How to quit a job in the pole dance industry

Quitting a job is never easy.

If your current job is frustrating, you may have daydreams of storming off a job site, yelling at your boss, or other dramatic gestures.

If, however, you intend to keep working in the same industry, or even just to keep contacts even if you are changing industries, you might want to consider some ways to quit that aren’t quite so dramatic.

In any case, confirm you are making the decision that is best for your situation before making that decision final. Consider talking to a trusted mentor or friend if possible or taking some time off to “clear your head.”

Check your contract or employment paperwork

Before you officially quit, double check any official paperwork you’ve signed to make sure there aren’t requirements for how to quit including timelines or anything specific that you owe to the organization. For instance, some businesses may specify that you can’t work for clients that you met while working at your current job. Others might clarify what equipment you must turn in.

Once you have clarity on what you need to do to quit, let’s talk about how to do it.

Officially quitting

If you had a good relationship with your company—or want to keep one! —tell your boss in person rather than just sending an email out of the blue.

Even though it can be a difficult and potentially emotional conversation, schedule time to talk to your boss/supervisor such as a meeting or going out for lunch. Think about how they would want to hear this news. They’ll likely have mixed emotions about you leaving and how that impacts their work and/or their company.

After a meeting, send a letter of resignation as a formality.

The recommended “professional courtesy,” but not necessarily legal (check your industry and jurisdiction!) requirement, is to submit an official letter or email of resignation to your boss or, if relevant, to the HR department. This doesn’t have to be long, and it doesn’t have to share any personal details like your new job pays more money or you hate your boss and that’s why you’re leaving.

Keep it factual. Address anything required of you such as turning in equipment and your timeline for leaving. Providing two weeks’ notice is a common professional courtesy in the United States. Some companies may require a different (shorter or longer) timeline.

What happens next

Some companies may want to do an “exit interview.” This can be an opportunity to give feedback on what worked and what can be improved. Usually this is a meeting with a boss/supervisor and, if relevant, a HR representative.

Think about how you want to continue the relationship and provide information factually and in way to help the business improve.

In some cases, your current company may want to keep you and may make a counteroffer to get you to stay.

In other cases, if the situation you’re in is toxic, dangerous, or even illegal, you might need to quickly exit with as little human interaction as possible. Quitting can help protect you and your mental health and provide a more positive explanation of your exit to a future employer than being fired.

Leaving a job is never easy! Consider all the factors, look at what’s required of you, and think about the personal element of all those involved.