How Do I Tell My Manager I'm Quitting Without Sparking an Argument?

Hi, I want to quit my company. I want to know what to say to my managers. If I tell them about a better salary, will they agree?

I had an experience where I had an opportunity within my organization for a US location, but my Delivery Manager didn't approve my request. He gave many irrelevant reasons like who will manage work here, etc. The tone in which he was speaking made me silent; he was just barging.

I want to quit because of his behavior. So, when I put down my papers, what reason should be best so that I don't have to get into an argument with him? His logic is irrelevant to me.

You can give 'Better Prospect Aka Better Salary' as a reason to leave; it would be digestible for your manager. In my opinion, if you want to leave and your manager senses that you are not interested, any manager shall set you free!

Your reason to leave sounds silly to me. What is the fascination of going to Amreeka! Well, it's your life; you know best!

Before quitting, do you have a job in hand, any offer? If yes, is there any agreement or guarantee you will be sent to the Amreeka location?

Here's how I see your situation: you wish to change your job as you were not allowed to avail an opportunity. Furthermore, the unacceptable behavior of your boss weighs upon you.

Promises of a New Job

The promises that a new job would offer include a higher salary, better growth prospects, and a different work environment.

Understanding Your Motivation

Let's take both perspectives to help you understand what is making you move away from your job. You assume better prospects in the new role, whereas the reality may stand different from it. It may or may not offer you anything that you have calculated. However, it would offer some trade-offs in its sense.

Current Role Challenges

The situation at your current role refuses to resolve. Hence, deciding to move away becomes a Hobson's choice. The communication that you make during the exit process, with your Manager or your HR, would be maintained for background verification. Hence, choose carefully. If you are relocating for your new job, you may mention the growth opportunities and personal reasons, if any.

Staying in the Same City

If you are working in the same city, please be honest and share all the learning and upgrades you received in your current role. Present your career path and acknowledge the learning you aimed for when you joined this role. Discuss how you may wish to take it further. It may not be just through a role but a certification that is not completely aligned with what you are doing now.

Professional Communication

This will call for a discussion. His logic will work only if it is aligned with the learning you are looking for. A brash reply will not affect you when you know what you want. Please remember, you are likely to cross paths with him or people who may know him. So tread carefully. Remain professional. As an employee, you can and will offer your professional services to your best. Stay focused on it.

From the query posted here, I'm not sure if the gentleman has an offer from another company. He seems to be upset with his manager's response regarding his secondments in the USA or the generally strict/rigid/rude behavior of the manager. He has mentioned these reasons for quitting.

Main Concern: Candidate's Attitude

The main concern is the attitude of the candidate in handling career situations, workplace challenges, and requirements.

Speaking generally, in my experience, I have come across a few candidates who have inquired/asked/requested about foreign trips/deputation during HR interviews. Several questions come to mind:

- Are these candidates practical in their approach towards their professional responsibilities?
- Do they assume/dream/visualize/desire/aspire to have a foreign onsite appointment for additional qualifications/merits on their CV?
- Is it a fascination/urge to see a foreign country at the company's expense and boast in social circles about such trips abroad?

The Hype About Foreign Secondments

Work is work, whether in India or abroad. What is the hype about such foreign secondments? I can understand that it provides a new variety of experience in dealing with a new culture, etc. But should it become a reason for discontent if an opportunity is missed or not granted due to office politics, work requirements, feasibility, etc.?

Returning to the query of this gentleman, he wants to quit because of his manager's behavior. Is it a good sign for his career to keep hopping jobs and shunning managers who don't pamper their team brats who want to work as per their whims and fancies/locations/timings?

My words may be direct, but my views are shared with concern for the gentleman's well-being!

Your suggestion to assess the two situations is very good. I hope our dear friend thinks it over.

Dear Hussain, Bull's eye! As of now, we are making an assumption of what his situation might be. Weighing the options available to him, as you put it, remains the focal point. Waiting to read his response.

Thank you, (Cite Contribution), for your reply. It's really helpful.

Reason for Leaving: Salary Discrepancy

The main reason would be salary. The current salary does not match my workload. My new employer is paying me 60% higher than my current employer.

Regards.