Handing in my notice, advice please

[Lucyannieamy]

I need some advice on how to hand in my notice, without being rude, or smug. Or in my head anyone thinking, good riddance.

I have worked for the same company for 13 years and really enjoyed it until 2 years ago. 2 years ago my manager changed and I survived a redundancy round by the skin of my teeth, very lucky as I was (unknown to them at the time) pregnant with no. 2. I had 10 months off and have been back for 3 months.

Since I've been back I've had next to nothing to do and my manager has been less than inspiring. However I have some great colleagues around the business who I'll be sorry to leave.

I have been very lucky (or as Sheryl Sandberg would remind, deserving) to have got myself a new job, and a great job at that.

So do I admit that I'm leaving because of my manager? I'm not leaving because I don't believe in the company, so surely it would be worth being honest?

You just say that's it's with regret that you are handing in your notice to persue other opportunities. Thank you to everyone at xyz plc for all the support over the last x years.

No you don't mention the manager - I'm a firm believer in not burning bridges.

Don't mention anything about your manager. Just say that this is my notice, thanks very much for everything, best wishes for the future etc. Keep it nice and reasonable. Work your notice, leave on your last day, do a lap of honour round the car park, and change your car horn to the dukes of hazzard one as you hoot it while driving away. Trust me, they'll be worse off without you than you will be without them.

No need to give reasons in your letter, just give the requisite notice.

If your employer asks for feedback as part of an exit interview, that would be the place to explain, diplomatically, that you have been offered a better opportunity elsewhere.

Beyond that, let them guess. It's a small world. Remain professional.