Are you an Amazon employee considering a career change? You‘re not alone. With its fast-paced, high-pressure work environment, it‘s no surprise that many people decide to move on from the e-commerce giant. In fact, the average tenure of an Amazon employee is just 9 to 12 months, according to a report by PayScale^1. If you‘re ready to take the leap, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of quitting your job at Amazon, from making the decision to your final day.
Why Do Employees Leave Amazon?
Before we dive into the specifics of how to quit, let‘s discuss some of the common reasons why employees choose to leave Amazon:
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High stress and burnout: Amazon is known for its intense work culture, which can lead to chronic stress and eventual burnout. A 2019 survey by Blind found that 44% of Amazon employees reported feeling burned out, compared to an average of 39% across other major tech companies^2.
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Long hours: Many positions at Amazon require working long hours, including overnight shifts and mandatory overtime. According to a report by The Verge, some Amazon warehouse workers have reported working up to 60 hours per week during peak seasons[^3].
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Better opportunities elsewhere: With the experience gained at Amazon, many employees find better-paying or more fulfilling jobs at other companies. A 2021 study by Compensation Force found that Amazon‘s median employee tenure of 1.0 years is significantly lower than the 5.3-year median for the retail industry as a whole[^4].
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Lack of work-life balance: The demanding nature of work at Amazon can make it challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance. In a 2019 survey by Comparably, Amazon ranked 351 out of 356 companies for work-life balance^5.
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Dissatisfaction with management or company policies: Some employees may feel unsupported by their managers or disagree with certain company practices. A 2021 report by The Seattle Times found that Amazon‘s employee satisfaction rating on Glassdoor had dropped to 3.2 out of 5, with many reviews citing poor management and a lack of transparency[^6].
The Impact of High Turnover on Amazon
Amazon‘s high turnover rate has significant implications for the company‘s business operations and customer experience. When employees leave frequently, it can lead to:
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Increased training and onboarding costs: Amazon must continually invest in training new hires to replace departing employees, which can be costly and time-consuming.
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Loss of institutional knowledge: When experienced employees leave, they take with them valuable knowledge and skills that can be difficult to replace.
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Decreased productivity: New employees often require time to ramp up and reach full productivity, which can lead to temporary dips in output and efficiency.
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Potential impact on customer experience: High turnover can result in inconsistencies in service quality and customer support, as new employees may not be as knowledgeable or experienced as their predecessors.
To address these challenges, Amazon has implemented various initiatives aimed at improving employee retention and satisfaction, such as raising minimum wages, offering more flexible scheduling options, and investing in employee training and development programs. However, the company still faces criticism for its intense work culture and high turnover rates.
How to Quit Your Job at Amazon
Once you‘ve made the decision to leave Amazon, it‘s essential to follow the proper procedures to ensure a smooth transition. Here‘s a step-by-step guide on how to quit:
Step 1: Give Notice
While not legally required, it‘s considered a professional courtesy to give your employer two weeks‘ notice before leaving. This allows your manager to plan for your absence and start the hiring process for your replacement. To give notice, you have two options:
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Use the A to Z app or website: Log in to your account, click on the "Thinking of leaving Amazon?" link, and fill out the online resignation form. The system will submit a trouble ticket to process your resignation.
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Notify your manager and HR in person: Schedule a meeting with your manager and HR representative to inform them of your decision. Follow up with a formal resignation letter or email stating your last day of work.
Step 2: Tie Up Loose Ends
After submitting your resignation, there are a few loose ends to address:
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Accrued PTO: Depending on your state‘s laws, you may be entitled to a payout of your accrued paid time off (PTO) and vacation hours. States like California, Colorado, and Massachusetts require employers to pay out accrued PTO upon resignation.
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Benefits: Your benefits, such as health insurance, will typically end on the last day of the month in which you resign. Be sure to explore your options for continuation of coverage, such as COBRA.
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Final paycheck: Amazon will issue your final paycheck on the next regular pay date after your last day of work. This will include any accrued PTO or vacation pay, if applicable.
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Return of company property: If you have any company-issued equipment, such as a laptop or badge, make arrangements to return these items on or before your last day.
Step 3: Exit Interview
Some Amazon departments may conduct exit interviews with resigning employees. This is an opportunity for the company to gather feedback on your experience and reasons for leaving. Be honest but professional in your responses, focusing on constructive feedback rather than personal grievances.
Preparing for Life After Amazon
Quitting your job at Amazon is a significant decision that requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some tips to help you navigate the transition:
Assess Your Financial Situation
Before quitting, take a close look at your financial situation and create a budget to ensure you can manage your expenses during the transition period. Consider the following:
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Emergency fund: Aim to have at least 3-6 months‘ worth of living expenses saved up to cover unexpected costs or a prolonged job search.
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Health insurance: Research your options for health insurance coverage after leaving Amazon, whether through a spouse‘s plan, COBRA, or the individual marketplace.
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Severance pay: If you‘re being laid off or your position is being eliminated, you may be eligible for severance pay. Review your employment contract or contact HR to understand your options.
Leverage Your Amazon Experience
Your time at Amazon has equipped you with valuable skills and experiences that can be leveraged in your future career. When updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, highlight your achievements and the specific skills you developed, such as:
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Problem-solving: Amazon is known for its customer-centric approach and focus on finding innovative solutions to complex problems.
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Adaptability: The fast-paced, ever-changing nature of work at Amazon requires employees to be flexible and adaptable.
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Data-driven decision making: Amazon relies heavily on data and metrics to drive business decisions, and employees are expected to be comfortable working with and analyzing data.
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Leadership: Many roles at Amazon involve leading and mentoring teams, providing opportunities to develop strong leadership skills.
Network and Explore New Opportunities
As you prepare to leave Amazon, start reaching out to your professional network and exploring new job opportunities. Consider the following strategies:
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Attend industry events: Participate in conferences, workshops, and other events related to your field of interest to meet potential employers and learn about new trends and technologies.
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Join online communities: Engage with relevant online communities, such as LinkedIn groups or industry-specific forums, to connect with professionals in your field and stay up-to-date on job openings.
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Utilize job search resources: Take advantage of job search websites, recruiters, and career coaching services to help you find and apply for positions that align with your goals.
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Tap into the Amazon alumni network: Amazon has a large and active alumni network that can be a valuable resource for job seekers. Attend alumni events, join relevant groups, and reach out to former colleagues for advice and referrals.
Real-Life Experiences: Stories from Former Amazon Employees
To provide a more personal perspective, we reached out to former Amazon employees to share their experiences with quitting the company. Here are a few of their stories:
Sarah, Former Amazon Marketing Manager
"I worked at Amazon for two years before deciding to leave. The long hours and constant pressure were taking a toll on my mental health. I was hesitant to quit without another job lined up, but I knew I needed to prioritize my well-being. I gave my two weeks‘ notice, and my manager was understanding. It was scary at first, but leaving Amazon was the best decision I could have made for myself."
Michael, Former Amazon Software Engineer
"After working at Amazon for just six months, I received a job offer from another company with a higher salary and better work-life balance. I was torn about leaving so soon, but I knew I couldn‘t pass up the opportunity. I notified my manager and HR, and they were supportive of my decision. The experience I gained at Amazon helped me succeed in my new role."
Lisa, Former Amazon Warehouse Associate
"I worked in an Amazon fulfillment center for over a year, and the physical demands of the job were incredibly challenging. I often worked 12-hour shifts, sometimes overnight, and rarely had time for breaks. When I decided to quit, I was nervous about the process, but my manager guided me through the steps and assured me that I was making the right decision for my health and well-being."
The Growing Trend of "Pandemic Epiphanies"
The COVID-19 pandemic has led many employees across industries to reevaluate their careers and work-life balance, a phenomenon some are calling "pandemic epiphanies"[^7]. For Amazon employees, the added stress and demands of working through a global crisis may have accelerated this trend, contributing to increased turnover rates.
As employees reflect on their priorities and values, many are seeking opportunities that offer greater flexibility, work-life balance, and a sense of purpose. This shift in perspective may lead to more Amazon employees choosing to leave the company in pursuit of careers that better align with their personal and professional goals.
Conclusion
Quitting your job at Amazon can be a daunting prospect, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can also be an exciting opportunity for growth and change. By following the proper resignation procedures, tying up loose ends, and focusing on your future goals, you can make a smooth transition into the next chapter of your career.
Remember, your time at Amazon has equipped you with valuable skills and experiences that will serve you well in your future endeavors. Embrace the change, and don‘t be afraid to take risks in pursuit of your professional and personal happiness. Whether you‘re seeking a new challenge, better work-life balance, or a more fulfilling career path, quitting Amazon may be the first step towards achieving your goals.
[^3]: Ghaffary, S. (2019, July 15). Leaked documents show how Amazon‘s warehouse workers are tracked and fired by algorithms. The Verge. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/15/20695067/amazon-warehouse-workers-tracked-fired-algorithms-documents [^4]: Compensation Force. (2021). 2021 Turnover Report. Retrieved from https://www.compensationforce.com/2021/04/2021-turnover-report.html [^6]: Lerman, R. (2021, April 5). Amazon‘s employee satisfaction rating falls as complaints grow. The Seattle Times. Retrieved from https://www.seattletimes.com/business/amazons-employee-satisfaction-rating-falls-as-complaints-grow/ [^7]: Meister, J. (2021, January 24). The pandemic epiphany: Is it time to change jobs or careers? Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeannemeister/2021/01/24/the-pandemic-epiphany-is-it-time-to-change-jobs-or-careers/