7 steps to politely quit a job over text (with example)

It’s common to leave a job these days by sending a text message, especially among younger employees.

But is quitting a job over text the right thing to do? After all, common courtesy and collegial responsibility entail proper notice, be it through a face-to-face conversation with your supervisor or sending a formal email.

Well, if you are going to do it anyway, let’s see how to text your boss you quit the right way and explore when it may not be quite appropriate to do it.

Can you quit a job by text?

You can resign via text message when you’re leaving a temp or seasonal job where your employer would not expect you to give them notice. However, when quitting a full-time job, it would be best to choose a more formal approach and speak to your boss directly.

Also, if you’re quitting a toxic work environment or a disagreeable and intimidating boss, no one could really blame you if you don’t want to have that face-to-face conversation with your employer.

Lastly, it is totally OK to tell your boss you quit over text, as long as you inform them of your intention to also submit an official letter of resignation with notice of two weeks or a month.

So, in effect, the text message, in this case, will act as that preliminary phone call or meeting in person one usually has with their boss or HR manager before handing in or emailing a more formal resignation letter.

On that note, it’s always a good idea to refer to your employment contract and the relevant clauses regarding its termination as you would want to quit your job voluntarily.

Is it unprofessional to quit over text?

It would be unprofessional to quit a job over text if you’ve been employed full-time for some good months or over a year in a company that has treated you well and helped you grow professionally.

Leaving the organization short-staffed and without warning would be unprofessional and disrespectful.

Moreover, you may well harm your reputation, as news travels fast among employers in the same field, and this way, you may jeopardize future job opportunities.

So, don't burn any bridges by quitting via a text message, as you will most likely be regarded as unreliable and unprofessional by future employers.

Why do people quit their jobs over text?

There are a few cases where employees have no option but to text their employer that they have to resign:

• Pressing personal matters, such as family emergencies or sudden health issues, may require immediate communication such as texting
• A toxic work environment where employees feel threatened or extremely uncomfortable, prompting them to maintain a safe distance to avoid potential retaliation.
• An absentee boss who is frequently away from the office or difficult to reach.
• Short-term, casual employment, or remote work where texting has been the primary method of communication.
• Immediate relocation to another city or country, rendering a face-to-face meeting impractical.

If you find yourself in any of these circumstances, rest assured that your crucial message will likely reach your boss faster and more reliably via text than email.

On that note, find out about the best day of the week and time of day to resign from your job in case you’d like to minimize the impact it will have on your boss.

How to politely quit a job over text

If for whatever reason you have to quit a job over text, you better let your boss know about your decision in the most courteous and polite fashion.

Here’s how to do it in 7 easy-to-follow steps:

1. Check your company policy

First and foremost, it might be wise to check if your company has any specific policies or guidelines related to resignations.

Some companies have strict protocols that need to be followed.

2. Put some thought into your message

A one-sentence text message won’t go down well with your boss. So, show your respect by crafting a thoughtful message that relays the reasons for quitting clearly, yet in a succinct manner.

In other words, use simple and easy-to-understand sentences. Don’t wander off with unnecessary details but keep it to the point.

Show your gratitude for the given opportunity to be part of the company for the period you’ve been employed in the role.

You can even tell your boss that you got another job offer if you find it appropriate.

3. Apologize for quitting over text

It won’t hurt if you apologize for resorting to a more informal way of resigning from your job. Give your reason for that and your boss will be left with a good impression of your character.

This will show them that you’re aware of the misgivings about quitting via a text message instead of calling them or meeting them face-to-face.

4. Be polite and respectful

This tip is, of course, valid for all channels one would use to tell their employer about leaving the organization.

However, as we all know, instant messaging has its shortcomings and limitations in terms of what and how much you can say.

So, it’s especially important to make the effort to sound respectful in your concise message, which could easily be read abruptly if not careful.

5. Keep it short and sweet

Whether you text your boss that you’re quitting or you choose to do it via one of the popular Social Media instant messaging apps, don’t send a series of messages.

This could easily irritate your superior, resulting in parting with them on bad terms.

Draft a brief message on paper first, which you could easily edit in your own time. There’s nothing worse than accidentally touching the SEND button with a wrong and spontaneously written message.

Nor would your boss appreciate it if they spot a series of removed messages on their phone screen.

6. Be friendly yet not too casual

Write your job-quitting text message in a friendly tone of voice. This doesn’t mean, though, to be too informal with your manager. For instance, don’t use acronyms like ASAP and IMO.

Using textese (also known as chatspeak) and writing ‘ur’ instead of ‘your’ is also a no-no when communicating an important and disconcerting message to your superior.

In addition, your boss won’t find it endearing if the end of your text is littered with an array of emoticons.

So, keep it professional and watch out for misspellings due to auto-correction and predictive text settings on your phone.

And here is a helpful resource in case you are quitting a job that you started recently.

7. Follow up with a formal resignation

After your initial text, send a formal resignation if you can, either as a letter or email.

In this official communication, clearly state your intention to resign, specifying your role and departure date.

If you are leaving on good terms, express gratitude for the opportunities provided, and briefly mention your reason for leaving.

Reaffirm your willingness to assist during the transition, and ensure you include contact details for any post-departure communications.

How to quit a job over text example

Right then, what to say exactly when quitting your job over text?

Here’s an example of a great resignation text message to a boss:

Hello [Title and Name],

I regret to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [job title], effective [date].

I sincerely apologize for conveying this decision via text; however, [specific reasons] have compelled me to communicate this to you directly in this manner.

It's with a heavy heart that I make this decision to part ways with the company. I am deeply grateful for the invaluable experiences and skills I've acquired during my tenure.

Please expect a formal resignation letter from me shortly.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

How to put in your two weeks over text

To put in your two weeks’ notice over text, simply send a short and polite message to your boss with a brief explanation of why you’re quitting the job.

You can also include your reasons for texting rather than arranging a proper meeting with them.

If your employment agreement requires you to write an official letter of resignation, do mention your intention to do so in your text message.

And here are some useful tips on how to survive the last two weeks at work.

How to quit a job over text without notice

It’s OK to quit a job over text without notice, as long as you’re sincerely apologetic about it. Resigning via text without a notice period is more common than you think.

Folks on temporary jobs or internship programs or who are working at a seasonal job often leave by texting without giving notice even though this is not considered a professional way to quit your job.

If that’s you, just write a brief, amicable message to the person in charge about quitting, thank them for the opportunity, and wish them well.

And by the way, be nice, and don’t forget to say goodbye to some of your coworkers.

How to quit a part-time job over text

There isn’t really a huge difference between leaving full-time employment and quitting a part-time job over text.

Naturally, it might be less appropriate to text your boss of many years about resigning, where you’ve been a valuable addition to the company unless your message is followed by a formal resignation email or letter.

In other words, quitting a part-time job by texting may be less of a guilt-trip issue for you and less of a problem for your boss in terms of how they take and deal with the news.

My experience with a team member resigning via text message

I remember one morning, as I was sifting through my messages, I received an unexpected text from Jake, a valued member of my team.

"Hey, I'm really sorry to do this over text, but due to personal reasons, I have to resign effective immediately."

My heart sank. Jake had always been a dedicated worker, and the abruptness of his decision left me in shock.

I felt a mix of concern for his well-being and anxiety about the sudden gap in our team.

After taking a moment to process, I replied, expressing understanding and asking if he was open to a brief call. We spoke later that day, discussing his reasons and ensuring a smooth transition.

While the method was unconventional, it underscored the importance of open communication and adaptability in the ever-evolving workplace.

During our conversation, Jake shared that a family emergency required him to relocate, making it impossible for him to continue with his current role.

He expressed genuine regret, emphasizing that he never intended for things to end this way.

Understanding the gravity of his situation, and without asking too many questions, I assured him that his well-being and family always come first.

We discussed a plan for handing over his responsibilities to ensure minimal disruption to ongoing projects.

Frequently asked questions