Article: Resigning a job is not a decision you should make impulsively. Before you notify your boss of your decision to leave, carefully weigh the pros and cons and make sure you're ready to go. If you have a better job offer, consider whether you really want to leave your current employment. If you like your job and the people you work with, but want better pay and more benefits, you may want to sit down with your manager and ask for a raise first. If you had a bad experience, such as a fight with coworkers or a disagreement with management, your impulse may be to throw your hands up in the air and say "I quit!" However, it's better for your professional reputation to work towards finding another position before you leave the one you have, then follow proper protocol to formally resign. If you have an employee handbook, check to see how much notice your employer requires. You can also ask someone in your human resources office. The typical notice required is 2 to 4 weeks, but some companies may require a longer period. If you have another job offer, they should be willing to allow you to work out a notice. If not, be sure to notify your current employer as soon as possible and explain why you won't be able to work out the full notice period. Once you've made your decision to resign, have a sit-down meeting with your direct supervisor and let them know of your intentions face-to-face. This can be an awkward conversation, but try to keep it brief and to the point. If you have an employee handbook, check that as well. There may be a formal resignation procedure laid out. If so, follow that procedure to maintain your professional reputation and stay on good terms with the company. Stay professional, and hold back your emotions. You may be angry or resentful, but this isn't the time to express that. If you keep the conversation as brief as possible, you can reduce the chances you'll blow up. When you notify your employer of your pending resignation, either your manager or someone from human resources will be in touch with you about any accrued vacation and other benefits. Check your pay stub before you notify your employer so you know how many hours you're entitled to. Your employee handbook may have additional information on what happens to accrued hours when you resign. You typically have to provide notice before you resign to get any accrued hours paid out. If your supervisor declines your offer to work out a notice and insists that you leave immediately, double-check that this won't impact your ability to get paid out for your accrued hours. Discuss health insurance and retirement benefits, particularly if you haven't yet lined up a new job. If you signed a non-compete agreement or nondisclosure agreement, make sure those documents won't impact your ability to accept any job offers or do certain types of work. If you plan to violate a non-compete agreement, you may want to consult with an employment attorney. Non-compete agreements are frequently invalidated by courts, but you need a plan in case your former employer sues you.

What is a summary?
Evaluate your situation objectively. Provide proper notice. Talk to your direct supervisor first. Negotiate your final pay and benefits. Discuss any legal issues.