Are you thinking about quitting your job? Maybe you’ve found a better opportunity, or you’re ready for a career change, or you’re unhappy with your current work environment. Whatever your reason, quitting your job can be a stressful and emotional decision.
You want to leave on good terms with your employer, but you also want to protect your own interests and future prospects. How do you quit your job in a professional and respectful way? In this article, we’ll give you some tips and a template on how to quit your job gracefully, whether in person or over the phone. We’ll also cover some common scenarios and questions that might arise when you give your notice.
Quitting Job in Person
This is the most common and preferred way to quit your job, as it shows respect and professionalism. You should schedule a meeting with your boss, prepare a resignation letter, and practice what you want to say.
Here’s an example script of how to quit your job in person:
- Request a meeting with your manager. You can say something like, “Hi [Manager’s name], do you have a few minutes to meet with me later today? I have something important I’d like to discuss with you.”
- Prepare what you want to say. You don’t need to go into too much detail, but it’s important to be clear and direct. You can say something like, “I’ve decided to resign from my position here at [Company Name]. My last day will be [Date].”
- Be professional and polite. Even if you’re leaving because you’re unhappy, it’s important to maintain a professional demeanor. You can say something like, “I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work here and have learned a lot during my time at the company.”
- Offer to help with the transition. If possible, offer to help with the transition process. You can say something like, “Please let me know how I can help to ensure a smooth transition for my replacement.”
- Thank your manager and colleagues. Before you leave, take a moment to thank your manager and colleagues for the support they’ve given you. You can say something like, “Thank you for the opportunity to work here and for all the support you’ve given me during my time at the company.”
- Follow up with a resignation letter. After the meeting, send an email or letter to your manager formally resigning from your position. Be sure to include your last day of work and any other pertinent details.
Here’s an example of what you could say during the meeting:
“Hi [Manager’s name], thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I’ve decided to resign from my position here at [Company Name]. My last day will be [Date]. I wanted to let you know as soon as possible so that we can begin the transition process. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work here and have learned a lot during my time at the company. Please let me know how I can help to ensure a smooth transition for my replacement. Thank you again for everything.”
If you close with your supervisor you can use this:
Hi, [Boss’ Name]. Thank you for meeting with me today. I have something important to tell you. I’ve decided to move on from [Company Name], and my last day will be [Date]. I’ve enjoyed working with you and I appreciate the opportunities you’ve given me to [Some of your favorite job responsibilities]. I’ve learned a lot from you and I’m grateful for your support and guidance. I’m happy to help with the transition and hand over my projects and responsibilities to whoever you assign. I have prepared a resignation letter for you. Thank you again for everything.
Here are full script example of quitting job in person:
You: Hi, [supervisor’s name], do you have a few minutes to talk?
Supervisor: Sure, what’s up?
You: I wanted to let you know that I’ve decided to resign from my position as [your role] at [company name]. This was not an easy decision for me, but I’ve received an offer from another company that aligns with my career goals and interests.
Supervisor: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. When is your last day?
You: My last day will be [date], two weeks from today. I wanted to give you enough notice so you can plan for a smooth transition.
Supervisor: I appreciate that. Who have you told about your resignation?
You: You’re the first person I’m telling. I wanted to inform you personally before I notify anyone else.
Supervisor: Thank you for that. How do you plan to hand over your responsibilities and projects?
You: I’ve prepared a detailed list of everything I’m working on and the status of each task. I’m also happy to train my replacement or anyone else who will take over my duties. I want to make sure everything is in order before I leave.
Supervisor: That’s very helpful. Thank you for being so professional and considerate.
You: You’re welcome. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here, and how you’ve trusted me to take the reins on larger client projects. Thank you for training me, trusting me, and being an important part of my professional growth.
Supervisor: You’re very welcome. You’ve been a valuable member of our team and I’m sad to see you go. But I understand your decision and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
You: Thank you so much. It’s been a pleasure working with you and everyone else at [company name]. I hope we can stay in touch.
Supervisor: Of course. Please keep me updated on how things go at your new job.
You: I will. Thank you again for everything.
Quitting your job over the phone
This is a less ideal way to quit your job, but sometimes it might be necessary due to circumstances such as remote work, family emergency, or urgent start date for a new job. You should still give a two-week notice if possible, choose the best time to call, and be polite and concise.
Here’s an example script of how to quit your job over the phone:
- Call your manager or HR representative during business hours. Make sure you choose a time when they are not busy or in a meeting. You can say something like, “Hi [Manager’s name/HR representative], do you have a few minutes to talk? I have something important I’d like to discuss with you.”
- Be clear and direct about your decision. You can say something like, “I’ve decided to resign from my position here at [Company Name]. My last day will be [Date].”
- Be professional and polite. Even if you’re leaving because you’re unhappy, it’s important to maintain a professional demeanor. You can say something like, “I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work here and have learned a lot during my time at the company.”
- Offer to help with the transition. If possible, offer to help with the transition process. You can say something like, “Please let me know how I can help to ensure a smooth transition for my replacement.”
- Thank your manager and colleagues. Before you end the call, take a moment to thank your manager and colleagues for the support they’ve given you. You can say something like, “Thank you for the opportunity to work here and for all the support you’ve given me during my time at the company.”
- Follow up with a resignation letter. After the call, send an email or letter to your manager formally resigning from your position. Be sure to include your last day of work and any other pertinent details.
Here’s an example of what you could say during the call:
“Hi [Manager’s name/HR representative], thank you for taking my call. I’ve decided to resign from my position here at [Company Name]. My last day will be [Date]. I wanted to let you know as soon as possible so that we can begin the transition process. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work here and have learned a lot during my time at the company. Please let me know how I can help to ensure a smooth transition for my replacement. Thank you again for everything.”
If you close with your boss you can say like this:
Hi, [Boss’ Name]. I’m sorry I couldn’t meet with you in person, but I have some important news to share with you. I’ve decided to resign from my position as [Position Title] with [Company Name]. My last day will be [Date]. This was not an easy decision, but I feel it’s the best one for me and my career. I want to thank you for the opportunity to work with you and learn from you. You’ve been a great boss and mentor, and I appreciate all the feedback and support you’ve given me. I’m happy to help with the transition and hand over my projects and responsibilities to whoever you assign. I have prepared a resignation letter for you, which I will email you shortly. Thank you again for everything.
Here is example full script of resigning over the phone:
You: Hi, [supervisor’s name], this is [your name] from [your department]. Do you have a moment to talk?
Supervisor: Hi, [your name], sure, what’s going on?
You: I’m calling to let you know that I’ve decided to resign from my position as [your role] at [company name]. This was a difficult decision for me, but I’ve received an offer from another company that I can’t pass up.
Supervisor: Oh, wow, I’m surprised to hear that. When is your last day?
You: My last day will be [date], two weeks from today. I’m sorry I can’t tell you this in person, but I’m out of town for a family emergency and I won’t be back until next week.
Supervisor: I understand. That’s unfortunate, but I appreciate you giving me notice over the phone.
You: Thank you for being understanding. I’ve prepared a list of all the projects and tasks I’m working on and their current status. I’ve also emailed you my resignation letter and a transition plan. I’m willing to help with any handover or training that may be needed.
Supervisor: Thank you for being so professional and organized. You’ve been a great asset to our team and I’m sorry to see you go. But I respect your decision and I wish you all the best in your new role.
You: Thank you so much. It’s been a pleasure working with you and everyone else at [company name]. You’ve been a great mentor and leader for me and I’ve learned a lot from you.
Supervisor: You’re very welcome. You’ve done a lot of good work here and I’m sure you’ll do well in your future endeavors.
You: Thank you again for everything. I hope we can stay in touch.
Supervisor: Of course. Please keep me updated on how things go at your new job.
You: I will. Thank you for your time and support.
Quitting your job via email
This is the least preferable way to quit your job, as it might come across as impersonal or disrespectful. However, sometimes it might be unavoidable due to factors such as time difference, travel restrictions, or health issues. You should still give a two-week notice if possible, use a professional tone and subject line, and express gratitude and appreciation. Here is an example script
Dear [Manager’s name],
I wanted to let you know that I’ve decided to resign from my position here at [Company Name]. My last day of work will be [Date].
I’ve enjoyed my time here at the company and appreciate the opportunities that I’ve been given. However, I have decided that it is time for me to move on to a new challenge in my career.
Please let me know how I can assist with the transition process to ensure that my work is completed and my responsibilities are transitioned smoothly to my replacement. I will do everything I can to make this process as seamless as possible.
Thank you again for the opportunity to work here and for your support during my time at the company.
Sincerely,
[Your name]====
Dear [Boss’ Name],
I am writing to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [Position Title] with [Company Name], effective [Date].
This was not an easy decision, but I feel it’s the best one for me and my career. I want to thank you for the opportunity to work with you and learn from you. You’ve been a great boss and mentor, and I appreciate all the feedback and support you’ve given me.
I’m happy to help with the transition and hand over my projects and responsibilities to whoever you assign. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to make this process easier for you and the team.
I have attached my resignation letter for your records.
Thank you again for everything.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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