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How do I tell my boss I'm leaving? (nicely)?

216 Answers
Last Updated: 06/15/2022 at 10:19am
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
KNikolas
December 30th, 2016 5:56pm
"Unfortunately, I do not feel I am good fit here. I want to thank you for the opportunity you gave me by giving me this job."
warmWaterfall22
January 15th, 2017 8:43pm
Ask to meet with the boss, explain that you feel it is time to leave and explain what you will be doing next (new job, moving, going to school, taking some time to work on health issues). Thank them for the time spent in their employment. Do not unload issues at this point. If the boss asks if anything negative happened, answer honestly, but consider how much you share and why you're sharing it. It is important to not burn bridges and to come away on a positive note with a good reference...you will need it again in the future.
Anonymous
January 18th, 2017 4:42am
You could write him a letter saying that you quit and why. You could give him a call explaining that your leaving the job or if you feel confident enough, Just simply go up to him, ask to have a private chat with him, tell him that your quitting the job but the polite thing you could do is giving him the reason why, Just telling your boss that you quit without reasoning is kind of a slap in the face so it's really just best that you explain your reasoning.
Anonymous
February 10th, 2017 2:54pm
I'm assuming by leaving, you mean quitting. A nice way to tell you boss that you are leaving depends largely on how your boss considers your resignation. I would definitely have this meeting outside the workplace, maybe over lunch in a restaurant. You could start by thanking him for his mentorship and support, and tell him how great it has been working with him and how much you have grown professionally and (maybe) as a person. You could then talk a bit about how you have found yourself seeking newer challenges, and that you think a new job will help you feel more satisfied and fulfilled. Always end with promising to keep in touch and do not burn bridges. On the other hand, if you do not have a good relationship, a formal setting with an HR personnel might be a better way to go about it.
Talkitout3
February 16th, 2017 5:02pm
Thank them for the opportunities you have had with the company but firmly let them know that you need to seek out new learnings and adventures
courageousPower16
March 3rd, 2017 3:53am
You can google some templates that help you figure out how to word it in a professional manner. E-mail is always helpful, but if you have to say it in person, write a script for yourself based on research, practice, and there you go. Just remember to remain professional and even if they were awful, thank them for the opportunity they gave you.
SelfcareHillary
March 5th, 2017 6:06pm
By wording it in a way that is grateful. "Thank you for this opportunity, I'ver really grown since working here. That's why I regret to inform you that I will be leaving in two weeks" Reflecting back to your time at the job and how this change will positively impact your future.
Anonymous
March 16th, 2017 10:52am
Explain your reasons for leaving and what you will do next and if its not personal towards him tell him so and that you have decided to leave because.... The best way is straight out with it
niceRainbows39
March 29th, 2017 8:35pm
Say that you want to leave your job, and tell why. Say, it is not because I don't enjoy being here it is because (Whatever the reason is). Make sure you act kindly, and don't be rude in any way, or else your boss will get angry with you.
colorfulUnicorn23
April 23rd, 2017 5:39pm
According to me the best answer for this would be , I am planning to move ahead on a path of personal growth and going forward in my career with the satisfaction of having given my best and feel that there is nothing more that i can do that would lead lead to a meaningful growth of the company so i look forward to a personal growth path and leaving my space empty for another person to take my place and contribute forward to the company
damselinthisdress
May 25th, 2017 4:23pm
Explain to them in details why you need to quit and try to sound as grateful as you can. As if you are really regretting the fact that you have to leave and you are extremely grateful to them for giving you the opportunity to work with them. Throw in sorry's and thank you's as much as you can. :)
Anonymous
June 21st, 2017 10:08pm
Stary by thanking him/her for giving you the opportunity to work with them it was an honour and a great experience for you. Tell him/her that you think this the right time for you resign due to personal reasons.
merryschmetterling
July 6th, 2017 3:40pm
Just tell your boss that you are thankful for the time you spent at the company and you are grateful for all they have done, but you have just found a new opportunity that you want to take advantage of.
Anonymous
July 7th, 2017 1:33am
If you have the same sense of humor I do, Then go to your local grocery store or bakery, buy a cake and have the baker write "I Quit." in very lovely letters. Bonus points if the cake has flowers or ballons and the writing is in cursive. Present the cake to your boss but also other employees. Have a conversation with your boss also to tell him that you have enjoyed your time at the company, but it is time for you to move forward with your life goals. Tell him that you appreciate being able to work for the company and you hope your paths cross again in the future. Try not to burn this bridge in case you need to use this boss as a (positive) professional reference. Also give at least a 2 week notice so that your boss has time to find a replacement.
Anonymous
July 14th, 2017 3:38pm
Can you explain that you've enjoyed working there (if you have) and that it's been wonderful for you to get that experience but now you've found a new opportunity, you want to go in a different direction, etc. He/she should understand.
tent542
July 23rd, 2017 1:34pm
It is something called the sandwich method, the first you do is your introduction. it is always better to build a positive note. Tell your boss the good thing that you have gained in the company: personal growth, the people, culture, etc. Be truthful. Then, discuss why you have decided to leave the company. Be specific, non-attacking, focus on what you want to happen in your life, career, your future plans that it seems that staying with company will not give you anymore. Finish the conversation, once again with gratitude (even how minuscule). Inform your boss as well on how you will be professional enough not to leave any project of task or task hanging. Remember they are the people your new job might call ask feedback about you. Don't burn those bridges...just yet.
Anonymous
July 26th, 2017 1:09am
We'll be nice about it. It will be a lot to him because he'll be losing a good worker. He'll be shocked and even sad ag the news to don't rush it Explain it as best as you can. Examples: "Hey Boss I really love this job and I really think your a good boss but I think that maybe I should find another boss to maybe support my growing family" An BAD example would be "Boss I never liked this job I want a better one. One that will pay me more. So I'm leaving goodbye!"
Anonymous
August 16th, 2017 6:30pm
Arrange a meeting privately, and explain that you want to leave - depending on your contract, you may have to continue working after handing in your notice, so make sure you stay on good terms! Also, references are useful in getting a new job, so thank your boss for their time, and remain civil.
Anonymous
August 27th, 2017 1:04am
I recently just resigned from a job. Write up your notice thanking them for the opportunity to work there, but explain that you're now pursuing a new position. You are not actually required to give your reason for leaving, but as long as you hand in a short, professional letter of resignation you'll be golden! Best wishes!
Theactivetherapist
September 15th, 2017 6:03pm
I think this is a great job but it's not meant for me. I would want to look for something I love doing.
AliceCares96
October 22nd, 2017 12:39am
Put in your two weeks, if you don’t feel comfortable you can leave it in writing beings that you have to write it down anyways.
KenziiShy
November 8th, 2017 4:23am
I would be as professional as possible. I wouldn't worry about hurting anyone feelings. You're doing this for yourself not for your boss. If it was for your boss then you would stay and follow them. But you're doing this for you. Make yourself a resignation letter and have a plan. Tell them honestly why you are leaving and be sure to keep your emotions out of it.
Arkelight
November 8th, 2017 5:01am
A resignation letter. You'll have the time to word your letter carefully, it'll appear professional and you'll avoid any unwanted awkwardness.
2ears4u
November 19th, 2017 4:35pm
You can use the "sandwich strategy"(â„¢) ;) : -Start by saying something positive and soft (bread) -Express you are leaving (stuffing) -Conclude by saying something positive and soft again (bread) For example: "I've felt really supported in this company during my stay working here. The team is great and I really appreciate everything I've learn here (bread). Now I find out it's time for me to start a new proyect (stuffing). So I would like to thank you for the opportunity you have given me to learn and grow in this environment. I will always remember my time in this company with gratitude. Assertiveness is the key! :)
dreamBreeze18
November 23rd, 2017 6:56pm
I tell them to enjoy the rest of night/day and that I’ll see them the next time I see them. It should be simple.
allnaturalUnicorns70
December 8th, 2017 5:46pm
Being direct, quick and professional is the best way to communicate any bad news to anyone. Thanking him/her for the opportunity and for what you gained from it is helpful in keeping positive relations afterwards.
SilverisSarah
December 28th, 2017 12:51am
There are no recipes. But you can state all the good things you have gone through on this position/workplace and thank him for the opportuniy, but now you need to seek another challenge that comprehends going to a new scenario.
brlann
December 31st, 2017 11:36pm
Tom, do you mind if I speak with you for a moment ? Tom, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately as well as talking with my wife and family, and I think it's time for me to make a career change. I certainly have enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity that the company has given me and I will be forever grateful to you.
Amie1992
January 6th, 2018 3:52pm
Write a professional letter to your employer stating you're leaving, the reason why and thanking your employer for the opportunity for working with them.
Anonymous
January 11th, 2018 9:55am
A letter or face to face talk shows respect and dignity. And addressing him calmly will help. If you are nervous then simply breathing before the meeting can soothe a few nerves.