The job search process is arduous, but even once you’ve gotten the coveted offer you might quickly realize this isn’t the right role for you. Maybe the culture isn’t the right fit, the responsibilities aren’t what you thought they were, or you’ve got another offer. You might find yourself quitting this new role before you’ve really gotten your feet wet.
It’s not uncommon—the 2022 Job Seeker Nation Report found that roughly 30% of new hires leave the position in the first 90 days of being hired. The key is not to alienate anyone on the way out. Follow our advice to leave the role without burning any bridges.
Make sure it’s the right decision
There are countless reasons why a job might not be right for you. But if you’re going to quit, you need to be positive before you set things in motion. It’s possible to return to an organization you’ve left, but only if you’ve left on a positive note, and the company may not want to give you a second chance.
Carefully consider why you want to leave. If it’s something out of your control, like a need to relocate, there isn’t much additional thought needed. But if you’re leaving because of a culture fit or bad feeling, try to consider why you feel that way. If it’s something that can be fixed, it might be worth looking for a solution. But, ultimately, you need to trust your gut, and quitting might be your best option.
“Consider what you dislike about your current role and think about what your personal needs are to help you make a good choice. It may be helpful to talk to friends, family members or trusted former colleagues about your options before deciding.” –Lotus Buckner, Indeed
Check your contract
You can’t be legally forced to work in a job you want to leave, but there could be complications surrounding the process based on your employment contract. You might be on a contracted position, there could be complications surrounding benefits, or even penalties for early departure. Make sure you’re fully aware of any consequences for leaving early before you officially make the decision to move on.
Via Resume Professional Writers, some roles might require a two-week notice period, even if you haven’t been in that role for two weeks. Regardless, offering two weeks of notice is standard and professional even if you’ve been there a short time. Some hiring managers may not hold you to that period, but it’s good to at least offer to give the company time to prepare.
Resign in person
If you’re confident with your decision to quit and there aren’t any extenuating circumstances in the way, you should make your move quickly. It might not feel great moving on so quickly, but sitting on the decision doesn’t do yourself or the company any favors. It’s best to get the ball moving sooner. To start, draft a professional resignation letter and deliver it in person.
Forbes’ Caroline Castrillon says to balance honesty with brevity in your conversations. Just because you’re leaving doesn’t mean you want to burn bridges. Focus on your professional goals and career path rather than raking anyone over the coals. As mentioned, offer notice and do whatever you can to ease the transition. Your manager might not be thrilled, but your willingness to work through the situation professionally will be noted.
“Get ready and be honest about your experience and why you decided to leave—but don’t be rude or overly negative.” –Amanda Cardoso, The Muse
Stay professional
That timeline of how you behave from the moment you submit your resignation to your final days in the building (literally or metaphorically) will determine your legacy in the eyes of your coworkers. It can be easy to check out and do the bare minimum—you owe no loyalty to this role, after all. However, you should consider the bigger picture. Even if they won’t be your coworkers, these people can remain valuable professional colleagues. If you don’t show respect in your final days, it could bite you in the rear years later.
USC Online’s Becca Van Sambeck says you can leave on a high note by completing any outstanding work, offering to help others with their needs, training a replacement, and even offering to be in contact after you leave for anything needed. Any way you can stay visible and leave a lasting positive impression is good for your legacy. You may be quitting, but you can make the transition easier for all involved.
Wrap up
There are plenty of reasons to quit a newly started job, but it’s important to do it the right way. Even if your time with an organization is short, quitting in the wrong way can follow your reputation long after you’re gone. Be sure to make sure quitting is the right choice and do it respectfully so you can feel good about moving on.
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