Some people change jobs like most of us change shirts. While changing jobs may be more acceptable today than it was before, the way you should quit has not changed.

One of the primary reasons that you want to quit in a graceful and professional manner is obvious; you are a professional in everything you do and quitting your job is no different than anything else. You want to do it right.

What To Do

There are some things you can do that will actually help your reputation when you do decide to quit.

• Write a very simple resignation letter and hand it to your boss in person. Make sure your boss is the first to know. Don't let him finding out from Suon Kimleng or Thou Serey at the water cooler.

• Give appropriate notice (this will probably be covered in your handbook. If not, a good rule of thumb is two weeks' notice for jobs that are paid by the hour and one month for jobs that are salaried).

• Finish all projects that are currently in progress (if possible).

• Create a detailed list of any unfinished projects and what needs to be done in order for them to be completed.

• Create a detailed list of your business contacts.

• Let your contacts know that you're leaving and what your last day will be. Offer to introduce them to your replacement (if you know who it will be).

• Update your job description (if necessary).

• Offer to help find and train your replacement.

• Check your employee handbook and with the human resources office to see if there's any paperwork you need to complete.

You Should Not

• Quit on the spot or without giving proper notice.
• Tell the boss off (no matter how good it would make you feel, it's not worth it).
• Bad-mouth your boss, co-workers or the company.
• Brag about how much more you'll be making elsewhere.
• Talk about how much better the new company is.
• Take any files or other property.
• Destroy or otherwise corrupt any data, database, etc.

If you have something that's genuinely constructive to say, make an appointment with the HR manager or your boss, and have an exit interview. This is the appropriate moment to discuss the reasons why you're leaving.

If your new company offers much better benefits or pays more for the same type of work, then you might want to tell the human resources director about it. It might even be helpful (for the company) to discuss this with your boss.

Believe it or not, quitting with style and grace can have a very positive outcome. Leaving your job in a professional manner can enhance your reputation for being a "winner" and also lay the groundwork for perhaps returning to the same company a few years down the road.

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