No matter how happy a person is in his current job, there comes a time when he or she decides to change jobs and give two weeks' notice before resigning from his current job.

Higher pay, better benefits, work hour flexibility, learning opportunity, or an easier commute could be the reason.

Aside from a new job opportunity, situations such as ill health of yourself or a close family member, child care, and other personal reasons may arise.

In such cases, a person may consider taking a break from his or her career to focus on the problem at hand.

Here are some pointers on how to write a two-week notice.

What exactly is a two-week notice period?

Even if there is a strong need or desire to leave one's current job, one cannot simply quit. When you join an organization, you sign a contract stating that a certain amount of time will be your notice period. What exactly does this notice period imply?

The notice period is the time you spend in your organization from the day you resign to the day you leave. In countries such as India, notice periods can range from one to three months, whereas in Western countries, two weeks is considered a reasonable amount of time.

This time frame gives you the opportunity to transfer knowledge and hand over the items you have been handling. It also gives organizations time to adjust to change, whether by internally transferring a current employee or recruiting a new hire.

Failure to serve your notice period is considered a breach of contract, and it can have a number of consequences with your current employer.

It is never a good idea to sever ties with your employer in this interconnected world. As a result, serving a notice period becomes mandatory.

You can, however, mutually negotiate the time frame with your employer. When an employee does not have a lot of responsibilities, the notice period can be negotiated, or another person in the same department can handle the extra work.

Furthermore, if an employee's personal problem requires immediate attention, he can certainly discuss the matter with HR and receive immediate relief. Things to do before giving two weeks' notice:

Resigning from your current job can be an emotional experience, especially if you have been with the company for a long time. Take the following factors into account before submitting your resignation.

• Be certain of the new offer:

Many people resign when they receive word that the interview they gave went well and that they have a good chance of getting a new job. However, you should not do so until you have signed the new contract with your future employer and received the offer letter.

Also, do not discuss your resignation with your coworkers before accepting the other offer; it can be difficult to predict what actions will backfire and cause problems.

• Compare the current and new jobs:

  Before resigning, remind yourself of the positive aspects of your current job. You can then analyze the new job offer and be certain of why you are accepting it. Even if your current workplace is toxic, you should not transition from one toxic environment to another. If you are changing jobs, the benefits offered by the new job should be in line with your current requirements.

• Seek support from family and friends:

Resigning can be stressful; talk to your friends and family about the pros and cons of your decision. These people can offer you the necessary guidance, encouragement, and support.

• Organize your finances:

  If you are taking a break from your career, i.e. if you do not plan to work for a while, save at least 20% of your salary or three months' salary, and plan your emergency funds. If you have loans to pay, make sure your expenses and savings are planned accordingly.

• Priority task list: Determine which projects require your immediate attention, prioritize tasks, and complete them as soon as possible.

• Take advantage of your benefits: Any benefits provided by your employer, such as leaves, medical reimbursement, and vacation, will lapse once you resign. You can take advantage of these advantages before that. Before resigning, you may want to take a short vacation and schedule any long-overdue eye and dental appointments.

• Organizing your desk and files:

  You don't want to give your coworkers any hints that you're leaving soon, so do it subtly. Every day, organize and arrange one of your drawers in a systematic manner. Arrange things so that a newcomer can easily understand them.

Remove any personal sorting style that only you understand and that others do not. Make sure you're making things easier for the person who will take your place. When you leave, your replacement may call you for assistance, which can be awkward and embarrassing.

• Begin packing your personal belongings:

  Many people have the habit of keeping personal photos, plants, cups, notes, and artifacts on their work desks. You can plan to move things gradually to avoid carrying a large box on your last day.

  Be subtle; you don't want to wipe out your desk and render it unrecognizable. Gather your pay stubs, certificates, and tax documents as well.

• Contact list:

  After resigning, you may want to meet with your close colleagues, associates, and clients to personally inform them of your departure. It is simply a good practice to follow, as abruptly leaving without speaking to people with whom you have been in constant contact may appear strange.

  • Keep official passwords up to date:

  Keep your official passwords up to date because you will be required to specify all of them on your last working day. Giving excuses such as "I forgot the password because it is saved in the system" may appear lame and irresponsible.

• Creating a portfolio:

  Write down your accomplishments, which you can later include in your resume. It can be difficult to remember without access to your official email. Make a list of your accomplishments. However, remember not to bring any confidential information or files.

Even the excellent presentation you created is the property of the organization, not you.

• Casually learn your boss's thoughts about you:

  This can help you understand what your boss might say about you in a reference check. Positive comments he makes about you can also make you feel good and appreciate the time you spent with your current employer.

Guidelines for Writing a Two-Week Notice Letter: Now that you're aware of what to do before resigning, let's take a look at the reasons you should give two weeks' notice. The first thing you should consider is how you will provide notice period.

• Talk to your boss first:

While it may be tempting to avoid face-to-face conversations, it is prudent not to do so. Instead, before providing a written two-week notice, simply inform your boss that you are doing so. This simply demonstrates your empathy and professionalism.

Your boss and you may have a lengthy discussion about why you are leaving. Make certain that you communicate the reason clearly and without disparaging the organization or your boss.

Even if your boss is unkind to you, you should avoid insulting him in any way.

• Be prepared for surprises:

  It is possible that your employment will be terminated immediately at times. This can occur when you are dealing with a critical or legal matter for the company.

  As a result, it is recommended that you plan your transition accordingly. You may be required to work for two weeks or more, or you may be relieved of your duties within a day.

• Avoid negativity:

Many people work in a toxic environment with a boss who treats them poorly. You may also have negative feelings about a company's new move or product, but this is not the place or time to express them to your boss.

Be courteous and complimentary about your company. Share what you learned from them and how it helped you grow as a person and as a professional.

• Network and connect:

Consider connecting with your boss, coworkers, and clients on LinkedIn, and make sure your phone book is up to date with their personal email addresses and phone numbers. Over 80% of hiring is done through employee referral, and you never know who you will meet in the future. As a result, network and connect with as many people as you can.

• The Possibility of a Counter Offer:

  As previously discussed, your boss may try to retain you by either offering good compensation/benefits or by promoting you to a higher position with a good set of responsibilities.

You should be certain about whether you want to stay with your current organization. Keep in mind that if you are retained, the thought of leaving the organization will return to you after a few months. When your boss tries to keep you, you should be firm and clear.

• Clarify your departure:

Speak with your boss and, if necessary, HR about your last day of work and the things you need to take care of in your final days. You should also make your intentions and plans for the next two weeks clear. If you intend to make final customer visits or train your replacement, inform your boss immediately. In short, your expectations and intentions should be in sync.

• Do not slack off in your final days:

You will be paid for the last two weeks, so you should not waste time and bother others. Do your work sincerely.

Writing a Resignation Letter:

You may have discussed your resignation with your boss prior to submitting a formal resignation letter; therefore, the resignation letter should be simple and precise; you are not required to be creative or state the reason for your departure.

To write your resignation letter, follow the steps outlined below.

Indicate the effective date:

Make it clear that you are providing notice for two or more weeks.

Thank you note:

Every job is a learning opportunity that will help you advance professionally.

During your time with the organization, you may meet people who can assist you in your career or you may need good friends. Thank them for assistance.

Provide assistance:

Because you intend to leave the organization, you should assist by training your replacement.

The examples below will help you write your resignation letter:

Sample Two Weeks Notice Letter 1:

Dear Mr./Mrs./Mrs./Mrs./Mrs./Mrs./

This is to inform you that I will be leaving the company name in two weeks.

Despite the fact that the company name has provided me with numerous learning opportunities, it is time for me to move on.

I thoroughly enjoyed working here and was grateful to have supportive superiors and coworkers.

I appreciate the opportunities for growth and learning that you have provided for me.

I wish the company name all the best. I'm willing to assist with my transition and would appreciate it. Thank you and best wishes

Your name

Sample 2 of a Two-Week Notice Letter:

I'm writing to inform you that I'm resigning from my position as marketing manager at company name. I'd like to give my two-week notice beginning today.

My five-year association with the company name has been fantastic. Thank you and my colleagues for your encouragement and assistance during my time at company name. With a heavy heart, I declare that it is time to move on.

I'd be delighted to assist you with the transition. Thank you once more.

Best wishes

Your name.

Though resignation is a big step, following the above-mentioned steps on how to write your two weeks’ notice will help you leave without a hitch. Have fun quitting!