Few professional situations feel as awkward as sitting down with your new manager to explain why you’re planning to quit a job you just started. But it’s a much more common scenario than you might think. According to the 2022 Job Seeker Nation Report, approximately 30% of new hires leave their positions within the first 90 days. In addition, almost 40% of employees who’ve been with a company for less than six months plan to leave within the next 12 months, based on research from experience management software company Qualtrics.
There are several reasons why you might quit a job shortly after starting. Perhaps the role was misrepresented during the hiring process, and the responsibilities or work environment were not what you anticipated. You might discover you’re trapped in a toxic company culture that fundamentally conflicts with your personal values and work style. Additionally, personal circumstances or unexpected life changes could require you to leave. Sometimes, a more suitable opportunity arises, offering better alignment with your career goals. Whatever the reason, it’s important to recognize when a position is detrimental to your professional growth or personal well-being.
When you find yourself ready to quit a job you just started, handling your exit with professionalism is crucial. The following step-by-step approach will help you navigate this process effectively so you can leave gracefully without burning bridges.
Confirm Your Decision To Quit A Job Early
It can take up to 90 days for most professionals to fully acclimate to a new work environment. So, before deciding to quit a job, reflect on your decision to ensure it’s not driven by stress or temporary adjustment issues. Evaluate whether the challenges you’re facing will likely improve with time and effort or if they are fundamental issues that won’t change. Also, document specific instances that have led to your decision.
Ask yourself a few key questions:
- Do I have ethical concerns?
- Is there cultural misalignment?
- Is it a matter of misrepresented job responsibilities?
- Have my personal circumstances changed?
- Does the job align with my long-term career goals?
Having clarity about your reasons will help you clearly communicate your decision and learn from the experience. If appropriate, consider discussing your concerns with your manager or HR before making a final decision. In some cases, misunderstandings can be resolved through open communication.
Choose The Best Time To Quit A Job
Once you’ve confirmed your decision to leave, timing is crucial. It’s generally standard to provide at least two weeks’ notice. If you decide to quit a job for another opportunity, coordinate your start date to allow for a proper transition period in your current role. This demonstrates professionalism and consideration for your soon-to-be-former employer. Also, consider the impact of your departure on projects and team members. If you’re involved in critical initiatives, timing your exit to minimize disruption can preserve professional relationships.
Prepare To Quit A Job Professionally
Approaching the resignation conversation with preparation is essential. Draft a concise resignation letter that expresses gratitude for the opportunity while clearly stating your intention to leave. Keep the tone positive and professional, regardless of your experiences. Practice your verbal resignation with a trusted friend or mentor. When you rehearse difficult work conversations, it reduces anxiety and improves delivery. During your preparation, anticipate questions or counteroffers and consider how you’ll respond. Finally, organize your thoughts regarding knowledge transfer and transition planning. Coming to the meeting with suggestions for how to smoothly hand off your responsibilities demonstrates a proactive and thoughtful approach.
Have The Conversation To Quit A Job In Person
Request a private meeting with your immediate supervisor to deliver your resignation in person (or via video call if you’re working remotely). Begin by expressing appreciation for the opportunity before clearly stating your decision to resign. While honesty is important, be thoughtful about how much detail to share regarding your reasons for leaving. Focus on professional factors rather than personal criticisms. Frame your departure in terms of your career path rather than workplace dissatisfaction when possible. Present your transition plan and offer to help with the handover process. Be prepared for various reactions, from understanding to disappointment or even attempts to convince you to stay. Remain calm, professional, and firm in your decision.
Manage Your Final Weeks After You Quit A Job
During your notice period, stay focused and committed to your responsibilities. Continue performing at your best, ensuring your work quality remains high. Avoid negative comments about the company or your experience–both in the workplace and on social media. This helps maintain your reputation and supports your colleagues during your transition. Communicate openly with your team about your departure timeline and any changes in responsibilities. Document your processes, projects, and key information to facilitate knowledge transfer. Create comprehensive handover notes that will allow your replacement to transition smoothly. Also offer to train your replacement if timing allows. This gesture of goodwill can significantly impact how the organization remembers you.
Maintain Professional Relationships
As you transition, focus on maintaining relationships. Connect with colleagues on LinkedIn and express appreciation for the opportunity to work together. Exchanging ideas and building valuable relationships over time are just a few of the benefits of networking. Before you quit a job, thank those who supported you during your brief tenure. Personalized thank-you notes to mentors, team members, and supportive colleagues can leave a lasting positive impression. Finally, offer to be a resource in the future if appropriate. This demonstrates goodwill and keeps the door open for future collaboration.
Learn From The Experience When You Quit A Job Early
Use this experience as a learning opportunity to refine your job search process. Consider taking the time to evaluate your personal and professional goals. Understanding what truly motivates and fulfills you can guide your future career choices and help you find roles that align more closely with your values and aspirations. This introspection can be invaluable in shaping a career path that meets your professional ambitions and supports your overall well-being. Consider working with a career coach to identify patterns in your career decisions. Guidance from an unbiased professional can help translate this experience into future career success.
Focus On The Future
As you transition to your next opportunity, focus on the future rather than dwelling on your brief employment stint. Be prepared to address why you decided to quit a job in future interviews by developing a concise, honest explanation. If the position was particularly short-lived and irrelevant to your career trajectory, it’s perfectly acceptable to omit it from your resume. This allows you to present a more cohesive narrative that aligns with your long-term professional goals. Finally, remember that non-linear career paths are the future. Embrace the journey and have faith that every step, even the unexpected ones, adds to your growth and resilience.