Get Organized: First, you need to master the red tape. Check your notice period, holiday or bonus payments owing and restrictions on working for competitors or on taking any clients with you.

Put it in writing: Avoid confused recriminations or literary experiments. You don’t have to give a reason for leaving, although you’ll probably be asked for one. Notice that you are terminating your employment on a particular date is all you need to offer. Don’t send the letter yet.

Personal delivery: A meeting shows proper respect for your employer and helps maintain your reputation. If you have any feedback to give them, now is the time, but do it in a positive way.

Hand it over now: Bring your resignation letter with you and hand it over at the end, from which point your chosen departure date becomes binding. Stay poised and polite, even if you boss’s hurt feeling bubble over.

Brace yourself: Employers, particularly those in the finance or legal sector, may require you to clear your desk immediately to prevent you taking clients or sensitive information with you. Hopefully they’ll give you a cheque in lieu of notice.