|
||
To return to the Table of Contents click here. To print copies of the CAPS materials click here. |
Student name: _________________________________ Date: _________________
MODULE
18
Identify
proper procedures for
job
termination.
Objectives:
A. Describe the five financial obligations you might
have that will require a regular paycheck.
B. Explain the correct amount of time notice that should be given when leaving a job.
C.
Explain four reasons for giving notice when leaving
a job.
MODULE 18: INFORMATION SHEET
TO THE STUDENT: Read and study the following information and then complete the student activities at the end of this module.
Closing
the door without an open door in sight
"I don't even like this job and I never did. In fact, I've wanted to tell you for a long time that you're an ignorant %#@ JERK! You know what you can do with this job..." With that, Bill stormed out of the supervisor's office, got in his car, peeled out and drove off with a final gesture. He felt great. Finally he had made up for everything he resented about the job week after week.
Bill
sure did get the last say... or did he? Bill felt like he had won the battle
but in the long run might end up the loser. Why?
Does
Bill have another option lined up to supply a weekly paycheck? There are a few
things to consider like food, gas, rent, bills... in other words--survival.
When
you have been working full time, the rule is to never terminate employment
until you have an alternate lined up. Impulse must be controlled and you must
not be short-sighted or you will be a big time loser. It's bad enough to put
yourself in the predicament, and when you have the additional responsibilities
of a family, it is even worse. A husband, wife, and/or children are depending
on you to provide for them. It is your responsibility.
The
best rule of thumb for anyone is to NOT TERMINATE ONE JOB BEFORE YOU HAVE
ANOTHER! In this day and age, it is not realistic to think that you can easily
step into another opportunity.
One
more thought--although not everyone would quit in the same manner that Bill did
(though many are tempted), no matter how you resign, the vast majority of
employers look at references, and studies have shown that employers are not as
likely to give decent references if you resign with no warning or excuse of
other employment.
As the old saying goes, "Don't count your chickens before they're hatched."
Goals
"I really hate to see you leave
our company, Sam," said Mr. Smith. "You've been here three years and
have done an outstanding job. You're new company is really lucky to get
you."
"Hey, thank, Mr. Smith. I really have enjoyed working for you. The only real reason I'm leaving is because my new job will help me reach my goal of being a union carpenter."
A+ for Sam. One of the best reasons for terminating a job is because you have found a better one. This is something that every employer must accept and respect and can't give you a problem or a future bad reference for. The new job can be better because of pay, working conditions, hours, benefits, location, opportunity for advancement, on-site additional training or education, etc. No one can dispute the fact that everyone wants to better him or herself--that's human nature. An employer will respect and admire you when an honest reason is given for job termination. You never can tell when you might need a reference or even another job at your previous place so another old saying... "don't burn your bridges."
The
Nitty Gritty - How to properly terminate employment
"Meghan, where are you?" Stacey yelled as she flopped down on the couch in their efficiency apartment." I have the greatest news--I got the job at Hair Aware!" She was thrilled. After two years of working in the Salon at the Golden Age Retirement Home, she had been actively seeking a job that would give her a chance to use her creative talent more, and the variety at the trendy hair salon at the new mall was going to be great!
Meghan came in the room and excitedly
exclaimed, "ALL RIGHT!" She
knew her roommate had been counting on this job. "Let's go out tonight and
celebrate, or do you have to be there early tomorrow?"
"Just let me change," said
Stacey. "And no, I don't have to be at the Golden Age until ten as usual.
"I can't start at Hair Aware for two weeks; I just gave my notice
today."
"Are you crazy? Two weeks?!? There won't be a job in two
weeks. Someone else will get it. Forget the old folks and move on and get
real!"
Meghan is wrong! The responsible, proper, and correct thing to do is always give your employer as much termination notice as possible. Two weeks should be the minimum notice if you are paid by the hour, and a month's notice is acceptable if you receive a salary. (Salaried jobs are normally jobs that carry more responsibility such as supervisor, manager, or foreman, or a salaried job may have involved signing a work contract in the first place that states terms of leaving.)
There
are simple steps to follow when terminating your employment. A notice must be
given and you have two choices--verbal or written.
A
verbal notice is usually the method used for employees who are paid an
hourly wage. Ask if you may talk to your supervisor or boss for a few minutes
when he or she is available. Make eye contact and state simply and clearly your
intentions. And don't just blurt out, "I'm quitting!" Much more appreciated and to your benefit is
to say something like, "Mr. Stapinsky, I've come to tell you that I will
be leaving my job in two weeks. I have accepted a new job somewhere else."
It certainly does not hurt to sugar coat a little by starting out with,
"I've really enjoyed working for you but..."
A
written notice is usually the mode for salaried employees or employees
that carry greater responsibilities. This is a simple letter to your supervisor
that states just about what your verbal notice would. Again, it does not hurt
to thank your employer for the position that you have held. You have nothing to
lose by adding the kind comments, but you have everything to gain.
Whether
you give verbal or written notice, you should be sure to mention when you are
planning to leave (the two weeks or month). Again, this amount of notice is an
expected and accepted part of the work world and there are very few cases when
present or future employer would demand that you differ from the norm.
There
are a number of reasons for giving job termination notice. One of the most important
is for good reference and reputation that will help you as you further your
career plans. Generally, the more important and more highly paid the job is,
the more a potential employer examines references from past jobs. Quitting
without notice is a bad move--it is a negative and will make future prospective
employers think you are unreliable and untrustworthy and irresponsible.
"If
he'd quit and leave the same day, suppose he'd be in the middle of an important
task or assignment and just decide to leave? If this guy shows no more courtesy
than that, do we really want him dealing with our customers? He sure left that
company in a bind--why wouldn't he do the same to us?" These questions
will come to the mind of future employers. In actuality, quitting without
proper notice could (and does every day) keep people from being hired somewhere
else.
Another
reason for terminating your employment the right way is that it's just common
courtesy and good manners. A new employer will expect you to give notice. They
will hold your new job. The courtesy you extend by giving notice gives your
company time to find a new employee to replace you. It also gives them time to
have you (the expert) help train the new employee.
Quitting
a job the right way is the only way. This will pay you back in the long run.
Remember, terminating one job is a major and important part of starting
another.
MODULE 18: STUDENT ACTIVITIES
TO THE STUDENT: Read and answer the following questions.
1. Don't quit a job unless you have _______________________________________.
2. _________________________________ is one of
the most important things you can do when planning your work career.
3. Whether you are out on your own or start a
family, what are at least five financial obligations you have that will require
a regular paycheck?
a
b.
c.
d.
e.
4. Terminating Employment the Right Way: After
each job situation--give the correct amount of time notice that should be given
when quitting.
a. Joshua
has been pumping gas and doing minor car repairs at the local Sunoco station
for over a year. He has just received word that his dream job--mechanic at the
Ford Dealership is his. He should give
_____________________ notice.
b. Dan is
head auto body supervisor at the Chevrolet Dealership in Perkasie,
Pennsylvania. He wants to be closer to the city and has gotten a job at a
Philadelphia Body Shop. He should give _________________ notice.
c. After 10
months at McDonald's, Erin applied and got a job as a pastry chef at a great
restaurant. She should give ________________________ notice.
d. Peter has
supervised the garden department at K-Mart for 15 months. His father has offered to set him up in his
own floral design business. He should
give __________________notice.
5. List four reasons for giving notice when you
are leaving a job.
a.
b.
c.
d.
6. Larry has worked for two years as a part-time
carpenter's assistant for Peter Townsend--a local carpenter. A new townhouse
development is going up that will take several years. The pay is great and the
hours are full time. Larry is going to
give his verbal notice. Write the script for him.
"Peter, may I talk to you a minute?"....
7. Andrea, after four years of working her way up from
cashier to manager of Sporting Goods at Sears has decided to move on. Gold
Medal Sporting Goods has offered her a job doing all its displays and she
is ecstatic. On the back of this page, write Andrea's letter of notification
to her boss, Judy Paige at Sears.
MODULE 18: STANDARDS ADDRESSED IN
THIS MODULE
Pennsylvania’s Academic
Standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening (RWSL)
1.1.11. Learning to Read Independently
E.
Establish
a reading vocabulary by identifying and correctly using new words acquired
through the study of their relationships to other words. Use a dictionary or
related reference.
1.4.11. Types of Writing
C.
Write
persuasive pieces.
·
Include
a clearly stated position or opinion.
·
Include
convincing, elaborated and properly cited evidence.
·
Develop
reader interest.
·
Anticipate
and counter reader concerns and arguments.
·
Include
a variety of methods to advance the argument or position.
1.5.11. Quality of Writing
A.
Write
with a sharp, distinct focus.
·
Identify
topic, task and audience.
·
Establish
and maintain a single point of view.
F.
Edit
writing using the conventions of language.
·
Spell
all words correctly.
·
Use
capital letters correctly.
·
Punctuate
correctly (periods, exclamation points, question marks, commas, quotation
marks, apostrophes, colons, semicolons, parentheses, hyphens, brackets,
ellipses).
·
Use
nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions and
interjections properly.
·
Use
complete sentences (simple, compound, complex, declarative, interrogative,
exclamatory and imperative).
| ©
2003. The Professional Personnel Development Center , Penn State University. |
| To return to the Table of Contents click here. To print copies of the CAPS materials click here. |