Leaving a job can feel daunting, especially when you're worried about damaging relationships or facing an emotional reaction from your boss. This concern becomes even more complex when you work in a close-knit team environment where professional and personal boundaries often blur, and you're genuinely grateful for opportunities you've been given.

This question was answered by Sharon Draper, a psychologist with 13 years of experience who specialises in helping people understand their emotional responses and take responsibility for their own wellbeing, and Renee Hyde, client and agency leadership expert at Howatson+Company who has extensive experience managing team transitions and understands the realities of working in Australia's tight-knit creative industry.

Understanding your responsibility boundaries

Sharon addresses the core issue many people face when considering how to quit their job without burning bridges—taking on responsibility for other people's emotions. "I would look at your role in all your relationships. Do you feel responsible for other people?" she asks, encouraging self-reflection on this pattern.

She emphasises a crucial point: "We aren't responsible for how other people feel, even if you do something that impacts them. We're still not responsible for how they react, and we cannot control how other people react." This insight is fundamental to approaching your resignation with confidence rather than guilt.

Sharon warns against the trap of people-pleasing: "If you're doing that there, you might be doing it in other places too, and that's no way to live. Then we're people pleasers and we're trying to please everyone."

Leading with your values

When considering how to quit your job without burning bridges, Sharon suggests starting with self-reflection: "Look at your values because values are what drive our behaviour. What's your reason for wanting to quit? What are your values?"

She recommends being "clear and honest about what it is that you're wanting from this and that you would love to continue the relationship because of these reasons—because of the way I've learned so much from you or whatever it is." This approach allows you to frame your departure positively whilst staying true to your needs.

The reality of difficult conversations

Sharon acknowledges that even the best approach doesn't guarantee a positive response: "I used to believe that if you present and communicate in a way that's really great, they're really going to hear you. It's not the case always. You can say it in the most amazing way... but if that person's not willing to accept it or respond in a way that is going to be healthy for the two of you, you can't change that."

The key is knowing you've done your part: "You just have to go, 'I'm just doing what's right for me.' So I would just look at what's your reasoning and what are your values so that your values can guide you as to how you deliver that to the person."

Industry perspective on resignations

Renee offers valuable insight from a leadership perspective, sharing how good managers should respond: "I'm always really proud of people that move on... For a great leader, unless someone's going somewhere or doing something that doesn't feel aligned to their passions—which rarely happens—I always look at that as a great endorsement on the agency and the team that I've built."

She emphasises that "a good leader should be encouraging of you growing," highlighting that your departure can actually reflect positively on the organisation and your development there.

The importance of how you leave

Renee stresses a crucial point about quitting your job without burning bridges in the creative industry: "My biggest advice for anyone working specifically in our industry is that it is small. You are remembered by how you leave."

She advises maintaining your standards right until the end: "Make sure that you still contribute right up until that last day in a way that is representative of your values." This approach protects your reputation and keeps doors open for the future.

Renee shares the practical reality of industry connections: "I've had clients as bosses, I've had all sorts of ex-colleagues as clients. So I think you can only behave in a way that is consistent with your values."

Managing what you can control

Both experts agree on the fundamental principle of focusing on what you can control. As Renee puts it: "You cannot manage how they respond to that information, but you can absolutely manage how you show up in that situation."

This means preparing your resignation thoughtfully, communicating your decision clearly and respectfully, and maintaining your professionalism regardless of how others react.

Moving forward with confidence

Learning how to quit your job without burning bridges isn't about guaranteeing everyone will be happy with your decision—it's about handling the situation with integrity and respect whilst prioritising your own growth and wellbeing. Remember that you're not responsible for managing other people's emotions, even if they react poorly to your news. Focus on communicating your values clearly, expressing gratitude for opportunities you've received, and maintaining your professional standards throughout your notice period. A good leader will ultimately support your growth, and if they don't, that says more about them than it does about you. Trust that by staying true to your values and treating others with respect, you're doing everything within your power to preserve important relationships whilst taking the next step in your career.

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