<snip>

Yes, a  good letter. I agree with Jeanne that you don't need to give
details of what you are going to do, and I'd avoid 'transition', which
sounds a bit like jargon to me. Maybe 'transfer my files' or something.
Let's see, last time I did this (usually, when I've changed jobs, which
hasn't happened that often until recently, it's been something like 'the
money/work ran out, we can't renew your contract, it's been nice knowing
you', so I didn't need to write anything), I addressed it directly to the
senior person I was dealing with, started and ended with the usual polite
expressions about leaving (which you've done well), and in the middle
specified the exact date I was leaving, and in case there was any
uncertainty, pointed out that this date gave the amount of notice I was
required by contract to offer. I wasn't specific at all about why I was
leaving and where I was going. I think something vague about "accepted a
position which allows me to use and develop my interests and skills in
web design..."  is all they need to know.

I would be careful about broad offers to keep on helping the soon-to-be
exes. Use weasel-words - "I may be able to contract some of the work" or
"I would be happy to discuss the possiblity of contracting some of the
work" or something. You don't want them to assume you'll keep on doing
everything just like always, and then getting annoyed when you don't,
because you're spending forty hours a week on the new job. Especially when
they have a history of expecting you to do far more work than was
reasonable.

Exactly right.  The boss sounds like just the kind of dipwad who would claim
he fired her, especially since he just belittled her and turned down her
requested raise.

Yep, I've always done that, too.

Agreed.

And to be honest, if they didn't have a backup plan for what to do if she
quit or got hit by a bus, it's really their own fault, isn't it?

I'm constantly told by former co-workers what a shambles and mistake it was
for that manager to let me go.  People started bailing right and left,
either electing to move into other departments or even go back from whence
they came after clamouring to get into Support.

I am much better off, even if I am still technically unemployed.  Life was
becoming living hell there.

Too nice, IMHO!

Jill

Your letter is very good, I think. All suggestions of rpca posters look good
also; I totally agree w/don't elaborate on whom you're going to work for
when you leave. I would just leave out that entire paragraph starting with
"Since".......things may have changed since I was young in employment world,
but people haven't.

ROTFLMAOWTIME!  Oh how I *wish* I could send your letter instead!  ;>

Hugs,

CatNipped

I like the letter. She is killing them with kindness and making them feel as
small as they are for mistreating her. I think it shows great personal
style. But to each her own. :)

If Catnipped doesn't send a letter of resignation, someone can claim (and
probably would) that she didn't officially resign and then try to stick it
to her.  Personally, I'd keep my new information vague and not let the old
company think that they can continue to use her, as was suggested by the
other members of the group.  I think that Lori was much nicer than I would
have been, but then I'm not a nice person.

Pam S.

I did not see the original thread, but I agree that the message should be
kept simple.  It is not necessary to say where the new place of employment
will be, and don't make any suggestions about handling the transition.

MaryL

I like what Helen wrote above!  ;>

Hugs,

CatNipped

I love the Chinese curse part!  Ah yes, may you live in "interesting times"

Jill

Thank Yowie, I like the idea of not having to lie but still be professional.
I've taken your advice (and that of others here - especially about not
committing myself to do any more work for them that would take up either my
time or my new employers - and noting the contributions I made).  So I've
come up with the following letter:

Re. Resignation

Dear Sirs:

I regret having to inform you of my resignation, effective June 3, 2005.  I
have been offered a position in web architecture which, as you know, is my
first career choice.

Because of the pressing needs of my new employer, I can only offer you one
week's notice, but we can discuss what I might be able to do to ease any
transition issues you may face because of this short notice.

Perhaps, as suggested by Mr. XXXX, I can provide CGI with continuing
development of the company web site or intranet by having CGI contract with
my new employer for my services.

Thank you for making my working experience here interesting.  I appreciate
the opportunities I was given to learn and develop.  I hope that the
contributions I have made to your company in return, e.g. your new internet
site and the intranet and applications which run on it, continue to benefit
CGI for many years to come.

Wishing CGI success and prosperity,

CatNipped