A career switch or job change affects you mentally, so you must resign from your existing job professionally and gracefully. While we plan a lot for our beginning, we usually become too lazy to plan our exit. However, planning your resignation is as essential as planning your job application. Thus, if you are planning to resign from your job, then you must know how to resign from a job professionally. This blog will tell you how to quit your job gracefully.
While the UK saw about 204,000 job-to-job resignations in 2024*, it is interesting that UK companies hired 28% boomerang employees. This implies that UK firms prefer to hire employees who resigned in the last 36 months rather than new employees so that they can save a significant amount of investment and training hours. But this will only happen if you leave gracefully and professionally. So, to know how to gracefully resign from a job, you must first understand why you wish to resign.
This blog by iCover provides essential tips on how to resign from a job UK, when you should resign, and how to write a resignation letter.
Why Do You Want To Resign?
Before knowing how to gracefully resign from a job, let’s break down the reasons for leaving the job. Though you can leave your job for any reason, here are the most significant reasons.
Relocation
Most employees resign from their existing jobs when they relocate. Unless the existing company starts a new branch or allows remote working.
Job Satisfaction
Your current employer may treat you respectfully, yet you will not think twice before leaving the job if you are unsatisfied with the work or your responsibilities.
Work-Life Balance
Excessive workload and unmanageable responsibilities disrupt this balance and influence your decision to resign. Work-life balance is another significant reason for quitting the current company.
Work Environment
Sometimes, employees’ decision to leave the job depends solely on the poor work environment. A poor management strategy can make the environment too toxic, leading to burnout or frustration.
New Opportunities
While you can always continue your old job and routine, you must never miss new opportunities. Sometimes, you find a new job opportunity that excites you more and decides to resign.
Career Advancement
You can also quit your current job if you get an opportunity to grow your career. Of course, you must leave your existing job if you are getting a better package in your field based on your capabilities.
Pursuing Education Or Training
Your decision to leave your job can also be to follow your passion, pursue your education, or opt for training you cannot do with your existing job. But if you get an opportunity to work remotely with flexible timing, then you should rethink.
Health Issues: Your Or Your Family’s
You can resign due to your or your family member’s illness. Thus, you must learn how to formally resign from a job due to illness. Read Resignation letter examples due to family illness for a proper understanding.
When Should & Shouldn't You Resign From A Job?
| When You Should Resign | When You Shouldn't Resign |
|---|---|
| Burnout and Exhaustion: Feeling consistently overwhelmed or drained. | Temporary Frustrations: Experiencing short-term challenges that can be resolved. |
| Lack of Growth Opportunities: No clear path for advancement or skill development. | Financial Instability: Resigning without another job lined up can lead to financial strain. |
| Toxic Work Environment: A negative workplace culture or unethical practices. | Emotional Decisions: Avoid resigning based on temporary emotions like anger or frustration. |
| Poor Management: Lack of respect for management or unsupportive leadership. | Lack of Preparedness: Not ready for the job market (e.g., resume not updated). |
| Work-Life Imbalance: Job consumes time, negatively affecting your personal life. | Potential for Improvement: Signs that the situation could improve soon. |
| Uninspired and Unengaged: Feeling bored or unmotivated in your role. | Fear of Change: Letting fear prevent you from pursuing better opportunities. |
How To Quit A Job Gracefully?
Resigning from a job can be stressful for multiple reasons, but you can always try to make the resignation process smoother. We have laid out the steps to resign from a job gracefully and professionally:
Analyse Reasons
Before submitting your resignation letter, analyse why you wish to resign. Try to understand whether you are leaving for the right reasons or making a sudden decision that may or may not negatively affect you.
Weigh Pros & Cons
Once you have made the list, weigh the pros and cons. This is the stage where you clarify your requirements and expectations and check if your existing employer is fulfilling them well.
First, Inform Your Senior
If you have decided and wish to resign from the job, first let your immediate senior know. Your manager or supervisor must be the first to know. Speak with your manager alone and let them know why you’re leaving.
Write A Formal Resignation
Once you have informed your manager, it’s time to write a formal letter of resignation. Be professional when writing a letter. Read the entire blog to learn how to resign from a job via email, phone, or in person.
Schedule A Meeting With HR
Next, schedule a meeting with HR to discuss your resignation and review your employment contract. You may skip putting the information about your new job offer if you want to. Check the papers to know your notice period.
Check Your Holiday Pay Entitlement
Your employment contract also contains your holidays, information about your taxes, and benefits. So, read and understand to know if there are any privileges or if you can negotiate your release date.
Give Adequate Notice & Serve Notice Period
You can negotiate your release date if your new employer wants to join immediately, but it is best to serve the entire notice period. If not, at least give them adequate notice period time so that they can find your replacement.
Express Gratitude & Ask For Recommendation
To ensure a professional & good relationship with the company, always show gratitude for the opportunities and ask for recommendations. Their recommendation or reference letter can affect your career and job search.
Be Positive & Maintain Professionalism During Exit Interview
Most candidates get emotional and mess up their exit interview. But be professional. Be on your best behaviour and smartly yet politely deny any retainer offers without burning the bridge. Offer to help them with the new joined to ensure a smooth transition.
Notice Period Do's & Don'ts To Resign Professionally
Resigning from a job can be challenging. Thus, we advise you to know what you should and shouldn’t do. Furthermore, you must also know how to write a Resignation Letter with Immediate Effect professionally so that you do not burn the bridge. For now, let’s check out the Do’s and Don’ts of how to resign from a job:
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Provide adequate notice to your employer per your employment contract terms. | Don't hand in your resignation with one week's notice. |
| Be professional and respectful in all communications with your manager and team. | Don't slack off or neglect working through your notice period. |
| Fulfill all job responsibilities and commitments until your last day of work. | Don't use company resources or time for personal gain. |
| Offer assistance with the transition process for your replacement. | Don't disclose confidential or sensitive information. |
| Ask for a reference letter or recommendation letter from your employer. | Don't badmouth the company or coworkers after you leave. |
| Maintain the same level of productivity as before. | Don't make a big deal out of your new employment. |
| Inform clients and colleagues about your departure and provide necessary contact information for a smooth transition. | Don't consider the notice period a vacation; continue being productive. |
| Wrap up active projects and ensure a proper handover of responsibilities. | Don't leave loose ends; ensure all tasks are completed or handed over properly. |
| Seek feedback from supervisors or colleagues to improve future prospects. | Don't engage in negative behavior that could damage your reputation or relationships. |
| Send a farewell note thanking colleagues for their support and exchanging contact information. | Remember to follow company policies during this period. Just because you have handed in your notice does not mean you will be unprofessional. |
As experts, we always tell candidates to offer at least two weeks notice. However, if you have to resign without notice, you must learn how to resign from a job without notice period or write a formal resignation letter with one week’s notice period. You might not know this, but serving notice before leaving shows your gratitude and respect for the company.
How To Write A Good Resignation Letter?
Whether you leave immediately or give your notice, you have to send an email with the resignation letter. Unless you give your resignation in writing, your resignation will never be accepted. Thus, you must learn how to write a formal letter of resignation.
Contact Information:
Start by adding your information in the given format:
- Your name & address
- Your email and phone number
- Date of writing the resignation letter
- Employer’s name and company details
Greetings & Salutation:
Direct mentioning your manager’s name, like “Dear [Manager’s Name],” when writing a resignation letter to begin with a formal greeting.
Statement Of Resignation:
When you announce your resignation in an email, clearly state your intention, add your position, and include the date of resignation.
Expression Of Gratitude:
While writing your resignation letter, express gratitude for all opportunities and challenges during your tenure.
Willingness To Assist:
Before ending, state that you would give a notice period, mention that you will help with training, and complete the projects you are working on.
Closing:
Sign off with a positive and professional note like “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
Signature:
You can add your e-signature if you submit via email or add your signature above your previously typed name.
Sample Resignation Letter Template
You may check out the Resignation Email Subject Line Examples and write a perfect email.
How To Resign From Your Job Over Phone?
To know how best to resign from a job over the phone, you can follow the step-by-step guide given here:
Schedule A Call:
Schedule a call with your manager after discussing the right time to show respect and professionalism.
Prepare Your Script:
You must prepare a script for a phone call resignation that includes your intention, reasons for resigning, and gratitude.
Choose The Right Time:
The timing needs to be right, so avoid busy hours or stressed hours and contact them when they are free from distractions.
Be Direct And Clear On Call:
Don’t hide behind the bush; come straight to the point and inform them that you are ready to resign on a specific date.
Discuss Plans For Smooth Transition:
To maintain goodwill, always discuss the amount of notice period and inform them that you will train the new candidate and complete the work in hand.
Follow Up With A Written Resignation:
Write a formal resignation where you may or may not explain your reasons, but you have to mention your intention to resign clearly.
Recommended: Formal Resignation Letter With Reason
Sample Script For Resigning Over The Phone
How To Resign In Person From Your New Job The Right Way?
Well, resigning from a job you just joined is stressful and more challenging than your usual resignation. So, learn how to resign from a job immediately and avoid getting into the bad books. Though the process is usually the same, you must know the right tone to present your intention. It is best to explain your reasons. Always be professional and concise. The job market usually takes resignations from new joiners the hard way, so keep the conversation professional and short. If you are willing to resign for unsatisfactory work circumstances, you should know how to be professional when sharing the news.
Recommended: Unsatisfactory Work Circumstances Resignation Letter Examples
Time To Say Goodbye? 7 Tips To Follow To Leave A Job
Embrace Change: You must learn to embrace change. This is a big transition, so learn to accept feedback and be prepared for the upcoming opportunities and challenges.
Give Yourself Time: You must give yourself time to accept and act upon the changing scenario with time. Don’t be an irrational decision-maker.
Prepare Financially: You must only plan to switch jobs or quit one when you are financially independent. Thus, prepare financially once you have decided to quit.
Plan Your Next Step: Always have a plan, whether a backup or the original plan. But you must plan your next step before handing over the papers.
Wrap Up Your Work: Professionally, you must wrap up your work before quitting so that the company does not suffer and you can maintain a good relationship.
Communicate Openly: You must communicate openly with the HR and manager to make a strong transition plan.
Network Well & Seek Opportunities: Before handing over your letter, you should build a better network and seek opportunities to switch.
*Reference Study: Job-To-Job Resignations In The United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Resign In The Right Way?
To resign from a job the right way:
- you must first prepare your decision,
- schedule a meeting with your manager,
- finally submit a formal resignation letter.
Furthermore, you must provide adequate notice while discussing transition plans and expressing gratitude for the opportunities. You must maintain professionalism throughout the process to ensure a positive departure and preserve relationships.
What Not To Say When Resigning?
To maintain a good and professional relationship with the company, you must never pass negative comments about the company, management, or your colleagues. Always remember you chose to say goodbye, so be positive about it. Let your personal grievances take a back seat.
How Do You Politely Resign From A Job?
As already mentioned, you must discuss this with your manager in person. This shows your respect for the company and your team. Also, the notice you give is adequate to train your replacement.
How Do I Resign From A Job Immediately?
If you want to resign immediately, check your contract first to understand the clauses. Inform your manager as soon as possible, and then write a formal letter mentioning and explaining your sudden departure.
What Do You Say When You Resign From A Job?
When resigning, say:
“Thank you for meeting with me. I am resigning effective [last working day]. I appreciate the opportunities and time at the company and am willing to assist with the transition.”
This approach leaves a positive impression on your employer and also maintains professionalism.
What Is The Best Excuse To Quit A Job Without Notice UK?
Well, you can come up with any excuses, but the best excuses for quitting a job without notice in the UK are health issues requiring immediate attention, unforeseen family emergencies, or unsafe work environments.
