Quitting a job you just started may feel embarrassing or overwhelming, but it’s essential to trust your gut feeling and do what’s best for you.
- Consider Your Reasons: Take some time to analyze why you want to quit. Was it a snap decision or have you been thinking about it for a while? Are the reasons strong enough to justify leaving, such as a toxic work environment, or can they be resolved with a conversation?
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Communicate Professionally: Always communicate your intention to quit in a professional manner. Schedule a meeting with your manager, prepare a resignation letter, and make sure to thank them for the opportunity.
Example: Jane felt her new HR position wasn’t what she expected. She handled her resignation professionally by scheduling a meeting with her supervisor, discussing her concerns, and handing over a well-written resignation letter. -
Transition Smoothly: Make the transition as seamless as possible for both you and your employer. Offer to help train your replacement or tie up loose ends. Leaving on good terms can maintain a positive relationship with your former employer.
Example: Tom decided to quit his job at a start-up. He gave his employer a two-week notice and made sure all his tasks were completed or transferred to a colleague.
It’s normal to feel mixed emotions when quitting a job you just started. Be honest with yourself and make decisions based on what is best for you and your career.
When to Call It Quits
Red Flags at Work
You should consider quitting your job if you notice red flags in the workplace. These might include a toxic work environment, unethical practices, or a lack of support from management. For example, if you witness colleagues being bullied or constantly belittled, it’s most likely a toxic workplace. Or, if the company engages in shady practices, such as lying to clients or cutting corners at the expense of quality, it’s a red flag.
It’s also important to pay attention to the way management treats employees. If you see that your superiors don’t value open communication and don’t provide clear guidance, it’s a red flag.
Personal Reasons
Personal reasons for quitting a job can be just as valid as professional ones. Factors such as health and well-being, family obligations, or even a long commute can play a major role in your decision to leave. If your job is impacting your health negatively, whether it’s due to stress or physical demands, don’t hesitate to prioritize your well-being.
You can always find another job, but it’s more difficult to repair your health.
Family obligations, such as caring for a sick family member or needing more time to spend with your children, are important considerations. If your job doesn’t allow for the time and flexibility you need, it might be time to call it quits and find something that works better for your personal life.
Or, if your daily commute is unbearable, don’t overlook its impact on your quality of life. A long, stressful commute can negatively affect your mental health, personal relationships, and overall job satisfaction. If you find yourself dreading the drive to and from work every day, consider looking for a position closer to home or even explore remote work options.
Preparing to Leave
Financial Considerations
Before quitting your new job, it’s essential to assess your financial situation. Create a budget to estimate your expenses for at least three months without a steady income. This budget should include expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, insurance, and any debt payments.
To be on the safer side, you could:
- Save up an emergency fund
- Cut down on unnecessary expenses
- Consider freelance or part-time work to cover your expenses until you find another suitable job
It’s always wise to have a financial backup plan in place before making a decision to quit.
Emotional Readiness
Apart from your financial considerations, it’s important to evaluate your emotional readiness. Quitting a new job can be an emotional rollercoaster, and it’s crucial to be prepared for the following feelings:
- Guilt: You might feel guilty about quitting shortly after starting. It’s essential to realize that it’s normal to change jobs if it’s not the right fit for you.
- Fear: It’s natural to be afraid of not finding another job or facing negative feedback from future employers about a short stint. To cope with this, focus on developing your skills and network to improve your chances in a new job search.
- Relief: Leaving a job that isn’t the right fit can be a significant relief.
Crafting Your Exit Strategy
Timing Your Notice
Choose the right time to share your decision with your employer. Generally, it’s best to give at least two weeks’ notice before leaving a job. However, you might need to leave sooner if your new job requires an earlier start date. If that’s the case, offer an explanation and an apology to show you understand the difficulty your decision might cause.
Related: What Is a Notice Period?
How to Write a Two-Week Notice [Effective Examples]
How to Write a Short Notice Resignation Letter (Examples)
Documentation to Prepare
Before notifying your employer about your decision, prepare the necessary documentation. First, draft a formal resignation letter. Even if your workplace has an informal environment, providing a written record keeps the communication clear and maintains a professional tone. The letter should include:
- Your current position and the date you intend to leave the company
- A brief explanation for your resignation
- An expression of gratitude for the opportunity
- Your contact information for any necessary follow-up
Next, list your pending tasks and key responsibilities in your role. This document serves as a helpful tool for your manager to understand what needs to be covered after your departure. It demonstrates your professionalism and care for the company’s wellbeing even as you leave.
Lastly, make a list of contacts and resources that can help ensure a smooth transition. For example, you can include the names of colleagues who can cover particular tasks or provide guidance on specific projects.
Communicating Your Decision
Telling Your Boss
When it comes to communicating your decision to quit a job you just started, it’s essential to approach your boss first. They deserve the respect of hearing the news from you. To quit professionally, you can follow these simple steps:
- Request a private meeting with your boss via email or in-person.
- Make sure you have a clear reason for leaving.
- In the meeting, express your gratitude for the opportunity and explain your reason for quitting.
- Offer to provide assistance during the transition process.
- Finally, after the meeting, send an official resignation email to make it formal.
Example of a simple email template to request a meeting with a boss:
Example 1
Subject: Request for Meeting โ [Your Name]
Dear [Boss’s Name],
I hope you are doing well. I would like to request a private meeting with you at your earliest convenience. There is a personal matter I would like to discuss with you, and I believe it deserves an in-person conversation.
Please let me know a time that works best for you, and I will schedule the meeting accordingly.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Informing Your Team
Once you have informed your boss of your decision, it’s time to break the news to your team members. It’s important to handle this communication with sensitivity and professionalism. Depending on your team’s dynamic, you could either inform them individually or in a group setting. Two ways to approach this are by sending an email or organizing a brief team meeting. The key is to be honest, yet respectful.
Example email to inform a team about the decision:
Example 2
Subject: A Farewell Message from [Your Name]
Dear Team,
I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to inform you that I have decided to leave [Company Name]. This decision was not an easy one, but I believe it is in my best interest.
I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside each of you. It has been a pleasure collaborating and learning from you during my time here. I am confident that you will continue to excel in your work and accomplish great things.
Should you need anything from me during the transition process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you once again for everything.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Resignation Letter Example
Sample Resignation Letter
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to formally resign from my position at [Company Name], effective [Last Day of Work]. While I have enjoyed my time here and learned a great deal, I must pursue a new opportunity that has presented itself.
I want to express my gratitude for the time spent working with you and my colleagues, and I truly appreciate your supervision and support. I am more than happy to help with the transition process and train my successor if necessary.
Thank you again for the opportunity to be a part of [Company Name]. I wish you and the company continued success in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Phrases
To help you draft your resignation letter, here are some sample phrases you can use:
- “I am writing to formally submit my resignation from my position at [Company Name]…”
- “Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my role as [Your Position]…”
- “It has been an honor to work with you and the team, and I have grown so much professionally and personally during my time here…”
- “I truly appreciate the opportunity to be part of [Company Name] and all the valuable experiences I have gained along the way…”
- “I am committed to making the transition as smooth as possible and am available to assist in training my replacement or transferring my responsibilities over the coming weeks…”
The Last Days
Transfering Your Duties
To transfer your duties professionally, follow these tips:
- Create a detailed list of tasks and projects you’ve been working on.
- Prioritize the list, marking the most important and time-sensitive items.
- Identify coworkers who could take over each task or project.
- Meet with your manager to discuss the transition plan and get their approval.
- Train and inform your colleagues about their new responsibilities.
- Document everything in a clear way, using written guides or video tutorials if necessary.
- Be available for questions even after you leave, leaving contact information.
Making this process as smooth as possible will help maintain good relationships for potential future opportunities.
Exiting Interview Tips
An exit interview might seem intimidating, but it’s your chance to provide valuable feedback and leave a positive impression. Tips to make it a successful conversation:
- Be prepared: Reflect on your experiences at the company and make a list of topics you’d like to discuss. Keep it constructive and solution-oriented.
- Stay calm and professional: Keep your tone friendly and courteous, even if discussing difficult issues. Avoid emotional outbursts.
- Focus on your growth: Talk about what you’ve learned during your time at the company and how it will help you in the future.
- Discuss accomplishments: Mention successful projects or tasks you’ve completed and the skills you’ve gained.
- Offer constructive feedback: If there were challenges or concerns, present them in a thoughtful way. Provide suggestions for improvement, rather than just complaining.
- Express gratitude: Thank your employer for the opportunity to work at the company and grow professionally.
By handling your last days professionally and navigating the exit interview with care, you’ll leave your job on a positive note, keeping doors open for future opportunities.
Leaving on a Good Note
Maintaining Professional Relationships
When quitting a job you just started, it’s important to maintain professional relationships. You never know when you’ll cross paths with your former colleagues again. Be honest and upfront with your manager about your reason for leaving. Make sure to explain that your decision has nothing to do with them or the company personally, but rather it is based on your own circumstances or preferences.
Show gratitude for the opportunity, and be genuine in expressing your appreciation. If you had any positive experiences or learned valuable skills, don’t hesitate to share them with your employer. This will help leave a positive impression and could come in handy if you need a reference in the future.
Planning Your Goodbyes
Saying farewell to your coworkers is another essential aspect of leaving on a good note. Plan your goodbyes, so you don’t forget anyone or leave abruptly without a proper farewell. Schedule some time to formally thank your teammates and let them know you enjoyed working with them.
Reach out to colleagues you worked closely with via email or in person and share a brief note of appreciation. If possible, try to organize a small gathering or lunch with your team as a final goodbye. This personal touch can help you maintain a positive image and lasting connections.
What Comes Next?
Reflecting on the Experience
Now that you’ve decided to quit your job, take some time to reflect on your experiences. Jot down the positives and negatives about your role, and ask yourself: What did I learn from this experience? This could be anything from specific skills, unique insights about the industry, or discovering more about your own work preferences.
- Analyze why the job didn’t fit you well. Was it the company culture? The nature of the tasks? The expectations?
- Identify areas you excel in and areas where you could use improvement.
- Consider the support system you had โ or didn’t have โ and how it affected your experience.
By understanding what went wrong (or right) in this role, you can make more informed decisions when seeking new opportunities.
Seeking New Opportunities
Armed with the knowledge gained from reflecting on your previous experience, it’s time to start looking for new opportunities. Keep these tips in mind while on the job hunt:
- Tailor your resume: Update your resume to highlight the skills and experiences relevant to the type of role you’re pursuing.
- Network: Reach out to friends, former colleagues, and acquaintances for job leads and advice. Attend industry-specific events where you can meet new people and learn about potential openings.
- Research companies: Before applying, thoroughly research companies to make sure they align with your values and preferences. This can help prevent jumping into another undesirable situation.
It’s okay to quit a job that isn’t right for you. Use this experience as a learning opportunity to find a role that suits your skills, interests, and values. And most importantly, trust yourself and be patient in your job searching process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a respectful way to resign from a position I’ve only been at for a few days?
First and foremost, schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your decision in person. Be honest and clear about your reasons for leaving, but emphasize your appreciation for the opportunity. Give your employer a reasonable notice period, if possible, to allow for a smooth transition. Remember to remain professional and courteous throughout the conversation.
Can you share a script or example of what to say when stepping down from a job I only started a month ago?
Example:
Dear [Supervisor],
I wanted to discuss my role here at [Company]. I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to work with you and the team. However, after careful consideration, I’ve decided that this position doesn’t align with my personal goals and expectations.
I believe it’s best for both parties if I step down from my role. If possible, I would like to provide a [notice period] to help with a smooth transition and minimize any inconvenience for the team.
Thank you again for this opportunity, and I hope you understand my decision.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
(Feel free to tailor this script to your unique situation and personal style.)
How should I approach leaving my job if a better opportunity comes up shortly after I’ve started?
If a better opportunity arises, it’s important to be honest and transparent with your current employer. Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss the situation and explain the reasons why you believe this opportunity is better suited to your career goals. Express gratitude for your current position and assure them of your commitment to a smooth handover.
What are some valid reasons to leave a job I just began without providing a two-week notice?
While a two-week notice is generally recommended, there may be extenuating circumstances where it’s not feasible, including personal emergencies, health issues, or a family crisis. In such cases, communicate your reasons for leaving immediately and openly with your employer, expressing your apologies and offering assistance with the transition. Related: How to Quit Your Job Without Giving Notice
Is it okay to quit over text, and if so, how can I do it tactfully?
Ideally, resignations should be communicated in person or via phone/video call, followed by a formal resignation letter or email. However, if circumstances prevent face-to-face communication, you can send a tactful text message like this:
Hi [Supervisor], I hope you’re well. I need to discuss an important matter with you but haven’t been able to reach you in person. Unfortunately, due to [reason], I’ve decided to resign from my position at [Company]. I apologize for the short notice, but I wanted to inform you as soon as possible. I’ll follow up with an email to make this official and discuss the next steps.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
What are some tactful phrases I can use when I need to quit a job soon after starting?
Examples:
- “Thank you for the opportunity, but after careful consideration, I’ve realized this position doesn’t align with my long-term goals.”
- “I appreciate the chance to work with the team, but I’ve come across another opportunity that I feel is better suited to my career aspirations.”
- “It was a difficult decision, but I’ve determined that this role isn’t the right fit for me.”
- “For personal reasons, I’m unable to continue in this position.”
Always remember to be honest, respectful, and courteous in your communication when quitting a job.