What to say in an I Quit email?

It's easy to think that if you're going to be leaving your employer behind, you should at least give them some advanced notice so they have enough time to find someone new before they actually lose their employee. Unfortunately, there are still many people who don't know that quitting is even an option until after they've already sent out their "I'm sorry" email or called HR about what happened—and by then, it may be too late.

If this sounds like something you might need help with, here’s everything you need to know about sending a formal resignation letter (or other type of announcement) through email, social media, or otherwise. We'll also cover exactly what to write in your resignation email.

First things first though...what does it take to properly announce your departure via text message? And can you use any app to do it? Let's get started!

How do you politely quit your job over text?

Texting is one way to make your exit official without having to call anyone directly. The downside is that texting doesn't allow employers to respond as quickly as they would if you were calling into work, but sometimes that speed isn't necessary. Also, depending on where you live, it could potentially violate laws against harassment or stalking.

Before you hit Send, keep these points in mind:

Don't leave without giving two weeks' notice whenever possible. This gives both parties ample opportunity to find replacements while keeping morale high among those remaining.

Be clear about whether it was your decision alone to walk away from the position. If others had input in your choice, consider letting them know why you decided to go ahead with the move. They will likely want to support whatever you decide next.

Consider using a service such as TextMessageReminder.com to set up reminders so your boss won't forget to follow-up with you. You can schedule messages to go out automatically every Friday afternoon during business hours. That way, the day after you officially end your employment, they'll see that you haven't yet responded.

You can always try reaching out to your boss yourself on Monday morning to check in and ask how he/she plans to handle the situation moving forward. It never hurts to remind him/her of all the great times you shared together. Just make sure not to sound desperate or whiny—your tone needs to remain positive and upbeat.

In general, avoid making negative comments about your former company or colleagues. Don't complain about working conditions or bad bosses unless you plan to stick around long enough to address them personally. Avoid criticizing anything related to your salary, benefits, vacation days, etc., either verbally or online. Keep in mind that your last paycheck and accrued benefits aren't necessarily negotiable just because you gave notice now.

Also remember that while technology has made it easier than ever to fire people remotely, most companies still prefer to speak with current employees about major changes in personnel first. Even if you feel comfortable doing so, avoid sharing sensitive information about your personal life, health issues, financial problems, or legal troubles with your old employer until you reach a mutual agreement on severance terms.

Is it OK to quit a job via text message?

Even if you're ready to part ways, it's important to respect your workplace etiquette rules no matter what method you choose to notify management. For example, you shouldn't tweet or post Facebook status update updates announcing your departure until you receive confirmation back from Human Resources that the company approved of your request. Once that happens, you are free to break news publicly however you wish.

On that note, here are a few more guidelines for departing via text message:

When you text your boss or manager, it's standard practice to begin with a brief statement explaining that you'd like to step down due to medical reasons or family emergency. Try to phrase it in a manner that suggests your intent is only temporary for a limited period of time, rather than permanent.

Avoid talking negatively about your former employer—even jokingly—until you receive approval from upper management. Only talk positively about your future endeavors once again.

Once you've received word from human resources that they agree to let you go, you can start drafting your farewell message. Consider including links to articles you wrote or posted online expressing your passion for your profession, hobbies, or causes. Or you can include photos of loved ones or pets. Anything that helps soften the blow of losing your position is welcome.

Keep in mind that although you technically can submit an effective resignation via text message, you may run into technical difficulties if you attempt to do so right after receiving notification that you're being laid off. Some phones simply don't accept texts at certain times of the day, especially since most workplaces insist upon prompt response rates.

That said, if you really must depart immediately, try sending your resignation email early in the evening instead of later in the day. There's less chance of getting blocked.

And finally, don't worry if you miss a deadline to turn in your resignation. As we mentioned above, it's perfectly acceptable to inform managers of extenuating circumstances beyond your control. Simply explain that you tried contacting them multiple times but weren't able to connect with them until today. In fact, waiting to submit your resignation until tomorrow might give you extra incentive to resolve your issue sooner rather than later. After all, you probably wouldn't want to waste another week stuck in limbo wondering if you'll stay at your desk much longer.

How do you send a message saying you quit?

One thing to bear in mind when composing your final goodbye email is that it's critical to retain professionalism throughout the entire process. Your words carry weight, which means it's best to show your appreciation toward everyone who helped you along the way. But don't fall prey to cliches and tired excuses. Be sincere and honest with your superiors—you deserve nothing less.

Here are several helpful suggestions for crafting your goodbye email:

Start with gratitude. Thank each person for his or her assistance, starting with your direct supervisor. Then continue thanking everyone else involved, from office assistants to co-workers to clients. Make sure to mention specific individuals whom you enjoyed interacting with the most. Express regret that you won't have the chance to collaborate with them anymore.

Share memories. Mention funny stories that occurred between you and your superior(s), along with memorable events involving coworkers and customers alike. Focus specifically on moments you cherish. Remember, this farewell correspondence serves as a sort of scrapbook for you to look back on years from now. So don't hold back! Use vivid language to describe experiences, feelings, and emotions.

Highlight accomplishments. Talk about projects you worked on, goals you achieved, milestones you came close to achieving, and lessons learned. Share how proud you are of what you accomplished, and emphasize your skillset. Describe personal traits you appreciate and admire about your former boss, team members, clients, and colleagues. Tell them how lucky you feel to have been surrounded by supportive friends and mentors.

Finish strong. End on a high note. Remind your reader of all the reasons why you wanted to work for this particular organization. Ask for forgiveness if you did anything wrong, and assure them that you'll strive to uphold their standards moving forward. Conclude with your contact info, location, and date of departure.

What do you say when you quit a job over the phone?

If you're stepping down from your job unexpectedly, it's understandable that you might not have a lot of concrete details lined up regarding your upcoming transition. However, you shouldn't hesitate to get in touch with your boss beforehand to discuss potential options. Here are a couple of things to bring up when discussing how you'd like to proceed:

Ask questions. Perhaps you'd like to explore different career paths within the same industry or branch of expertise. Maybe you'd like to switch jobs altogether. Or maybe you want to transfer to another department entirely. Whatever your preferences, it's beneficial to share ideas upfront so your conversation moves smoothly toward finding solutions.

Set expectations. Explain what you hope to gain from speaking with your boss. Request feedback on areas of improvement, mentorship opportunities, or training programs. Ask about additional perks or compensation packages available to you. Suggest topics you would enjoy addressing further down the line.

Stay cordial. While you're chatting with your boss, remember to treat him or her with kindness and patience. Speak kindly and respectfully, and refrain from cursing or yelling. You don't want to come across as rude or aggressive. Stay open minded when offering new perspectives, ideas, and insights. Take notes if you don't understand fully what your leader is trying to tell you. Listen attentively and repeat back key phrases to ensure comprehension.

End on good terms. Before hanging up, recap your discussion and reiterate how excited you are to pursue new possibilities moving forward. Reiterate your desire to contribute meaningfully wherever you wind up next. Finally, express thanks for taking the time to chat with you and offer reassurance that you'll do your very best to maintain a healthy relationship.

You've been thinking about quitting your current role but haven't quite made up your mind yet—so now it's time to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard). You need to send out the official letter of resignation, which should go something like this...

Dear [Name],

I'm sorry to inform you that due to circumstances beyond my control, I must tender my resignation with effect immediately. I will be leaving at such-and-such date, effective as soon as possible. Please find attached a copy of my contract agreement (for information only) so you can ensure all necessary documentation has been taken care of.

Thank you again for everything over the past few years and please pass my regards onto [Your Coworkers].

With best wishes,

[YOUR NAME]

There's no denying it's hard work getting through those last couple of lines. But what if you're not ready to walk away just yet? What would happen if you decided to wait until after Christmas before giving notice? Would sending a "soft" resignation hurt your chances of staying on? And could you even get fired without technically being given two weeks' notice first? Read on to discover some answers to these questions and more.

How do you politely say you resign?

It goes without saying that when you give notice, you'd better mean business. That means putting together a well thought-out exit plan that includes finding new employment or starting your own company. If you don't have either one lined up, make sure you know where you stand by asking yourself whether your employer might try to force you into early retirement.

If they do, then you'll want to be prepared to negotiate terms that suit both parties. In other words, you'll probably want to avoid burning any bridges behind you. So unless you're absolutely certain you won't change your mind, start looking for another position right away.

And while we're talking exits, there are three main ways to leave a workplace:

Leave With Notice - This is the most common way people choose to end their relationship with an organization. It involves giving two weeks' written notice to terminate your employment. During this period, employees who opt to take advantage of this option may discuss potential positions within the company. Afterward, however, former workers cannot apply for jobs without permission from their previous employers.

Voluntary Separation Program - For companies seeking to reduce overhead costs, voluntary separation programs offer flexibility in managing employee departures. Employees are allowed to continue working during this transition period. The program ends once the departing worker has found another full-time position elsewhere. Thereafter, he/she is free to seek employment elsewhere. However, participants must sign a release form agreeing to waive future claims against the company. They also forfeit accrued vacation pay and severance benefits.

Early Retirement Plan - Companies offering early retirement plans allow employees to withdraw money from their accounts periodically throughout their careers. These withdrawals are tax deductible, provided the person withdrawing receives them as part of his/her regular compensation package. As long as an individual remains employed by the company, s/he is required to maintain service credit in order to keep drawing down these funds. Once retired, ex-workers are eligible to receive social security payments. Like many 401(k)s, early retirement plans typically require contributions from employees and provide limited investment options. Depending upon your age and existing financial situation, the amount withdrawn each year under this type of benefit varies widely.

Once you decide which path suits you the best, it pays to research local laws governing termination of employment. Keep tabs on industry trends too. An executive search firm specializing in technology industries reported recently that the average salary offered to top executives transitioning from startups was $135K per annum. By comparison, its clients were paying $103K for midlevel managers and just $70K for entry level staff.

What do you say in a resignation text?

In addition to crafting a strong exit strategy, you'll also need to write an effective resignation note. Unfortunately, many aspiring writers shy away from drafting anything longer than a short statement. While this approach certainly isn't wrong, taking the extra time to craft a thoughtful farewell can help set you apart from others applying for similar roles. Plus, it gives you plenty of room to explain why you feel it's best for everyone involved if you move on sooner rather than later.

Here are five things you should consider before making the final decision to resign:

1. Do you really need to leave?

When you think back to the beginning of your tenure at your current gig, did you ever question your commitment to doing whatever it takes to succeed? Or maybe you became disillusioned somewhere along the line. Either way, ask yourself if your dissatisfaction stemmed from external factors. Did someone else's behavior cause you undue stress? Was it simply a matter of circumstance? Perhaps you're feeling dissatisfied because you've reached a plateau in your career growth and aren't seeing eye-to-eye with your superiors on moving forward. Whatever the case, figure out whether you truly need to step aside.

2. Is your departure amicable?

Even though you may still love your boss and coworkers, you never know what tomorrow holds. Be honest with yourself about whether or not you could potentially remain friends if you stayed on. Ask yourself how much loyalty you owe to your present employer. Then weigh the pros and cons of leaving on bad terms versus parting ways on friendly terms.

3. Are you able to gracefully exit?

Are you comfortable negotiating key issues around your departure? Will you be willing to compromise to reach mutually beneficial solutions? Take stock of your willingness to bend vs. break principles. Think carefully about your ability to accept constructive criticism from superiors and co-workers alike. Remember, it's always easier to forgive than it is to forget.

4. Have you exhausted internal resources?

Do you have enough support to carry you through tough times? Consider whether you have access to outside expertise to guide you through challenging transitions. Is there anyone available to lend emotional support? A trusted friend or family member can often serve as a great sounding board. Additionally, look for sources of funding to cover living expenses while you hunt for another opportunity.

5. Can you afford to stay unemployed?

Many experts recommend delaying unemployment indefinitely to preserve savings and prevent further erosion of capital. However, if you're already stretched thin financially, it may be unrealistic for you to hold off on accepting a new post. Try to anticipate how you'll react to rejection and determine how much time you realistically have left to secure alternative income. Don't assume you'll land another job easily right away. Many hiring managers prefer candidates who demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness instead of waiting passively for opportunities to fall into their laps.

What is a good personal reason to quit a job?

Most people have heard horror stories involving bosses who used layoffs or firings as punishment for perceived shortcomings. While sometimes appropriate, such extreme measures are rarely seen in today's workplaces. Instead, employees are encouraged to focus on improving performance and building relationships with colleagues. According to a recent survey conducted by staffing firm Randstad Workspace, 89 percent of respondents said having a positive manager makes all the difference in their daily experience at work.

While keeping your current role in tact shouldn't necessarily dictate your decision to resign, it's important to acknowledge that it's not uncommon to harbor feelings of resentment toward supervisors who weren't supportive of your goals. Having a clear understanding of your motives beforehand can help you prepare for inevitable conflict ahead.

The same study revealed that 77 percent of respondents cited communication skills as the primary factor affecting overall job satisfaction levels. Other commonly cited reasons included organizational culture, workload expectations, and team dynamics. Finally, 50 percent mentioned training received as a source of inspiration. If you believe your skillset could use improvement, here are four areas you should address if you want to retain your motivation status quo:

Be proactive! Set reasonable goals and expect results. When you're motivated to learn more, you'll naturally become more engaged with your workday responsibilities. Also, strive to develop meaningful connections with teammates and peers. Teamwork requires trust, respect, and mutual cooperation. Without this foundation, conflicts can arise quickly and derail productivity.

Actively listen to feedback from superiors and coworkers. Your input matters! Feedback helps you improve and hone your strengths. It's also valuable insight into what needs changing in order to achieve greater success. Plus, studies show people tend to overestimate their abilities whereas underestimate theirs. Therefore, take every chance to gain useful insights from others.

Take ownership of projects. Even if you're only assigned one task at first, take pride in accomplishing it successfully. Showing initiative shows confidence and leadership qualities. Not only does this boost self-esteem, it also boosts morale among peers. Plus, successful completion of small tasks builds momentum towards bigger challenges.

Seek mentorship opportunities. Find mentorships that align with your interests. Look for individuals or organizations who possess knowledge and skill sets relevant to your field. Mentors act as coaches, helping you grow professionally by sharing lessons learned. You'll meet regularly with your mentor to exchange ideas, suggestions, and perspectives.

What are examples of personal reasons?

After working at your company for some time—or maybe just one day too long—you decide that enough is enough. You're ready to move onto bigger things. But before you go, there are loose ends to tie up first. One of them might be the way you leave your old workplace behind forever. If so, you need to send out a formal resignation letter via email or snail mail with "I QUIT" as its subject line.

It's best to use official business language when sending this kind of document. Don't make any jokes about quitting or include extraneous details that don't pertain to ending your employment relationship. Keep everything short and sweet and try not to sound desperate. Here are some sample emails to get you started.

Keep reading for more information about what to write in your own resignation email...

Is it okay to resign by email?

If you've been thinking about taking a break but haven't yet made good on your decision, you may have wanted to wait until you found something new to tell your boss. That could still work if you want to give him/her 48 hours' notice. After all, even though they'll miss your expertise, bosses usually understand why people find other jobs after leaving their current positions. However, if you really mean it, consider using email instead of waiting around to see which direction your career will take next. And remember: A well-written resignation announcement should stand apart from regular correspondence between coworkers. It doesn't have to follow strict rules because it isn't expected. Your resignation note can also contain personal thoughts like gratitude toward your former employer (even if you won’t continue to receive paychecks) or references to previous achievements.

You can also use this opportunity to explain yourself without being confrontational. For example, let your manager know where you intend to apply elsewhere. Or, you can offer suggestions for ways he/she can help you succeed once you start your new role. This tactic shows consideration and respect for both parties while letting the person who fired you off your back completely.

And since many companies now require employees to submit resignation letters online, keep in mind that most employers aren't going to accept handwritten notes. Therefore, if you choose to handwrite a resignation letter, stick to basic penmanship. Also, avoid including attachments unless absolutely necessary. The last thing you want is for someone else to open your poorly written words and think you were trying to sabotage your departure officially. Make sure to proofread thoroughly so no typos slip past you unnoticed.

As another option, you can ask your supervisor to forward your resignation along to human resources, then simply delete that portion of the email. In fact, it would probably serve everyone involved if you didn't mention your plans to look for work again right away. Simply focus on moving forward and getting closure with your final days at the old gig. Finally, if you plan to remain connected with colleagues outside of your new organization, take care to treat these contacts accordingly. Let them know you'll stay in touch via social media, but resist the urge to friend bomb anyone on Facebook. Remember, you never truly part ways on good terms. No matter how much we'd like to believe otherwise, our relationships live on somewhere, whether it be through family members, friends, social networks, etc.

Can you resign over email?

Yes! Just be careful not to burn bridges unnecessarily. Before resigning, check with your future employer to confirm that terminating your contract via email works within policy guidelines. Some organizations prefer to receive resignation letters only through postal mail, but others allow managers to handle paperwork electronically. Either way, always double-check with your potential new employer beforehand to ensure you don't accidentally end up with two conflicting versions of the same news in your inbox.

Also, keep in mind that e-mail etiquette varies among countries and cultures. So if you're worried about sounding rude, you may want to reach out via phone call rather than text or instant messenger apps. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

How do I say I quit my job professionally?

Your goodbye email needs to reflect professionalism and courtesy. To achieve this goal, adhere strictly to proper grammar usage and spelling. Plus, avoid slang expressions and abbreviations commonly used in texts. Instead, rely on standard terminology exclusively. Even better, spell every word properly, especially if you're submitting a lengthy resignation. Otherwise, your tone might come across as disrespectful.

Finally, you shouldn't feel pressured into offering excuses for leaving early. Resist the temptation to blame anything besides poor performance or bad management. Doing so implies that you weren't competent enough to perform your duties satisfactorily. Instead, emphasize positive aspects of your tenure at the company and refer to issues that affected your ability to deliver quality results.

When composing your farewell email, don't forget to sign off respectfully. Use phrases such as "thank you," "goodbye," and "kind regards." Avoid signing off with vague statements like "best wishes," "have a nice life," and "take care." These types of sentiments fall flat compared to alternatives like "wishing you great success," "hope you enjoy your new opportunities," and "warmest congratulations."

In addition, when you finish typing up your resignation email, preview it carefully to catch errors. Then, run a quick spell checker and read it aloud several times to spot misprints, missing punctuation marks, and strange phrasing patterns. Once satisfied, hit Send and cross your fingers that nothing goes wrong. Now that you've successfully sent a resignation email, you can sit back and relax. Congratulations, and here's hoping your next position rocks harder than the one you left behind.

How do I quit my job politely?

Although quitting a job sounds pretty straightforward, circumstances sometimes arise that force us to exit our careers prematurely. Maybe you got laid off, had a falling out with your superior, or lost interest in a field you invested years mastering. Whatever the reason, if you're stuck in limbo with nowhere to turn, you could consider asking your superiors for temporary assignments or consulting gigs. Asking for a trial period of sorts gives you the freedom to explore different options while protecting you legally. Consider exploring other avenues as soon as possible, however. In case you fail to land a suitable replacement job quickly, you could risk losing eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits down the road.

Even if you ultimately decline your request to extend your assignment, a simple thank-you note can suffice for expressing regret about having to cut ties sooner than planned. While retaining professional composure, acknowledge that your situation was beyond your control and reassure your supervisors that you took your responsibilities seriously during the remainder of your term. Most importantly, be honest about the reasons you decided to step aside. Stress that you wish you could have continued on longer, yet assure your superiors that you fulfilled your contractual obligations diligently.

Lastly, if you must resign abruptly due to health problems, disability, relocation, or similar factors unrelated to your job, you can volunteer to provide assistance directly related to your work. By doing so, you show goodwill towards your employer while demonstrating flexibility. Depending on the nature of your contribution, your new company may be able to reimburse expenses incurred during your unpaid hiatus. Alternatively, you may be permitted to deduct unused vacation leave from your accrued wages, depending upon applicable policies.

So there you have it. Follow these steps to craft a strong resignation email that lets your former boss know exactly what happened — and does so tactfully. From there, rest assured knowing that you did everything possible to honorably bow out of your post. With luck, you'll never experience such an ordeal ever again.