So you’ve decided that your time with your current employer has run its course. Whether it’s because you found the working environment difficult, are moving to another location (or the company is), want a change in career, have plans to study, or have simply found better opportunities elsewhere, you are now ready to leave.

Regardless of how you feel about your company, it’s a good to leave your bosses or teammates with a good impression of you. After all, some companies do ask previous employers for their input. Plus, if you remain in the same industry, there’s a chance you could be hired back some time in the future, or you may encounter your former colleagues in a professional capacity later on. This is why it’s important to plan a graceful exit. Here are a few things to remember when resigning from your job.

(Photo by Amir Lodge via Flickr Creative Commons. Additional reporting by Liana Smith-Bautista.)