Over the past few days, a funny brief resignation letter has been circulating online, with many enjoying how hilarious it is. In the letter, the employee wrote "Dear Sir, resignation letter. Bye bye Sir. Yours faithfully, signed”.

Funny as it sounds, sometimes people want to quit their jobs either because they have found a better opportunity, want to move into something else or are simply tired of their current job.

Resigning from one’s job is not an easy task. There are a lot of decisions to make. Some people will resort to threats and arguments with their employers before walking out on them.

Experts say it is not wise to quit your job in a manner that jeopardizes your former employer. Do not burn bridges like the employee who insulted his former employer, having been wrongly informed that he won a lottery.

Below are some five expert tips to consider if you want to professionally resign from your job.

Is it the right time?

Taking time to thoughtfully consider why, when and how you should leave your job can ensure you make the best possible decision, find new opportunities and leave your current role gracefully. Even if you’re feeling frustrated, take time to carefully weigh the pros and cons of leaving your role. If you’re feeling unfulfilled by your responsibilities or overwhelmed by your workload, consider discussing it with your direct supervisor to determine if they can help alleviate the problem.

If you’re actively looking for another opportunity, it may be best to wait until you’ve officially accepted another job offer before you resign from your current position. Otherwise, you may face an unplanned gap in employment that could affect your finances, insurance coverage and other benefits.

Once you’ve decided you’re ready to resign, be sure to keep the conversation polite and professional. Employers recognise that sometimes employees want to pursue new ventures, and by acting professionally, you can stay on good terms and maintain a relationship that may lead to future opportunities.

A two weeks’ notice

Two weeks’ notice is the standard length of time to give an employer before you leave. However, if you’ve signed an employment contract, make sure you’re honouring any rules around the length of notice.

Depending on your availability, you may be willing to stay longer than the typical two-week period—especially if your new job doesn’t start for several weeks or you’re transitioning to self-employment. Regardless of the length of notice you provide, be sure to let your employer know as soon as possible and include this information in your resignation letter.

Write a letter

Write a brief resignation letter. Be sure to include all the aspects including a statement that you’re resigning, the date, why you are leaving, if possible, courtesy and appreciation of your former employer and sign it. Look for different formats of resignation letters available online.

Polite feedback on why you are leaving

You might be leaving your job in protest or because you feel the employer is not meeting their obligations. While you’re not required to share your reason for leaving a job, it can be helpful for your supervisor and other leadership personnel to understand.

The best way to do this is through a conversation with your HR manager. In some cases, an HR representative may schedule an exit interview to ask you about your experience with the company and what prompted your decision to leave as well as feedback on company policies, culture, and benefits.

Prepare what you’ll say in this meeting beforehand so that you can give constructive and polite feedback. Remember, the goal is to maintain positive relationships with former employers so you’ll want to be honest yet professional.

Even if your HR team doesn’t schedule an exit interview, consider reaching out to a member of the team to discuss any feedback you have and your reasons for leaving. If your choice to leave stems from concerns with specific personnel, HR can work to address the issue.

Express gratitude for the opportunity

It does matter the circumstances in which you are leaving. At some point, you needed that job. In some cases, a job may be more to you than simply a method of earning money.

Depending on how long you’ve been with an organization, you may have developed strong bonds with your co-workers and leaders, developed new skills, worked your way up to a high-level position, taken on greater responsibilities and grown as a professional. Your experiences from your current job likely helped you earn your new opportunity, so it’s important to show your gratitude.

Take time to personally thank co-workers and leaders with whom you’ve worked closely. Not only is this proper etiquette, but it can also help you grow your network. You never know when you may be in a position to help a former colleague find a new opportunity and vice versa.