While it may be tempting to tell your boss where he can sticks his letter opener when you're ready to quit

it's not a great career move

You will need a job to resign from and good stationery

Optional: acting skills

Step 1: Submit a letter of resignation that includes the position you are resigning from and your proposed last day of employment

Provide sufficient notice to your employer

Two weeks is customary

Step 2: Tell your supervisor you are quitting before you tell your office buddies

Resist the temptation to brag about your new job or trash your current one

Step 3: Continue to be a productive employee until you leave

You'd be amazed at how quick two weeks of slacking off can wipe out years of hard work

Step 4: Take the time to write a detailed memo about any projects in the works

Say that you will be accessible after you leave should any question arise

Step 5: If you plan to send a farewell email on your last day, keep the tone positive

Now is not the time for parting shots

Include your contact information in your farewell email

Step 6: A month or so after you leave, send a friendly note to your former colleagues

Let them know that as you continue to settle into your new surroundings, you think of them fondly

Did you know according to one survey,

the most common reasons for leaving a job are better pay, boredom, and lack of advancement