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Leaving a job you like can feel like ending a marriage. So much of your time and identity can be tied up in your job that walking out the door and hooking up with a new employer can feel like desertion. So how do you know when the time is right to resign?

It could be something instinctive, a gut feeling that your time is up; it could be a clash with a co-worker; or perhaps you've had a better offer. Whatever your reasons for considering resigning, you will have a lot to think about and much to organise before you pack up your desk and buy your colleagues a round of drinks.

Dr James Carlopio, a senior lecturer at the Australian Graduate School of Management, says it may be time to resign "if people are not happy with their jobs or certain aspects of it, or if they are bored".

"If they are not getting the experience, training or development they want or are in any way having to deal with a boss who is at all abusive or unfair or obnoxious they should resign."

Here are the steps you should take if you are thinking about resigning.

Before you resign

Do you have another job to go to or, if not, enough savings to keep you going while you look for work? Have you discussed your decision with family and friends and weighed up the pros and cons?

Ask yourself whether it's the right time to resign. Are you resigning at a time of skills shortages in your area, or is there an industry-wide downsizing? Will it be tough to get another job? Can you cover any debts, such as credit card repayments or mortgages, while you are looking for another job?

If you are resigning because of a personality clash at work or a bad boss, ask first about a transfer to another section or at least speak to a manager to get the issue resolved. Are you resigning because you feel bullied or harassed in the workplace? If so, don't feel as if you have to be pushed out. See your union or human resources manager for advice before you resign.

"I am often amazed at how many people stay in jobs that are not right for them or stay with bosses who are abusive because they are afraid to make the change," Carlopio says.

When you resign

Find out the required notice period and try to avoid a clash with the starting date of your new job. If you are moving to the competition you may be asked to leave immediately. If this is the case, you will normally be paid out your notice period but check with your employer.

Try to take a holiday between leaving one job and starting another. A couple of weeks' break - even if you are just staying at home - can mean you start your new job feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Find out who you need to hand your resignation to. Your line manager? The chief executive? HR? Make an appointment to see your immediate boss. Bring a copy of your resignation letter (which should be brief and should state the date you are planning to leave the company) with you and give it to your manager to put on your file. "I always think face-to-face communication is the best," Carlopio says, "but there are definitely times when written communication is appropriate."

As a courtesy, send an email as a follow up and copy in any managers who need to be informed of your decision. As with your letter, it should be brief and to the point - and its tone gracious rather than bitter and angry. You may have had problems in your job but using a resignation to tell your boss to "get stuffed" can be counter-productive and can undo years of good work that you have provided for the company. If you have issues with your job and how you were treated, bring it up in a discussion with your manager and if you still feel strongly, outline them in a letter or email that is separate from your resignation letter.

During the notice period

"There may be legal issues involved, such as certain periods that are required [to be worked], but to be fair to your colleagues, giving more notice is better than less," Carlopio says. "Also, this depends on the type of industry, job and position, as well as upon whether or not it is amicable."

During the notice period, you should start handing over your projects to your colleagues or training new staff. "Ideally, training someone new would be the best - for the organisation and for the replacement - but this does not seem to happen very frequently."

Let your contacts and clients know you will be leaving and advise them who is taking over your position. Have lunch with your favourite workmates, swap email addresses and phone numbers.

Your last day
Return any company property such as mobile phones or laptops. Spend the morning cleaning your desk and give HR your contact details so your group certificates and superannuation information can be forwarded. Send an email from your work email address to your contact list, advising that you can no longer be contacted at this address. Leave a similar message on your work voicemail.

All that remains now is to hit the pub with your colleagues for a leaving do that makes all the housework seem worthwhile.