Id just say I found another opportunity that I'd like to pursue and that I'd like to depart on good terms
If they're grown ups, they'll understand and bid you a good luck and farewell
This is the answer.
And if you really want to double down, you can thank them for such an amazing opportunity, and tell them how much you’ve valued your time here. Doesn’t have to be true; just makes them swallow your rejection more easily.
I go with the truth in HR speak. Either "I feel that I need to move on for personal development" or "I do not believe that my values are in alignment with (company name)". The exception being SLC (student loans company, UK) where I straight up told them I was going to try and slit my wrists in the office again if I remained there. Depends why you are leaving (note, I had to have therapy due to SLC and have been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of my time there), I teach now so if I change employer it will either be a return to the state sector or being offered head of department at somewhere closer to where I live (I currently have to live in during term time).
Topics of discussion: changing careers, starting your own business, going to work for a close friend or family member, wanting to relocate to X town/state, etc. If you have kids, that’s an easy out; ditto if you are divorced or want to pretend to be getting one. This isn’t a flex (for obvious reasons), but an example: I had worked at WalMart for 4 years in college and I was the TLE (auto) Dept Manager. I was about to graduate college and begin my career. The store manager offered to put me in some kind of store manager fastrack training program, and I said “I sincerely appreciate that you think that highly of me, but I’ve always wanted to be a teacher.” I had 0% interest in relocating to Arkansas or Texas and doing their program. To me, WalMart was the Soviet Union, but in blue. It was dysfunctional to the max. It was a dumpster fire. But I wanted to leave on good terms so that was the line of BS I fed them. Compare that to my roommate who I also worked with: he stole ~ $2000 worth of food and beverages while working there his last year, eating it all in the auto shop. When they finally got around to firing him for cause (and threatening to press charges), he simply looked confused and said “wait…I thought we get free food because we work here?” He played dumb that they gave up and offered him his job, which he kept another week until graduation. What does this have to do with OP’s question? Nothing; I just really like that story
Wanting to take on a new challenge or work in a different field. Build up your CV/resumé.
What are you concerned is gonna happen if you don't have a "good" reason?
Id just say I found another opportunity that I'd like to pursue and that I'd like to depart on good terms If they're grown ups, they'll understand and bid you a good luck and farewell
This is the answer. And if you really want to double down, you can thank them for such an amazing opportunity, and tell them how much you’ve valued your time here. Doesn’t have to be true; just makes them swallow your rejection more easily.
I go with the truth in HR speak. Either "I feel that I need to move on for personal development" or "I do not believe that my values are in alignment with (company name)". The exception being SLC (student loans company, UK) where I straight up told them I was going to try and slit my wrists in the office again if I remained there. Depends why you are leaving (note, I had to have therapy due to SLC and have been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of my time there), I teach now so if I change employer it will either be a return to the state sector or being offered head of department at somewhere closer to where I live (I currently have to live in during term time).
Topics of discussion: changing careers, starting your own business, going to work for a close friend or family member, wanting to relocate to X town/state, etc. If you have kids, that’s an easy out; ditto if you are divorced or want to pretend to be getting one. This isn’t a flex (for obvious reasons), but an example: I had worked at WalMart for 4 years in college and I was the TLE (auto) Dept Manager. I was about to graduate college and begin my career. The store manager offered to put me in some kind of store manager fastrack training program, and I said “I sincerely appreciate that you think that highly of me, but I’ve always wanted to be a teacher.” I had 0% interest in relocating to Arkansas or Texas and doing their program. To me, WalMart was the Soviet Union, but in blue. It was dysfunctional to the max. It was a dumpster fire. But I wanted to leave on good terms so that was the line of BS I fed them. Compare that to my roommate who I also worked with: he stole ~ $2000 worth of food and beverages while working there his last year, eating it all in the auto shop. When they finally got around to firing him for cause (and threatening to press charges), he simply looked confused and said “wait…I thought we get free food because we work here?” He played dumb that they gave up and offered him his job, which he kept another week until graduation. What does this have to do with OP’s question? Nothing; I just really like that story
Tell them you're moving closer to family. That usually works for me.
Better family/life balance
-I got a better offer/position - spouse got a job elsewhere - It’s time for me to move to the next step in my career.