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What to say when quitting a job you just started?

149 Answers
Last Updated: 05/16/2023 at 3:05am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Psychologist

I have over 9 years of clinical experience, specialize in anxiety, and am passionate about my work. My approach is collaborative, empathic, supportive, and goal-oriented.

Top Rated Answers
Joyfulsmile
May 16th, 2018 1:40pm
Once you've decided to resign, arrange to meet face to face with your supervisor so you can discuss your resignation in person. Be prepared to explain why you're leaving. If possible, share reasons that center on elements of the job that don't fit your skills or interests.
Zed17
May 18th, 2018 3:08pm
Be honest and open - tell them why you are quitting, even after a short time. Practice what you are going to say out loud beforehand so you are confident in it.
Anonymous
June 1st, 2018 11:47pm
Just be honest. If it's not something that you like just tell them. It's always good to leave on good terms.
Anonymous
June 3rd, 2018 3:39pm
It may sound cliche but honesty really is the best policy. So for whatever reason, tell the truth. I recommend letting your employer know of your imminent departure face-to-face as it shows the respect you have for them.
TheUnconqueredOne
June 23rd, 2018 6:47pm
I appreciate the opportunity you all have given me but at this time I can no longer continue my employment with this company.
phosphenerelief
June 23rd, 2018 9:06pm
Thoroughly understand your reasons for doing it, consider it and if you do decide to go through with it then have a plan ready before you do, so that you are taking a step forward or sideways rather than a step back in your life.
Anonymous
July 5th, 2018 6:45am
Write a two weeks notice. Give them a heads up at least (if you can). Don’t feel bad for quitting. Things happen and your reasons are your own. Do what you need to. You can look up what to say in your letter. Just don’t forget to apologize for having to leave and thank them for the opportunity they’ve given you. Good luck.
lexisspace
July 8th, 2018 4:40pm
Just tell the truth. Anything along the lines of "This was a great kick-start for me and my future, but I think I can move on to bigger and better things for myself." Would be an acceptable answer.
ElaineSaysHello
July 13th, 2018 4:21am
If you have a valid reason for quitting, you can use that. A valid reason would include (but not limited to): medical reason that might need a physician's note, family obligation that is urgent enough for you to leave work, or personal issue that requires you to leave work.
RyGuyListener10
July 19th, 2018 6:11am
Be professional. Be honest, but don't give away too much information. No one needs to know your business. Be gracious for the opportunity you had and thank them for it. As well, thank them for their understanding. You have made this decision and I'm sure it was difficult for you. If you are to blunt or cold in your resignation, they will think you don't care about the possible inconvenience you are bestowing upon them.
niceRainbows39
August 1st, 2018 9:28pm
You should try and explain why you are quitting, and try to speak from your heart, to show your boss that it really is important.
Anonymous
September 5th, 2018 1:42pm
Resign tactfully. Don't burn any bridges. ... Be honest and apologetic. Don't make weak excuses that you think will make your boss feel empathy for you. ... Give proper notice. You'll want to do this with plenty of time for them to find someone else. ... Consider that you might be asked to stay. ... Think harder next time Give your notice early. The most polite way to leave a job is to hand in your resignation with two weeks notice so that your boss has time to fill your spot. Talk to your boss in person. It can be tempting to e-mail your notice and avoid talking face to face with your superior.
freshApricot34
September 29th, 2018 2:40pm
It's better that you quit early on as it means you don't waste your time or your employer's time, and you don't have to commit to something you aren't enjoying. There are plenty of jobs available nowadays but it can be tricky getting to one; so I'd recommend thinking long and hard about the impact of quitting your job before making any rash decisions. Also if you worked hard for the application and interviewing process you've got to think about whether it's worth essentially wasting the time and energy you took into completing those activities by quitting your job
MieraCurie
November 14th, 2018 3:41pm
I am so sorry to say but I think I would like to quit my job. I acknowledge that I just started this job but I can't help but feeling less than suitable to stay in this field longer than the company anticipated. I hope the company would accept my resignation letter and if I can be any help with the transition, please let me know. Here is my one month resignation notice. Thank you so much for having me here and support me along my personal and professional growth in this company. Your cooperation in this matter is highly appreciated.
Anonymous
April 28th, 2019 2:44am
If you found a better job, or if you hate this job then tell them that you've come across some better opportunities that you can't really ignore so you'll have to quit this job. And if it's for other reasons then tell them that the job just doesn't fit in your life right now. They can't really stop you from quitting if you've already made up your mind, so instead of blaming it on some sudden illness or something that'll be hard to explain just try to be a little frank. Be polite but straight forward. They can't really force you to stay once you've decided to quit, so just exit in a polite straight forward way
BlankaM
May 18th, 2019 1:56pm
First of all, you have to show respect to your employer for employing you and giving you a chance to work in the company - whether it is a small or big job. It is always polite to say thank you for letting them give you an opportunity to work for them. Secondly, you need to be honest about why you are leaving, no one likes being lied to, and at the end of the day your manager or employer is human. You quitting might damage their company or progress, so be respectful. Being honest and respectful is key.
Anonymous
January 15th, 2020 8:28am
You just start a job But you want to quit that job Well you should tell them why you are quitting And explain everything for them Like for example i am not comfortable with that job Or maybe i can not work here cause it term is not good Or maybe my family dosen't like that job Or it wage is not good Or the place is bad Actually you know that better than me But the most important thing id that to tell them why you are quitting this job not to let it go with out saying anything.
Anonymous
February 5th, 2020 2:03am
For me the best thing would just to be honest. You don't have to say a whole lot. Just say I'm really glad for this opportunity, and you giving me a chance. I thought I would be a better fit, enjoy the job more. Whatever the case may be. You can always apologize if you I think it would make you feel better. But you really don't have anything to be sorry about. People quit jobs everyday, for a myriad of reasons. I would just keep it short and sweet. There is no reason to go into an in-depth explanation. Hope this helps.
Andrew13
February 7th, 2020 3:16pm
Express to your boss/superior your true feelings about the job that you've started and why you're going to quit. There is no set time that you must work a job, especially if you truly do not like it or it does not feel right. There is nothing wrong with being honest about your feelings to your boss about why you want to quit. I can relate to this because I quit a job only two weeks after starting. The atmosphere did not feel right and I did not want to continue working in an environment that did not suite me. Just be honest.
OnceEveryDay
February 15th, 2020 11:13pm
I think it's appropriate to value people's time, to be polite, as considerate as you can be- but also, you have to do what's best for your life and if there was a sudden change or the job wasn't the fit you hoped for, you also have to answer to yourself first and make the appropriate change. Burning as few bridges as possible by being truthful, and following any necessary procedures or follow-up is wise, but ultimately if there's an important thing for you elsewhere driving that decision, you don't have to feel guilt for life being life!
Carousel33
March 22nd, 2020 5:48am
Regardless of the type of employment and duration you want to provide a physical letter of resignation. That way your resignation is documented rather than a verbal conversation. You should thank your employer for the opportunity that was provided and possibly apologize for having to leave the position so soon into your tenure. You should also include a reason (or more) for why you are leaving the company. The reasons for leaving the company should not be intended to bash the company but rather to express a change of opportunities for you. If you want to maintain a good standing with the company the standard is to provide at least a 2 weeks notice so that the company can hire someone to replace you.
MellifluouslyMellow
April 1st, 2020 12:53pm
It's fine to quit on a project you just started. It might not be what you wanted or you may have been overwhelmed but that's okay! You can always try again and seek for another job you think better suits you. Make sure this doesn't become a habit though and think back on why you quit so you can avoid that in the future and be in a workplace you're content with. Don't dwell on it too much and I'll be here to work through it with you. And maybe not me as I might be too inexperienced to help you on the subject but I'm sure you'll do great next time, no pressure!
Anonymous
April 8th, 2020 4:12pm
'This isn't the correct job for me, I dislike it and don't think I'm suited for it. Thank you for the experience, but I'm quitting. I wish you luck on the following journey for your establishment. I believe your establishment will become something I return to as a customer one day and wish you the best for you and your workers and following business. I suggest you (etc.). I liked how unique your (etc.) is and will remember this place. -takes off hat/badge/etc.- Here you go. This place is an emblem pf my long journey searching for jobs. I appreciate this experience thank you.
Ear2Ear2Hear
April 12th, 2020 2:21am
Write a letter and explain your reasons for quitting the job. It is always important to leave in good term and to remain professional. If you are leaving because you found a new job, indicate so in your letter. If it is something that the organization is doing, if there is an HR to talk to, try first to address the issue. If you are totally sure of leaving, as said, write your letter with your reasons and remain polite and professional, despite any reason for quitting the job. For your own reflection, and future use. Write down things you liked and things you didn't. Things you can improve to yourself etc. What you expect from an organization etc. Wish you the best of luck.
Anonymous
April 19th, 2020 3:30pm
"I know I just started working here. But I am afraid it is not a right job for me. I am sorry that I can't work here anymore. I understand it may cause your inconvenience to find somebody else to fill the position. Somehow in a long run, I believe it is better for both of us. Thank you for hiring me. I wish you can find someone amazing as soon as possible. " Be sincere. It is more like "it is not you; it is me..." kind of situation. No need to get down to the detail. As long as it has been put on the table, it is not that much you need to say.
richyShiny39
April 24th, 2020 8:58am
If I were you and you had to quit a job that you had just started the only thing I would do is to be honest and try to put in a notice said that the next job you have you will at least have a pass that you were considerate and honest about the reason that you need to quit this job because sometimes things happen and they may be personal and it is always best to think about letting the employer who hired you know and I honest as possible that you will no longer be able to work with them and that you appreciate that person chose you to work for them and then just simply apologize and make it a simple and as formal as possible there cuz this person will need to know maybe that you will not be at work and at least if you can try to give them a heads up that you will not be there as their employee.
gentleHeart9686
May 7th, 2020 2:43pm
It is always okay to do what is right for you. It is important that you are happy at your place of work. If something there is upsetting you, you can try to work it out with your boss before quitting, it might make a huge difference. If the job isn't right for you, you can respectfully tell your boss, that you would like to quit. If you have agreed on a notice period, you tell your boss, that you would like to quit your job after your notice is up. You can explain why, but you don't have to, because it is okay to want a different job that is just right for you.
Anonymous
June 10th, 2020 6:50am
Dear Mr/Mrs .... , For the past few weeks I gained some new experience and I learned a lot .Regarding to you now I have work experience and probably I will be able to aply for a new position at different place in the future. I appreciate that you are employed me but unfortunately I should start school soon and for this reason I should quit my job. I am looking forward to see you and arrange the details on my quit. Please write back to me so that I know that you have read my letter. Yours sincerely ..........
Rebeccapersoncentred
June 24th, 2020 10:48pm
Telling the truth is usually the best way to go with any situation. This could be anxiety provoking or you may feel unable to tell the truth, in which case I think telling as close to the truth as you can will likely mean that you feel better about the situation than if you were to completely make up a reason. I would imagine it will feel easier and be received better including things like thank you for the opportunity etc. Being polite and graceful will likely serve you well in this situation. It depends on the reason you are quitting too, if you have been offered something you would prefer, that the job is just not for you, something in your situation changed. All of these are understandable, you are an employee, they pay you to do a service or specific role, it is ok to leave.
emsiobhan
July 4th, 2020 4:36am
Be honest, but also professional. It is important to leave any job on good terms. "Thank you so much for the opportunity to work at this wonderful cooperation (whatever the job is, restaurant, office job, hospital) _______. Unfortunately, I will need to put in my 2-week notice due to the following circumstances ____________ (found new employment, leaving for school, unstable health, etc). Some of the skills I have learned from this job thus far are __________ (multitasking, talking on the phone, anything you have improved in). These skills will help me be a better worker, thank you for providing me with the life skills to be a great employee.