Wikipedia reports that from the start of the pandemic, one out of every five healthcare workers quit their jobs.

It brings to mind Johnny Paycheck’s 1977 hit, “Take This Job and Shove It.” It was Paycheck’s only number one hit and his best-remembered song. Known as an outlaw singer, it did not end well for him. He used both cocaine and whiskey, had problems with the IRS and died at age 64 in 2003.

His song, ironically is about a 15-year employee trying to work up the nerve to quit. While some people get a whole lot of satisfaction by telling their boss off, the general rule is to not burn your bridges on the way out the door.

The Journal talked with three local human relations professionals to get their views on the right way to leave a job. Contributing were: Tim Weston, Manager of Recruitment and Workforce Planning for Riverside Medical Center; Brittney Davis, Human Resources Business Partner for CSL Behring; and Amber Turner, Account Manager for Agente Staffing. All are members of the Kankakee County Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management. Davis is the chapter president.

The website Indeed suggests giving it some thought before you resign. Draw up a list of pros and cons. Make a rational decision, rather than an emotional one. What is your plan and how will you get there? And, if you do decide to leave, timing is important. Are you in the middle of a big project or push that involves others?

If you are going to leave, first off, make sure you give proper notice. Two weeks would appear to be the minimum, Davis says. The higher you are on the chain of command, the more notice you need to give.

How you leave things is also important. The job website Indeed recommends leaving material for your successor. If a project is near completion, finish it up. If you cannot finish it up, leave clear directions on what has been done and what needs to be done.

Make sure you turn in keys and company equipment.

Turner suggests writing an official letter of resignation and turning it into your superior. If you have never written such a letter there are good examples that can be googled up.

You will want to check on benefits going out the door. When do your health benefits cut off? That is especially important if you are the benefits carrier in the family.

Many businesses will have an exit interview. This can be a touchy situation. Davis and Turner advised being truthful in that situation, but also try to be positive. Businesses genuinely want to learn how they can do better.

Davis says that’s also true when you go out in a small community, like Kankakee County. Do not bad-mouth a former employer.

Gratitude is important, the website Indeed says. Thank your co-workers and your supervisors. You never know when you will run into them again professionally.