5 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?

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 probably be regarded as unreliable and unprofessional by future employers.

Still, there are always cases where you have no option but to text your employer that you have to resign.

Pressing personal matters, emergencies, and unexpected changes in your circumstances may prompt you to send an instant and direct message to your boss, who’s been off work and away, for example.

Your important piece of information will reach them faster and more reliably than an email, that’s for sure.

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 5 easy-to-follow steps:

1. 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.

2. Apologize for quitting over text

It won’t hurt if you apologize for resorting to a more informal way of resigning 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.

3. 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 of sounding respectful in your concise message, which could easily be read abruptly if not careful.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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:

Hi, (Title and Name),

Unfortunately, I need to tell you that I’m resigning from my job position as (Title) effective (Date).

I am truly sorry for informing you about this over text but an unexpected change in my circumstances prompted me to reach you directly via a message.

Due to personal reasons, I have to move on and part with your company.
Thank you so much for the valuable experience and skills gained on the job.

Please, expect my formal notice of resignation shortly. (Optional but recommended)

Best 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.