Something simple like, “ An amazing opportunity presented itself and I can’t turn it down. I am so appreciative of the work I’ve been able to accomplish here. Thank you for the opportunity.”

  11. Anonymous

    Most companies will not care, or will take offense that anything negative was said. I would not waste my time. If they cared, there would’ve been some evolution.

  12. Anonymous

    No one truly cares.

  13. Anonymous

    Me, personally, I'd be honest. And I have been honest in the past about why I've left. Even if it isn't going to benefit me in anyway. I do exit interviews. Quite often people are leaving for totally valid reasons, but reasons we were absolutely unaware of. From individual issues to patterns, I want to hear and I have worked to enact change based on very valid feedback.

  14. Mislyn

    I didn’t give my boss the true reason why I was leaving. What was I supposed to say I’m leaving because I can’t even stand the sight of you? You lead me to believe I would run the place eventually and you never gave me the opportunity to do that. You lie to me daily you talk behind my back you use me to run all your errands etc. Just do what I did tell them the new job pays more money with more flexible hours and it in the long run just works out better for you. Bye Bye!

  15. Anonymous

    Nothing wrong with saying " I am not seeing growth after giving it more time here. I have an opportunity to take on a growth position at a new company. I value the time here as it has allowed me to become that subject matter expert that another company has a position that is my next step in my career." Why burn bridges, what do you get out of that and what do they care? Salary can also be a perfectly acceptable reason to bring to their attention. If they're surprised, then they are. "Not accepted?" odd thing to say, truly.

  16. Anonymous

    “I was offered an opportunity to grow and advance my career.” You don’t need to say any more. It’s implied that you didn’t have that where you are now, but you didn’t actually say anything negative.

  17. Anonymous

    Say nothing negative, thank them for the opportunities you have had and move on to "a new job that affords me excellent opportunity to grow professionally".

  18. Anonymous

    I think the truth is a perfect explanation of why you are leaving, you are offering valuable data on why they can't retain people like you. If you choose not to say anything I completely understand as they don't always deserve to know why they are bad at retaining people.

  19. Anonymous

    You’re leaving. Their interest in you is minimal at the point they receive your resignation. Unless it will be a learning moment for them that you think will hit and stick, dedicate your energies towards your future. If they ignored you and failed to see your value while you were there they’re not going to feel sorry now that you’re leaving.

  20. Anonymous

    Thanks for asking this; I'm in a similar position, tho there's added tension between 1 boss and I that they are only vaguely aware of (nothing will change if I clue them in)

  21. GirlBossanova934974

    You just answered your own question at the end of your writeup. I quote, "The new job will be an obvious step up and a good salary increase". Your own words! That is it. That is what you have to say to your manager. I have been working for over 4 decades. Managers know who they are promoting, grooming for the next move up, and advancing. IF a manager is objective, they also know by NOT promoting, advancing, or grooming someone else, they RISK the possibility of someone walking out the door! A GOOD MANAGER makes it POLICY that he or she communicates with those who are not going to get promoted this round, that the other employee has a future. The non promoted employee should get a nice raise or some new tasks or some valuable training. You don't leave it all to chance! This is also the difference between experienced managers and so many new-bee managers these days.

  22. Angie

    I personally think it's up to you and your conscience. If you think you will feel better you can tell that info in a nice but direct way. If you think they won't listen then don't. At the end of the day you do not want to burn bridges but it is possible they lack self-awareness. Either way you are on your way to better. Congrats

  23. Anonymous

    When I left my last job, I participated in the exit interview. Oddly enough, my manager announced to the company that I was leaving shortly after I gave notice, mostly so my teammates could transition my responsibilities faster.

    Others in the company reached out and shared why they would want to leave, and there was significant parity among their reasons and mine. So I had notes prepared for the exit interview. Because every single grievance had a solution, and most had very little cost (compensation was not a problem).

    I shared. And my HR rep listened. I told her where others were in the same opinion. From speaking to former colleagues afterwards, some of the ugly was being fixed. My honesty helped show systemic deficiencies.

  24. Anonymous

    I would not necessarily tell your boss that you found another job. Yet, it is up to you. Just remember that you don't want to burn bridges.

    However, if you feel you are being passed up for favoritism than it may be best to move on.

  25. ANDREA RAGGAMBI

    You're being very kind to this company. You owe them nothing. If you have been assertive and asked for what you wanted (which the others getting ahead may have), then you don't owe them anything. You owe it to yourself to move on but know that anywhere you go, being assertive and speaking up professionally and objectively to learn about what is possible for you (promotion wise) will be important anywhere you go. But if your boss will be surprised it might because you never spoke your mind or had an honest conversation with him/her. Why you're leaving though is absolutely none of their business. You don't need to tell them a dang thing. Do what's best for you but make sure that in your next role you ask for what you want and feel you deserve or at least have conversations to understand what moving ahead looks like or you may well find yourself in the same position again. Good luck

  26. Anonymous

    It depends. What do you hope to gain by telling them the details? If you think your feedback will help the people still there, then go for it. If you're looking for your boss to stroke your ego & beg you to stay, you'll be disappointed - even if he/she offers you a counteroffer. I was in that same spot, thought I was being honest because I wanted to help the people still left. Once my boss & her boss reacted so negatively, I realized I was still seeking their approval. That's when I knew, my feedback would never do any good. I still have friends at that org & people are leaving that dept in droves. Everyone is saying, "You were smart to leave. It's gotten really bad." I didn't want to be right, I loved it there for a while.

  27. IntentionGirl706330

    I think it’s worth being diplomatically honest. You can say that you were offered an opportunity to grow professionally, embark on new challenges etc., and that you are grateful for the time spent at your current organization. All of which are presumably true. A company’s best recruitment tools are their alumni, so offer to assist in recruiting and training your replacement. There is nothing wrong with moving on and moving up. The days of people having 30-40 years’ tenure followed by retirement have been largely over for a long time.

  28. Zeecil Kimmel

    I recently left a company I had been with for 8 years for your exact reasons. All I had to say was exactly what you ended your post with "I found a new position that is a promotion and a raise." Your now former company is fully aware of what they are doing and they do NOT want you to point it out to them. They have no intention of changing even as they lose all their talent. Best to be very professional and smile and thank them for the awesome opportunity of working for them and then wave goodbye and start your new, better life.

  29. Anonymous

    This is very similar to my experience (8 1/2 years at the job), and they acted shocked that I was leaving. This was after I took on huge responsibilities with the promise of a raise and promotion that never happened. I inquired about these multiple times and always told they were working on it. After a year of nothing, I found a better, higher-paying job, and I put in my notice. My manager looked like a deer in the headlights. I gave him the same reason you did, but he pressed further, and I told him that the company's lack of action was the deciding factor. The partner responsible for my practice area bragged a while back that my particular area of the practice made 58% profit over the last year, but this was due to my hard work and lack of a raise. The most satisfying thing is knowing they will not be able to hire any single person to do all of the things I did and know everything I know (37 years in my field). Just heard from a colleague that they have hired three people to take on my duties. So much for that 58% profit. ;)

  30. Anonymous

    Good for you for moving on. Screw ‘em!!

  31. Anonymous

    You don't have to give them a reason that you resigned. Just tell them what your last day will be and thank them for the opportunity to have worked there. If they ask you where you're going, you don't have to say. If they ask you why you're leaving, it's fine to tell them that you were looking to advance your career, but also even if they do give you a counter offer you don't have to (and probably shouldn't) accept it. If they needed an ultimatum to promote you then better you go to a place who sees your worth without the ultimatum.

  32. Anonymous

    I think it depends on what you are hoping to accomplish and what will make you feel the best about doing. If you are leaving because your being stuck on the sidelines and don't see any movement up and want them to know the real reason you are leaving then tell them. Now- if you do tell them the real reasons, be sure to do it in a nice way and make it very factual, leaving the emotions out of it. If you come across as emotional and bashing them- it could come across differently. I recently left a job I loved due to 1 person not being respectful after months of trying to get through it. So when I left, I was very straightforward with the company as to why I was leaving, but left it with facts that had happened leading up to it in hopes they would change once I left. I gave them the information and now it is up to the company to decide whether to use it or not

  33. Anonymous

    I've always been honest about why I'm leaving a company, in hopes it results in change for other employees. While you don't owe your current employer an explanation, I see no wrong in being honest about your departure.

  34. Anonymous

    Based on my personal experience, they won’t care either way. I’ve worked for jobs where they complained endlessly about “not understanding why there’s so much turnover.” Yet when people were honest in their exit interviewes, management did nothing to correct the problem. I’d say that I accepted a higher paying position elsewhere and that’s it. No use in potentially burning bridges when the company won’t do anything to change.

  35. Jamie Martin, ACC

    One thing to consider is how you want to show up as leader?

    That's what I hear - that you are ready to advance and to do that we need to show up as the leader we want to be, even when we resign.

    As a leader, how do you want to resign? Who do you want to be as you leave?

  36. Milissa Jacobs

    I would be as diplomatic as possible for a few reasons. 1, it makes you look more professional. 2, your potential boss will see what you said and wonder if you will do the same to them if you become unhappy. 3, It's just the right thing to do.

  37. Ragena Moore

    Having worked on both sides of the fence as a manager and an employee, I would encourage you to be honest in a professional way. sometimes when we are unhappy in a position, we assume certain things, and maybe the manager does as well. Let them know you felt overlooked. Ask them for feedback. Be open to listening to them. Your feedback will help them and others going forward and you may learn something about yourself as well. Open dialogue provided in a healthy way is always a plus for everyone.

  38. R.A. Andrews

    Open dialogue is wonderful, but it is a two-way street. Whether it is possible depends on whether both parties are capable of open dialogue. Many people are not capable of it due to their insecurities.

  39. Emily Phelan

    I agree with the others saying to be honest and professional with your feedback. Also, be prepared for them to try to counter-offer. If you are truly done there, and want to leave regardless, make sure you have responses ready for that situation. If you DO accept a counter, make sure all is in writing as part of a new offer.

  40. Lynne

    “I’m so grateful for the skills and connections I’ve made here but it’s time for me to move on and have a new experience. I’ve been given an offer that I cannot refuse and have accepted. My last day will be xxx. What can I do in the interim to ease the transition?”

  41. Balanced372207

    This is the perfect reply.

  42. Julie

    You don’t think your general language will be accepted? There’s no criteria for quitting. You aren’t enslaved and don’t need permission. You found a place with better opportunities for growth. That’s it. You are leaving - what difference does it make?

  43. Karen

    Yes, they need to know. It will not only show your integrity but also help them in the future. If more people were honest in thief exit interviews, HR could find the the best fit for open positions. Congratulations! Best of luck to you!

  44. Anonymous

    If you have a good relationship with your manager and you want them to know the real reason of you leaving, you can mention it to them without sounding confrontational.

    They will either try to promise you something, or act surprised that you never mention to them about wanting a promotion.

    If they do a counter offer, just keep in mind that statistically most employees will still leave 6 months after taking the counter. Ultimately, they choose to sideline you all these time, even if they give you a promotion out of fear, their attitude and impression towards you still won't change easily.

  45. Anonymous

    I had quit jobs that are truly horrible with no hopes of getting a promotion, to thrive, or even not be bullied by my peers and managers. In this case, even I lined up a job with a promotion, I didn't mention any information to them. You don't have to tell them where you are going or what you will be doing there. It's none of their business. Be smart and keep a low-profile in the next few months while you are adjusting to the new company and new role.

  46. Terrie McWhorter

    Of course be honest. Hopefully they have an exit interview where you can put all your concerns down. (concerns for the company that they should look at) A good company will want to know why they are losing an employee. best of luck

  47. Anonymous

    Be honest. Tell them you found a better job, with more growth potential. No need to add anything else. Unless management is really clueless, eventually they will figure it out.

  48. Heather Bingham

    I think it is entirely up to you and to your personality. Me, I'd say very little and just move on - onwards and upwards. However, if you know from previous life experience that you will feel somehow incomplete or weak if you do not say your piece, then say it. You can say it as factually as you like, or you can speak about how you feel; again, just act in a way that is completely aligned to your values and self-knowledge. I'm sorry it doesn't directly answer your question, but I hope it will help you to make your choice.

  49. Jessica Ferland

    Those are very legitimate reasons for leaving a company, supported by the fact that you found something new that is considered a step up with a pay increase. Lose the superficial reasons and give it to 'em straight.

  50. Anonymous

    When leaving a job, I think you should be honest as to why you left. Hopefully they will take that feedback and make some changes in their organization. There's a negative side to doing so as well, should you decide to return they may not hire you back because of your honest. So make sure you have no intentions of wanting to come back.

  51. Anonymous

    As I tell my children "I only know what I know." I think your manager should know why you're leaving so they can continue to identify ways to improve not only retention but also recruitment. That said, I also recommend doing so in a manner that doesn't burn bridges. But otherwise, it's good for companies to know why staff don't stay.

  52. Mislyn

    I left without burning bridges by saying it was all about money and family when in fact the money was not better. I just couldn’t work there anymore due to personal reasons. My ex-boss thinks everything is just fine between us but, I would never recommend or say a good thing about that company. Sometimes its just time to smile and move on.

  53. Joanne Blomberg

    Just tell them you see no future for you there. The new job will will afford new opportunities that they have not offered to you.

  54. Anne Krook

    You can start with the superficial and go into as much detail as the person you are talking to is willing to hear or is interested in. "I've been offered a job with more money and better prospects than I see here" and see if they follow up. If they ask why you didn't ask for a raise or promotion, you can tell them the part about good reviews but not getting assigned to key projects. As always, be polite and professional, because you never know who you'll end up working for, or whom you might want to recruit, down the road.

  55. Anonymous

    Let them know an amazing opportunity presented itself to you, and you’ve accepted a new role outside the organization. On the flip side, if the company closed tomorrow, how would they share the news with you? You don’t owe an explanation. Like others said, you never know who’ll cross paths with again—-keep it short and professional.

  56. Anonymous

    My best advice for your new role is to find and develop relationships and try to find a mentor/sponsor. Your work relationships are a byproduct of your work, so if you felt like you haven't been "in" or shut out from politics I think it could be something you have control over at your next workplace. Find someone you trust to tell your goals to, and then make sure you treat that sponsor/boss like your number 1 customer. Ask new people out to lunch at your new gig, or for zoom check ins if remote. These will make a huge difference in getting you up to speed and noticed, learning the politics of who you should go to for different things (who's ideas are respected, who has realized or unrealized authority). Make that your goal at new location!

  57. Anonymous

    I would definitely let them know that your time there was great but you wanted more upward mobility than you saw in their organization. Let them know you were recruited away to a role bigger than what they have with additional responsibilities and challenges that you couldn't pass up. Don't tell them you are getting more $ that is none of their business. Make the conversation about the content and lack of movement for you personally make it only specific to you. Ask while you are leaving for feedback on anything you could have done to have moved up or be given more to do, you may get some feedback that could help you continue to grow.

  58. Norma Springsteen

    I agree with the comment below about being honest about your reasons. I'll add that their acceptance of your reasons is not your concern. It's never our job to take care of other people's feelings or thoughts, or even acceptance of us and our actions.

  59. DeBorah Walker

    You owe no explanation but what you want to explain. You are being professional and giving your 2 weeks notice; this is what you should do. Now in the event you want to be truthful and explain why you want to move on, then do so; but be aware that you may come across as bitter, they may try to blame you, and act as they had no idea on your professional ambitions....if you still care what they think, then tell it all. You are in the drivers seat.

  60. Anonymous

    I always want to be honest in the hopes of making things better for the employees that I'm leaving.

  61. Kara Melkerson

    I agree with the comments below as you share what you want to share. However, for me I believe that being honest in the reasons why you are leaving will help the company evolve and maybe assist in the issue continuing. With that said, you have to do what feels right for you. Good luck in your next role.

  62. Gem0124

    Be honest if they ask. You've accepted a position with the potential for growth. That's it. They don't need to know that you'll be making more money.

  63. Bridget Harrington

    No good manager would fault you for going for opportunities that they couldn't offer you and that will enable to you to grow. I remember being in this position about 20 years ago. I had worked for a company for nearly 10 years...my "next step" was my boss's job -- and she wasn't going anywhere. The only people in that organization that had negative things to say about my moving on were those who benefitted from my being stuck. There will always be those people who will take advantage of your skills, but not compensate you fairly for them...and the longer you stay, the longer it continues. And yes, you should tell the truth. Companies need to hear that they aren't offering growth opportunities, because it can be a chance for them to up their own game (or be more honest about the career path for those that come after you).

  64. ReachingGoals

    You have found a wonderful opportunity to utilize your skills and appreciate the time spend at current company. You don’t owe your current employer any explanation about why you are leaving so keep it short and sweet. Rather the same way the word no is a complete sentence. Good Luck on your next position!

  65. Eloisa Jacinto

    Hi, congrats on your new job!

    An exit interview is a good venue for you to give feedback to the org so they can improve their policies, processes and culture. In my company, we usually do it with HR since it is meant to be a neutral/non-political exercise. You can assess how open the org is to feedback so you can frame your response better. The world is small so you need to be careful not to burn bridges.

  66. Anonymous

    Agree, in my organization exit interviews are done by HR… one thing I would add is that candid (respectful) feedback can be valuable and can help the organization long term if they truly listen and look for ways to improve. Maybe they think there’s room for advancement or career options but if the employees don’t see it they need to either be more clear or create more / new career paths to retain good talent.

    My company has spent a lot of time over the last few years developing and communicating career paths throughout the company, so employees should see their options and be able to discuss their options with their leadership (options either on their team or throughout the company).

    Congrats on the new opportunity!

  67. Janae Samano

    Congrats!! As long as you are an at-will employee, you don't owe them any explanations. At a minimum, if you feel like you should give them a reason, you can say this new company was a better fit.

  68. Bonny Filandrino

    I think that you can tell them you were recruited for an opportunity that offers you a step up for your career progression!

  69. Anonymous

    I would keep my true thoughts to myself. The economy is unstable, and if you need to go back, the truth will not help you.

    Keep it about family reasons, the door will usually always be open.

  70. Anonymous

    Keep it to yourself unless invited to an exit interview conducted by a third-party vendor, or HR rep. Then, cite issues WITH suggestions to solve the problem.

  71. Anonymous

    I don't share. It serves no purpose.

  72. Wendi Rabatin

    As a manager, I'd like to know it was nothing to do with failings of the company but opportunities elsewhere. Managing people is very stressful and any feedback is appreciated!

  73. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    You do what feels right to you. Personally, it's none of anyone's business why I'm leaving. I don't see what you have to gain by giving your reasons.

    If they wanted to be a better company, they would already be one.

  74. Rosa E Hearn

    Have you ever told them you wanted a promotion? or did you just assume they would give you one? When people are good at their job, it means they are happy doing the work. Usually you have to grab their attention and let them know your interested because you'll be surprised how many people don't say what they want. Maybe the others spoke up?

  75. Anonymous

    Say exactly what you wrote. It's crystal clear.

  76. Bradford McCormick

    Anything you say can be used against you. Give a legitimae reason but as little information as possible consistent with that consideration. Also be scrupulously polite (especially if you ahve been wronged) -- in that case talk to a lawyer) and do not "volunteer" anything. You never now what the future may hold so don't burn any bridges or raise any red flags.

  77. Lana Maxstadt

    They would not give you consideration if they were letting you go. You do not have to give them a reason, but if you feel the need to say something I would just tell them that "you are moving in a different direction".

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