Pursuing a dream, handling a family crisis, or seizing a superior job opportunity—no matter why you’ve decided to leave your job. Now, you’re faced with the challenge of breaking the news of your resignation to your boss, friends, and family.
But contrary to popular belief, quitting doesn’t necessarily mean burning bridges.
It can be an opportunity to expand your network and open the door to future prospects.
However, deciding to quit involves much more than just updating your resume. In the following sections, we’ll explore how to exit your job gracefully, including examples and advice to leave a positive and lasting impression.
When to Quit Your Job
In February 2023 alone, 4 million Americans chose to resign from their jobs, so if you’re contemplating leaving your current position, you’re certainly not the only one.
However, before you go ahead, you should ask yourself:,
- “What are my reasons for quitting?”
- “Are there any better options?”
- “If things are bad at my current workplace, have I attempted to better the situation?
Resigning impulsively or out of frustration may result in regret and monetary issues. When prospective employers inquire, “Why did you leave your previous job?” it’s crucial to provide a response that portrays you positively and professionally.
Keep reading for some useful advice on quitting your job.
Identifying the Reasons for Leaving
There are many valid reasons to quit a job. These include but are not limited to the following:
- Health reasons
- Excessive stress or anxiety
- Family responsibilities
- An enticing job offer
- Pursuing further education
- Relocating to a new area
- Starting a business
- New career goals
- Taking a sabbatical
- A career change the current employer cannot provide
Generally, these examples of quitting a job are viewed positively. While some ways to resign are better than others, referring to these is unlikely to provoke any negative response.
Just make sure you evaluate your situation carefully. With a bit of proper planning, you can prevent creating a gap in employment and income.
If you haven’t updated your resume yet, it is the perfect time to do so! Please advantage of our online resume builder. It is full of easy-to-use templates and guidance that will save you time and nerves.
Factors to Consider Before Quitting Your Job
Before deciding to quit your job, it’s crucial to carefully weigh the reasons to ensure it’s the right move for you.
When assessing your decision, take into account the following aspects regarding your potential to improve your situation and your happiness at work:
- Work-Life balance: Reflect on whether your job allows you to maintain a healthy balance between your professional and personal life. If you find work consuming too much of your time or energy, leaving the job might lead to a more balanced lifestyle. Maybe a new role would be more in line with your values and sense of purpose, which in itself can make you happier and contribute to work-life balance.
- Financial stability: Evaluate if resigning from your current position will substantially affect your finances. Ensure you have sufficient savings or a new job lined up to maintain financial security. It’s recommended that you have at least 6 months to a year’s worth of living expenses saved up if you are considering quitting without a new role lined up.
- Workplace environment: Evaluate the culture and environment in your current workplace. If you’re facing a toxic or unsupportive environment, leaving the job could lead to better mental health and improved job satisfaction.
- Future prospects: Reflect on your long-term career goals in your current job and industry. If you foresee limited growth potential or job security, exploring other opportunities may be a wise decision.
Examining your current work situation will help you determine whether resigning from your job is the most suitable decision for you.
This evaluation process will also help you prepare for any challenges or changes that might arise from leaving your current position.
Keep reading to learn how to quit your job without burning any bridges.
How to Professionally Quit a Job
What is the best way to quit a job? You should do so with grace, respect, and professionalism.
Employ the following tips to help you do just that.
How to Tell Your Boss You’re Leaving
It’s essential to communicate your intentions to your supervisor professionally and respectfully to leave a good impression behind.
Take a look at the step-by-step guide below on how to discuss your resignation with your boss:
- Request a meeting: Reach out to your boss to schedule a private meeting or conversation to discuss your resignation.
- Prepare for the conversation: Put together a script to quit that covers your reasons for leaving and how you plan to handle the transition. This will help you stay focused and present your case.
- Show gratitude: Express your appreciation for the opportunities and experiences you’ve had. Thank your boss for their guidance and support.
- Present your resignation letter: Hand over a written resignation letter to your boss. This serves as a record of your intention to leave the company.
- Discuss the transition process: Offer your assistance in training a replacement or completing any outstanding tasks.
- Address any concerns or questions: Be prepared to answer any questions. Maintain an open and respectful dialogue throughout the conversation.
💡Tip
Keep the conversation confidential. Avoid discussing your plans with colleagues. This demonstrates professionalism and respect for the company’s internal processes.
By approaching the resignation discussion with professionalism and courtesy, you can maintain a positive relationship with your boss, which may benefit future networking opportunities or references.
Use This Script to Quit Your Job
Before approaching your boss, think through what you would like to say. Plan responses to questions you anticipate them asking. Check out this sample conversation for ideas and inspiration.
[You]: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I wanted to talk to you in person about a decision I’ve made. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to resign from my position as [Your Job Title] at
[Company Name]. My last day will be [Last Working Day Date], two weeks from now.
[Your Manager]: Oh, I see. May I ask what led you to this decision?
[You]: I appreciate everything I’ve learned and experienced here. I had the chance to work on interesting projects and collaborate with a great team. However, after much thought, I’ve decided that it’s time to explore new career opportunities and challenges.
[Manager]: I understand that people’s career paths can change, and I appreciate your honesty. What can we do to ensure a smooth transition during these next two weeks?
[You]: I’m more than willing to help with the transition process. I can train my replacement, tie up any loose ends on current projects, and document any essential information for my team. Please let me know what specific tasks you’d like me to focus on, and I’ll make sure everything is in order before my departure.
[Manager]: Thank you for your willingness to help. We’ll discuss the transition plan and make sure everything is in place.
[You]: I appreciate your understanding and am grateful for the time I’ve spent working at [Company Name]. I hope we can stay in touch in the future.
If you’re still feeling nervous, remember that “I quit” talks always happen. Just take a deep breath and repeat: “This is a normal part of the working world.”
Politely Decline Counteroffers
When you decide to leave a job and your employer presents a counteroffer, it can be challenging to maintain professionalism and grace while sticking to your decision.
Here are some steps to help you politely decline counteroffers if they do not interest you:
- Prepare in advance: Before discussing your resignation with your employer, anticipate the possibility of a counteroffer and prepare a response. This will help you remain composed and articulate your reasons clearly.
- Express gratitude: Begin by thanking your employer for the counteroffer, acknowledging that it demonstrates their appreciation for your work and commitment to the company. This sets a respectful and upbeat tone for the conversation.
- Reiterate your decision: Politely reaffirm your decision to leave the company, explaining that your choice is based on carefully considering your career goals, personal needs, or other relevant factors. This will help your employer understand that your decision is well-thought-out and not merely a response to a better financial offer.
Avoid getting into the specifics of the new opportunity or directly comparing it to your current role. Instead, focus on the broader reasons for your departure, such as seeking new challenges, personal growth, or a change in direction.
How to write a Resignation Letter
You should hand in a letter of resignation after speaking with your boss. When you write a resignation letter, you have time to think about what you are going to say and choose your words carefully.
Re-read your letter out loud and remove anything that might be taken the wrong way.
Make sure your letter follows the advice below:
- Address your boss by name.
- Clearly state that you are resigning.
- Give the date of your expected last day at work.
- Express gratitude; say something positive.
- Offer to help ease the transition.
Here’s an example you can use as a guide to write your own resignation letter:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name], effective two weeks from today, [Last Working Day Date]. This decision was not made lightly, and I have carefully considered my options before reaching this conclusion.
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities and experiences I have had during my time with the company. The support and guidance you and the team provided have been invaluable, and I have grown personally and professionally.
To ensure a smooth transition, I am more than willing to assist with the training of my replacement or help wrap up any outstanding projects. Please let me know how I can help during this period, and I will do my best to make the process as seamless as possible.
Again, I appreciate your time and effort in my growth and development. I am grateful for our professional relationship and look forward to staying in touch.
Thank you for being so understanding, and I wish you and the company continued success in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Notice that this letter is short and to the point. Since you have discussed your resignation personally with your boss, there is no need to go into your reasons for quitting here.
How to Quit a Job Over Email
Speaking with your boss face-to-face is always the ideal way of quitting. However, in some instances, resigning in person might not be possible.
Under these circumstances, submitting your resignation through email is an appropriate alternative.
Follow this brief guideline if that’s your case:
- Use a clear subject line: To ensure your email is easily identifiable, include a straightforward subject line, such as “Resignation: [Your Name].”
- Address the email to your manager: Begin the email with a professional salutation, addressing your manager by their full name or title (e.g., “Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Manager’s Last Name]”).
- State your intention to resign: Clearly express your intention to resign from your position, and specify your last working day based on your company’s notice period policy or contractual requirements.
- Provide a reason for your resignation: Briefly explain why you left the company, while maintaining a professional and respectful tone.
- Express gratitude: Thank your manager for your opportunities and experiences while working at the company. Acknowledge the support and guidance they have provided during your tenure.
- Offer assistance during the transition: Indicate your willingness to help with the transition process, such as training a replacement or completing any outstanding projects.
- Close the email professionally: End the email with a courteous closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name.
Take a look at this example for further reference:
Subject: Resignation – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to formally submit my resignation from my position as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day Date], which is in accordance with the required notice period.
I have sincerely appreciated the opportunities and experiences I’ve had with the company. I am grateful for the support and guidance you and the team have provided me, and I have grown personally and professionally.
To help ensure a smooth transition, I am more than willing to assist in training my replacement or completing any outstanding tasks. Please let me know how I can best contribute during this period.
Thank you once again for everything, and I wish you and the company continued success.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How to Quit a Job Over the Phone
Quitting your job over the phone may be necessary under certain circumstances if you work remotely or your manager is not in the same city or country.
Schedule a private call with your manager and be prepared. During the call, state your intention to resign, provide a reason for your resignation, and express gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you’ve had.
Using a well-prepared script when resigning over the phone would also be a good idea.
Offer assistance during the transition and end the conversation with a courteous closing.
The following is a sample script for your reference:
[You]: Hello, [Manager’s Name]. It’s [Your Name]. Do you have a moment to talk?
[Manager]: Hi, [Your Name]. Sure, I have some time. What’s up?
[You]: I wanted to discuss my current position with the company. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to resign from my role at [Company Name]. I wanted to let you know personally and express my gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had here.
[Manager]: I’m sorry to hear that, [Your Name]. Can I ask what led you to make this decision?
[You]: Of course. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I’ve received an opportunity that aligns better with my long-term career goals. I believe it’s the right choice for me at this career stage.
[Manager]: I understand. I appreciate your honesty and your contributions to the team. How much notice can you give us before your last day?
[You]: I wanted to provide a two-week notice, with my last day being on [Last Day’s Date]. I’m committed to making the transition as smooth as possible and am willing to help train my replacement or tie up any loose ends during this period.
[Manager]: Thank you for offering to help with the transition. We’ll start making arrangements for your departure. We wish you the best in your new endeavor, and please keep in touch.
[You]: Thank you, [Supervisor’s Name]. I’ve enjoyed working with you and the team, and I appreciate your understanding. I’ll be sure to keep in touch.
Follow up with a written confirmation after the call. You can do so with an email or by mailing out a letter. Refer to the last sections of this post if you need help with writing the letter or email.
Look for “Loose Ends”
You’re excited to leave your old job and move on to the new one. But there may be “nuts and bolts” or “loose ends” that you didn’t even think of. For example:
- Return company property (computers, tablets, phones, etc.) before leaving your job.
- Look up HR’s policies on vacation days, medical insurance, 401ks, etc. For example, you might need to use up your vacation days before you quit. Or, you may need to purchase health insurance to fill the gap until your new job’s benefits kick in.
- Pick up your last paycheck and ensure it is the last. Some companies pay several weeks after the work is completed.
How Not to Quit a Job
To illustrate how not to quit your job, think of the example of a renter and a landlord. Sometimes, tenants leave their rental property feeling dissatisfied, perhaps because they feel that they were treated unfairly.
Such tenants might damage the property to express their anger or take revenge on the landlord.
Something similar can happen when an employee is dissatisfied with his job. They might want to make a scene, express their negative feelings, or cause the employer some expense, embarrassment, or discomfort.
Sure, it looks good in the movies – employees yelling, throwing things, or talking bad about their bosses make for dramatic scenes. But it is not wise to behave this way in real life. Why not?
It Can Affect Your Relationship With Your New Employer
Resigning from a position unprofessionally can have long-lasting consequences, particularly when it comes to your relationship with a new employer.
Word of mouth can spread quickly in professional circles. If you leave a job on bad terms, your former colleagues and supervisors may share this information with others, tarnishing your industry reputation.
Suppose your new employer becomes aware of your unprofessional departure from a previous job. In that case, they may question your commitment and trustworthiness, and your new coworkers may be hesitant to collaborate with you. This can lead to your not getting the job.
Avoid saying negative things:
- To your boss
- To your coworkers
- On social media
- To your new employer
- To your new coworkers
Consider Your Finances Before Quitting
Before you quit your job, it’s essential to consider your finances. You don’t want to leave without a safety net or find yourself in financial trouble after leaving.
- Assess your savings: If you have money saved up from previous jobs or other sources, this can help cushion the blow of losing income and provide some financial flexibility if things don’t work out at first (e.g., if there are delays when starting a new business).
- Create a budget: Having an idea of how much money is coming in versus going out each month will help ensure that any unexpected expenses won’t cause undue stress on top of everything else going on during this period
Assessing your savings and creating a budget will also help you identify areas where additional income could be generated through side hustles like freelance gigs or selling items online.
Are You Leaving for the Right Reasons?
Before you decide to leave your current position, it’s essential to thoughtfully consider the reasons behind this choice.
It’s easy to be swayed by temporary frustrations, but a careful evaluation can reveal whether these issues are fixable or if quitting is indeed the best step forward.
Follow the advice below to make an informed decision
- Assessing your reasons: List your reasons for wanting to quit. Are they based on unchangeable factors like a toxic work culture, or are they issues that could potentially be resolved with some effort, such as feeling undervalued?
- Reflecting on personal strengths and weaknesses: Consider how your strengths and weaknesses play into your current job satisfaction. Could enhancing certain skills, like communication or time management, improve your situation?
- Values alignment: Think about your core values and how well they align with your job. If there’s a significant mismatch, it might be time to look for a role that better fits your ethos.
- Distinguishing between internal and external factors: Separate the issues intrinsic to you from those related to your work environment. This distinction is crucial in understanding whether the problems are within your control to change.
- Seeking objective perspectives: Try to view your situation objectively and seek external opinions. Sometimes, feedback from colleagues or mentors can offer a new perspective on whether your issues are common and solvable.
- Addressing personal challenges: If personal challenges like procrastination or relationship dynamics are contributing to your dissatisfaction, recognize that these can often be improved with targeted efforts and resources.
Lastly, be aware that unresolved personal issues can resurface in new jobs. Addressing these now can help you break a cycle of job dissatisfaction and move towards a more fulfilling career.
Don’t Burn Your Bridges – Networking Is a Better Option
Today, networking is more important than ever. Your former boss and other company contacts can represent a valuable part of your professional network.
And, while you might swear it could never happen, what if your new job doesn’t work out? What if you need to seek your old position once again? Your old boss won’t want you back if you’ve metaphorically burned your bridges through disrespectful behavior. If you nurtured a cordial relationship despite quitting, you may have something to go back to.
Another scenario is that you require references for a future position. You want to be able to count on your former employers to relate good experiences, not negative ones.
How to Expand Your Network Before Leaving
Lastly, think about crafting a thoughtful goodbye email to your coworkers. It conveys respect and appreciation, and also provides a beneficial networking opportunity.
Keep the note short. Don’t use a group address – email each one individually. Say something positive about your coworker, and that you’d like to stay in touch. Include your contact information. Avoid mentioning your plans or your new job.
Boasting about your new position may come across as disrespectful, insensitive, and arrogant, especially to coworkers struggling with their career progress. This can strain your relationships and create an uncomfortable work environment during your last days.
Your goodbye email might read something like this:
Dear [Name of Colleague],
As you may know, I will be leaving my position at [Company] on July 15.
I am excited about the future, but I also wanted to let you know how much I have valued working with you. I would be happy to keep in touch. Here is my contact information… [consider including phone, email, LinkedIn profile, etc.]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
You might also consider requesting references from esteemed or senior colleagues at your workplace. This is especially valuable if you cannot directly acquire your boss’s referenc
Quitting: Key Learnings
Approach the situation thoughtfully and strategically. Leave your emotions aside and weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of quitting.
Throughout the process, maintain a courteous demeanor and follow the guidelines stated in your employment contract and this post.
Let’s recap:
- Examine the pros and cons: Ensure you have a solid reason for quitting.
- Secure new employment before resigning: To avoid a stressful period of unemployment and job searches.
- Talk to your boss first: As the person you report to, it is a matter of courtesy to let your boss know first you’re leaving.
- Resign in person: If you work remotely and have no in-person contact, you may do so over the phone or by email.
- Be polite: Don’t disrespect the company or anyone in it, regardless of any negative experiences you may have had.
- Ask for a reference: Having one from a previous employer will help in any new employment search you undertake.
- Expand your network: Use the chance to stay in touch. You never know what opportunities may arrive in the future.
Adopting a professional tone when resigning from a job will not only make the process smoother but also pave the way for future opportunities and lasting relationships.
Good luck with your transition!
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