Therefore, if you are considering leaving a job early on, you are not alone. In this article, we will assist you in determining whether resigning is the right decision and, if so, how to proceed with as much grace as possible 1.
Assessing Your Motivations for Departure
Before making a decisive move, it’s prudent to step back and analyze the reasons prompting you to resign. If your motivations seem robust, then it’s time to proceed!
Here are some compelling reasons to resign:
- Job Misrepresentation: If the actual job role, responsibilities, or work environment significantly deviate from what was initially presented during the job description or interview process, you have a valid reason to reconsider.
- Toxic Work Environment: If your new workplace is marked by issues like harassment, discrimination, gossip, bullying, or unethical behavior, it’s a clear signal that leaving is the right choice. No job should compromise your dignity or mental well-being.
- Changes in Personal Life: Life is unpredictable, and unforeseen events like family emergencies, health issues, or other life-altering situations can make committing to a new job nearly impossible. Prioritizing your personal life in such cases is perfectly acceptable.
- Better Opportunity Emerges: Occasionally, just as you embark on a new job, another exceptional job offer arises. While loyalty to a new company is crucial, it shouldn’t come at the expense of a significantly superior opportunity.
- Inadequate Training and Support: If, by the second week, there’s no employee handbook, and you already feel overwhelmed and undersupported, it could be an indication that your time at the company will be consistently stressful and challenging.
- Intuition Signals Discomfort: Sometimes, even if you can’t pinpoint specific reasons, your intuition may signal that something is off. Persistent feelings of dread and discomfort about work shouldn’t be ignored.
In the United States, the top three reasons people quit their jobs 2 are low pay, lack of advancement opportunities, and feeling disrespected at work. Some of these reasons may only become apparent after starting the job.
However, there are situations where it might be prudent to give the job more time. Consider the following scenarios:
- Tendency to Quit When Challenges Arise: If you observe a pattern of quitting when faced with challenges, it’s worth exploring whether this job is genuinely unsuitable or if it’s a form of self-sabotage.
- Insufficient Time Given: Sometimes, the overwhelming nature of a new job stems from its novelty. If you haven’t allowed yourself enough time to adapt, staying a bit longer may be beneficial.
- External Influences on Decision: If fear of external opinions from friends, family, or social media is a primary reason for contemplating resignation, take a moment to assess your genuine desires.
- Idealizing Other Opportunities: If the allure of another opportunity is based on it seeming slightly better rather than transformative, consider whether you might be romanticizing the new prospect.
- Avoiding Conflict Resolution: If workplace conflicts drive your inclination to quit, evaluate whether you’ve made efforts to address the issue. Resolving conflicts can lead to a more comfortable work environment.
While the above considerations provide food for thought, ultimately, you are the authority on your life. If you decide to resign, you have the full empowerment to do so.
Having said that, let’s explore some tips to assist you in resigning with utmost skillfulness.
5 Guidelines for Informing Your Supervisor About Your Resignation
The prospect of informing your manager about your decision to resign might be daunting.
While it may seem awkward, adhering to the tips below can help you navigate the process as seamlessly as possible.
- Arrange a Private Meeting
Initiate the process by requesting a private, one-on-one meeting with your supervisor to address your decision. Opt for a time when both of you can engage in an uninterrupted, focused conversation. This private setting fosters open dialogue and conveys a sense of respect for the gravity of the situation.
- Prepare a Script or Talking Points
Before entering the meeting, outline the key points you intend to cover. Having a script or set of talking points can bolster your confidence and assist in articulating your reasons clearly and professionally.
Action Step: Compile a bulleted list of the main talking points you wish to discuss with your supervisor.
- Be Honest, Yet Diplomatic
During the meeting, honesty is crucial when explaining your decision to depart. However, maintain a diplomatic tone and refrain from framing the situation as an “I’m right, and the company is wrong” scenario. Clearly express your aspirations and how they do not align with the company. Utilize phrases like “I’ve reflected on my career goals” or “I’ve realized that the company culture isn’t the ideal fit for my expectations” to keep the conversation objective.
- Offer Assistance with the Transition
Extend a standard notice period, typically two weeks in the United States, or provide as much notice as feasible. Additionally, offer your assistance during the transitional phase, whether it involves training a replacement or concluding ongoing projects. This gesture not only showcases professionalism but also leaves a positive impression on your manager.
- Follow Up in Writing
Post-meeting, adopt the practice of sending a formal resignation email summarizing the discussed points and outlining the steps for your departure. This not only establishes a written record but also ensures clarity and alignment among all parties involved.
Guidelines for Leaving a Positive Impression with Your Colleagues
Informing your manager is a significant step, but communicating your departure to your coworkers is equally important. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to navigate this process while maintaining positive relationships with your colleagues.
- Communicate Clearly and Honestly
Maintain clarity when communicating your decision to leave, especially in a recently started job. Take the time to discuss your reasons openly with your colleagues, ensuring transparency without oversharing. Honesty fosters respect and helps others understand your decision. Ensure you inform your coworkers only after notifying your manager. For those with whom you’ve built a connection, schedule private 1-on-1 conversations.
- Assist in a Smooth Transition
Recognize the potential inconvenience and additional workload your departure may cause for your colleagues. Despite this, act with empathy and generosity by helping them adjust to your absence. Consider preparing project summaries, providing documentation, or assisting in the training of your successor.
- Stay a Team Player Until Your Last Day
Resist the temptation to emotionally check out or express frustrations in your final days.
Continue being a team player, contributing to positive morale and teamwork. This not only benefits your remaining colleagues but also enhances your professional reputation.
Challenge yourself to approach the next two weeks as if your dream employer were observing and considering hiring you based on your performance.
- Share Your Contact Info
If appropriate, provide a means for colleagues to stay in touch, whether through LinkedIn, email, or another contact method. Offering to maintain connections signals your commitment to the relationships and leaves opportunities open for future collaborations.
- Show Appreciation
Express gratitude to your colleagues for their support, collaboration, and friendship. Whether in person, during a team meeting, or through a farewell email, acknowledging the positive aspects of your time together leaves a lasting positive impression and concludes your tenure on a high note.
4 Tips for Managing Emotions When Resigning from a New Job
Resigning from a job shortly after starting can evoke a range of emotions. You may experience any of the following:
- Doubt. “Did I make the wrong choice?”
- Guilt. “I screwed everyone over who is still at the company.”
- Relief. “Thank GOD I am out of the role.”
- Anxiety. “Crap! Now I don’t have a job again!”
- Excitement. “Now I can find something more aligned!”
Here are a few tips on navigating this complex web of emotions.
1. Grant Yourself the Freedom to Experience Emotions
Above all else, recognize that whatever emotions arise within you are entirely normal!
Avoid suppressing these emotions; instead, permit yourself to work through them.
Acknowledging your emotions serves as the initial stride in effectively handling them.
Action step: Dedicate a few minutes to jot down all the emotions you are currently going through. After compiling your list, go through each emotion and affirm: “I give myself permission to feel ______.”
If you require external assistance in identifying your emotions, you can refer to this emotions wheel:
2. Rely on Your Support System
Now is an opportune moment to depend on your network of support. Whether it involves friends, family, or mentors, engaging in a conversation about your circumstances with someone you trust can offer valuable perspectives and emotional backing. Occasionally, expressing your emotions aloud can grant you the clarity needed to proceed with determination.
Action Step: Arrange a coffee meetup or a virtual meeting with a person from your support network. Compile a list of questions or uncertainties regarding your choice to resign, and be receptive to their insights.
3. Gain a Broader Perspective
Quitting a job can often seem like a monumental leap into the unknown, accompanied by concerns about your career trajectory or the opinions of others.
In moments of such apprehension, remind yourself that this is just a single instance in what will hopefully be a long and fulfilling life. Circumstances tend to resolve themselves over time, and when you reflect on this period, it may not carry the weight it currently does.
Action Step: Draw an 8-inch line on a piece of paper, with each inch representing ten years of your life. Place a few significant life experiences (such as high school or college) on the line to grasp the broader timeline. Then, mark the tiniest dot on the line to symbolize this particular moment of quitting your job.
For additional insights into gaining perspective and overcoming indecisiveness, consider these excerpts from the late philosopher Alan Watts.
4. Commemorate Your Bravery
Do not downplay the courage you’re demonstrating in this moment. Quitting is invariably challenging, especially when facing societal expectations, particularly if it’s soon after commencing a new job.
Recognize that you are actively taking measures to improve your circumstances.
Action Step: Designate a specific day on your calendar to celebrate your bold decision. Whether treating yourself to a favorite indulgence, pampering with a spa day, or simply taking a break to unwind and read a book, engage in an activity that brings you joy and relaxation.
The Next Steps After Leaving Your Job
After making the decision to resign, there are several additional factors to consider as you proceed.
- Reflect on Your Learning
Upon leaving a recently started job, the initial step is to sit down and assess what you’ve gained—both in terms of job insights and self-discovery. Reflect on why the position didn’t align with your goals or meet expectations. Utilize this newfound self-awareness to shape your future job searches and career choices.
Action Step: Compile two lists. List 1 consists of lessons about what you desire in a job from this experience. List 2 outlines what you’ve discovered about yourself. Aim for 10 items on each list.
- Update Your Financial Plans
Departing from a job, particularly unexpectedly, may impact your finances. Review your budget, savings, and any financial commitments. Consider seeking financial advice if the situation necessitates it.
- Consider Omitting the Job from Your Resume
For a brief job tenure, excluding it from your resume might be practical to avoid potential concerns with future employers.
- Ponder the Fundamental Questions
This is an opportune moment to contemplate whether you want to transition into a different field, pursue further education, or seek career guidance. Sometimes, a job mismatch can signal a need for more significant change.
Action Step: Explore People School, a course that enhances your soft skills and provides more direction in your career trajectory.
- Reconnect with Your Network
Inform your professional network that you are actively seeking new opportunities. Update your LinkedIn profile, and reach out to contacts who could offer advice or job leads.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Quit a Job You Just Started
What are some common factors that lead individuals to leave a job shortly after beginning employment?
Common factors contributing to the decision to leave a job shortly after starting include a disparity in job expectations, a lack of alignment with the company culture, or the realization that the role does not coincide with one’s long-term career objectives.
How should I go about informing my supervisor about my intention to resign from a recent job?
To inform your supervisor about your decision to resign from a recent job, arrange a private meeting where you can openly and professionally discuss your choice, all the while offering your assistance in facilitating a smooth transition.
Is it acceptable to terminate employment if my tenure at a job has been brief?
Yes, it is acceptable to resign from a job even if your time there has been short, particularly if remaining in the role could jeopardize your well-being or impede your career trajectory.
What measures can I take to guarantee a seamless transition when departing from a position?
To ensure a seamless transition when leaving a job, take steps such as volunteering to train a replacement, finishing any outstanding tasks, and providing comprehensive documentation for your team.
How can I navigate the emotional aspects associated with resigning from a job that I’ve recently started?
To navigate the emotional aspects of resigning from a recently started job, take the time to acknowledge and process your feelings. Additionally, consider seeking support from friends, family, or mentors.
Are there potential repercussions for leaving a job early in the early stages of my career?
Indeed, there can be potential repercussions for leaving a job early in your career, such as creating gaps in your resume or the necessity to explain the situation in subsequent interviews. Nevertheless, how you handle the departure and subsequent career decisions can often help mitigate these consequences.
How should I articulate my decision to resign in future job interviews?
In future job interviews, there is no obligation to disclose details about this short work experience. If you choose to do so, prepare a brief yet honest response that reframes the experience as a valuable lesson and highlights your proactive steps for future career growth.
Key Points for Resigning from a Newly Started Job
Feel empowered to quit a job at any point, considering these key takeaways:
- Clearly define your reasons for quitting, ensuring they stem from genuine motivations.
- Schedule a private meeting with your supervisor, selecting a conducive time for an open and respectful discussion.
- Prepare talking points to bolster your confidence and articulate your reasons professionally.
- Be honest yet diplomatic during the conversation, focusing on your needs without blaming the company.
- Offer your assistance during the transition, showcasing professionalism and a commitment to a smooth handover.
- Formalize your resignation with a professionally written letter, summarizing the discussed points for clarity and formality.
- Maintain a positive and collaborative attitude until your last day, contributing to the team’s success.
- Share your contact information to foster ongoing connections with colleagues, emphasizing the value you place on relationships and leaving the door open for future interactions.
Wishing you the best of luck in navigating this situation – you’ve got this! And if you’re interested in reflecting on your career aspirations, you might find this course MASTER YOUR SKILLS beneficial.
