7 steps to gracefully quit a job you just started
You might be wondering how to politely quit a job you just started when you went through all this trouble just to get hired.
Not to mention that you took a job that another candidate might have loved (or needed really badly). Here you will find how to leave a job you just started with grace and dignity.
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Can you quit a job you just started?
It is OK to quit a job you just started when one or more of its aspects don't meet your expectations. Also, It’s perfectly fine to leave if you have been presented with a better job opportunity.
A new hire leaving is a common occurrence expected by most employers.
One more detail to consider if you are considering how to resign from a job you just started is that, as a new hire, you are in your probation period, which typically lasts from 3 to 6 months.
During this period, you (just like your employer) might decide that you are not a good fit for the company.
5 good reasons to quit a job you just started
Here are some common reasons to leave a job that you just started:
- Getting a better job offer
- The interviewer lied to you
- Unexpected additional duties
- Dealing with difficult coworkers
- Not fitting into the company culture
All sorts of unexpected things might happen once you start a new job. You might realize that your commute takes too long, which makes it unsustainable. You might find out that your employer has a shady past.
Whatever your reasons might be, don't back off and move on to what you think is best for you. If you are having any difficulties, take a look at our guide on leaving a toxic work environment.
How to politely quit a job you just started
Your current employer is not going to be happy, but there isn’t anything that they can do about it. These things happen when it comes to employment, so don’t feel bad about it. Here are the steps that you can take to resign and minimize the impact.
1. Express your desire to leave ASAP
When you make the decision to leave, contact the most relevant person as soon as possible, be it your supervisor or an HR representative, and unequivocally state that you would like to leave the position.
This way, they can start looking for a replacement hire. Hopefully, they will be able to find one soon. Also, If you would like to be nice about leaving, make sure to resign on a day that is convenient for your superiors.
2. Apologize to your supervisor and coworkers
Make sure to speak to your coworkers as well. Tell them that you leaving the job so soon has nothing to do with them. Hopefully, they will understand and won’t hold it against you.
3. Be prepared for questioning
Naturally, the relevant company staff will be curious to find out why you want to leave after you just started. It is very likely that you will be asked to explain your reasons in a face-to-face conversation.
4. What to say when quitting a job you just started
You may feel a bit awkward discussing the details of resigning so early after you started. Still, there are plenty of things you can say to make your feedback as painless as possible. Here are some examples.
"I am sorry but I don't think that I fit well in the company."
"I think that I should take my career in another direction."
"I have decided that I am not the best person for this position."
Still, you might be asked to specify if there is anything in particular that you don’t like about the company and the job. It's up to you to decide whether you will provide this information or not. Gauge the person who is questioning and decide for yourself.
5. Resist persuasions to stay
Somebody might try to persuade you to stay. You might hear all kinds of promises. Don't give in to empty words about benefits and bonus systems.
How come these things were not on the table when you were being interviewed for the job?
6. Anticipated psychological pressure
The conversation might take a dark turn. They might resort to negativity and even threats to change your mind. Don't forget that you can always file a formal complaint to the relevant local authorities.
7. Remain respectful and cooperative
Let's hope the employer will respect your decision to leave and they will work toward a smooth exit. But even if they don't, keep your cool and retain a polite tone of communication in order to quit your job in the most professional manner possible.
How to quit a job you just started without notice
Consider the fact that it is usually a lot better to quit your job than to be fired. You can quit a job you just started without notice if you don't have an employment agreement that specifically outlines a notice period.
This means that you can simply inform your boss that you are quitting and leaving. Also, consider the fact that you don’t have to go through an uncomfortable conversation with your boss. If you want to, you can simply text them to tell them you’re quitting.
Still, consider some of the steps outlined above to minimize the impact on everyone. Do your best to be polite about it and apologize.
An employee leaving without notice is a disruption that can harm a company.
How to quit a job you just started via email
Email is probably the best place to start when you decide it is time to leave your job. Simply put all relevant company staff in CC, put your name and “notice” in the subject, briefly explain you have decided to leave, and send your email.
Here's a simple example draft that you can use.
SUBJECT: [your name] – notice
Hello,
It has been wonderful working here but I have decided to take my career in another direction.
Please make arrangements for my resignation and let me know if there's anything particular that I need to do.
Thank you.
How to quit a part-time job you just started
To quit a part-time job you just started, simply inform your direct manager and notify HR. You can drop them an email when you are outside of work or ask to speak to your manager in person.
Follow the tips outlined above to leave in a way that minimizes the impact on everyone. And if you are about to start a new full-time job, you might want to take a look at our guide on how to negotiate salary without losing the job offer.
What are the risks of quitting a job you just started
There are some risks of quitting a job you just started, but this shouldn't discourage you from pursuing the better alternatives that you have. Here are a few things to have in mind.
- The employer might not be willing to give you a reference.
- The same company might not be willing to hire you again.
- Some coworkers might become frustrated and block you.
- Your reputation within the industry might suffer.
- You might not get paid if you quit without notice.
Still, none of this will matter if you have stumbled upon your dream job, right?
