How to Quit a Job You Hate (Resignation Example for 2022)

Here's how to quit a job you hate. Transitions might be scary, but if you're presently working in an unhealthy workplace, they can also be an opportunity for a better future. If you find a job that you enjoy, you have a better chance of being more productive and progressing quickly in your career.

You, too, have the right to spend your working hours doing what you enjoy. Quitting a hazardous work means that you put your emotional and physical health first, rather than a steady salary.

How to quit a job you hate

How to identify a toxic or bad job

Recognizing that a job is toxic and that you need to quit is only the first step. There are a few more measures to gently leaving a terrible workplace. This is because you must consider all other choices before deciding to retire professionally.

The steps to properly quitting a job you despise are as follows:

Think about it to see if the work is still possible.
Get ready to depart.
Notify your employer.
Maintain a positive attitude.
Signs that it's time to retire.

You could be wondering how you'll get through the day at work when you park your car. On other occasions, you may sense dread on Sunday evenings as the weekend draws to a close and you prepare to return to work the next day.

When you're trading office anecdotes with your buddies, you could have a nervous breakdown. Whatever motivates you to leave a job you despise, there are some signals that indicate when it's time to go.

Among them are the following:

You've reached the limit of your professional development.

If you're stuck in your job, it might be an indication that you're in the wrong industry. For example, you may have been in the same work for more than three years but are not learning anything new or growing with the firm.

You don't feel backed up or supported.

Even if you must be responsible for your own professional development, it is critical to have the support of your coworkers and employers. This assistance is necessary for direction, personal growth chances, and even unlocking your full potential. It might be a hint that the work isn't a good fit if you feel alone.

You frequently ponder quitting your current position.

Grad school is a significant time and financial investment that can help you define your future path. However, you should think about whether you're returning to school for the proper reasons, particularly if it involves quitting your existing employment. Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery, so transferring employment can be the better alternative.

You have the impression that you are running on autopilot.

It's very acceptable to have a routine, and it's even expected in some occupations. When you mentally check out and function on autopilot, though, you should be concerned. If refueling does not work and you seldom feel re-energized to return to work after a weekend or holiday, for example.

Your work does not reflect your ideals or objectives.

It's natural to get that terrible sensation if you're working in an area that doesn't align with your overall values, no matter how profitable the job is. A job that leaves you morally bankrupt, for example, does not seem like a lasting career, and it may even deprive you the chance to live a life you are proud of. You are the greatest judge of your own happiness, so if you begin to feel dissatisfied or begin to consider other options, it may be time to quit.

You feel degraded by your current job.

Consider how an outburst of work-related stress causes you to lash out at others around you. You may behave in a humiliating manner, act out of character, or surprise others who are accustomed to your usual behavior.

How to quit a job you hate

When you've decided it's time to go, you'll want to know how to do it gracefully. It's preferable if you take steps in a systematic approach to prevent making a mistake you'll come to regret later. The instructions below will show you how to gracefully leave a job:

Make your choice.

Before you hand in your resignation, think about if resigning is the best decision for you. Thinking things through can help you come up with new options you hadn't considered before. Consider the following when conducting introspection:

If you could work in the same position but in a new department or team, would you be happier?
Consider whether a new timetable might help you feel more at ease.
Whether or not you have any substantial disagreements with your employer or coworkers.
How do you see the remuneration you get in relation to your workload or contribution to the company?

These pointers might help you figure out why you despise your job and whether you should talk to your manager about it. Even if you believe your supervisor is at fault, try to give ideas rather than taking an accusing tone when scheduling a meeting with them. If they enhance your status, it means you're a valued employee with a lot of potential in the company.

If your supervisor is unable to address your concerns, you should assess the benefits and drawbacks of your current position. Include any pertinent information, such as your schedule, management, compensation, what you enjoy and dislike about your job, and perks, among other things. Use the list to help you find a job that allows you to keep your advantages while avoiding the disadvantages you highlighted.

Get ready to go.

After you've made the decision to leave, attempt to stay at your present position for a few weeks, if not months, while you prepare to reenter the workforce. As you prepare to quit your current employment, keep the following in mind:

Make financial arrangements.

Keep in mind that you will be without your existing income, necessitating the development of a strong financial strategy. It will be easier to shift if you have enough funds to meet your immediate costs for six months.

Continue to be productive at work.

Because you're ready to split ways with your current employment, don't perform less work or have a sour attitude. This involves putting up with the hassle of looking for a new career while juggling your existing responsibilities. This will protect you against unwarranted reprimands from your manager, as well as the possibility of being dismissed before you resign. You can, for example, arrange your interviews after office hours or take advantage of any leftover vacation time.

Outside of the office, express your dissatisfaction.

Select the individuals you inform about your work-related stress and your plans to leave with care. This can include former employees as well as pals from outside the job. Avoid complaining on social media and keep your posts private.

Make sure your professional networking profiles are up to date.

How quickly you may get a new work will be determined by your talents and achievements. So, while such facts and current initiatives are still fresh in your mind, update them. Join groups related to your present and future jobs, and network with recruiters in your sector.

Keep everything you'll need to seek for a new job in one place.

After you depart, your firm may refuse to let you back into the workplace or give you access to corporate information. As a result, send any non-proprietary papers and information to your personal email address. To assist you improve your resume, this section includes certifications, accolades, project information, and a work description.

Prepare your resume and cover letter.

Revise your resume using the information you gathered in the previous phase. If your resume is already two pages lengthy, cut the fluff and previous job details. You may, for example, delete talents like Microsoft Worde and replace them with your most recent accomplishments.

Notify our boss.

Give your firm at least two weeks' notice that you will be departing to allow them to put in place a transition plan and recruit a successor.

It's preferable if you parted ways amicably with your present employment, as you may need them as references in the future. Hiring managers may also contact your previous employers to confirm your employment history.

Resigning gracefully from a job you hate

Having the civility to tell your employer of your intention to leave the firm and allowing them time to consider it are crucial. As a result, you must adhere to the following guidelines when it comes to partying with your boss:

Give a two-week notice period.

When you want to leave your work, it is usual to give your manager two weeks' notice. Your union agreement, corporate contract, or your employer's Human Resource (HR) processes may all influence the notice period. You can, however, resign the job right away if you are threatened, harassed, or otherwise unable to work for the next two weeks.

Mention the resignation in-person.

Inform your supervisor of your plan to resign in person if at all feasible. This is the proper and courteous way to conduct yourself.

Make a favorable or neutral statement.

It's critical to depart on a favorable note, as you may need your employer's reference or to validate your job history in the future.

Be short with your boss.

This allows you to keep the dialogue positive. You might, for example, sidestep specifics by stating that you are departing for "personal reasons."

Make an offer to help with the adjustment.

For example, you can say you are ready to help with the transition by training a new employee. You could also offer something specific that will help lessen the effect of your resignation. This also helps to maintain a positive conversation.

Write a letter of resignation.

This is a formality that helps to indicate your professionalism. You should send a copy to the HR department and another to your boss. Write the letter positively, or at least maintain a neutral tone and avoid being too detailed about your reasons for quitting the job.

Say goodbyes to your co-workers.

This helps to ensure a positive departure. It is important when your future employers need to conduct background checks and check in with your former colleagues.

What should I say in my exit interview?

Prepare productive and positive notes that the hiring manager or manager could use for future employees. For example, feedback such as, "The job didn't align with the job description. Because it didn't align, it was difficult to know when I was performing or when I was not performing."

Resignation letter example (for a job you hate)

Here's how to write a resignation letter for a job you hate. In your next job, a civil professional relationship could still be beneficial. Or during your job search, you'll want to part ways with your current employer in a professional way to ensure the job market doesn't respond negatively to your background.

Resignation letter for a job you hate (how to properly quit)

Dear Mr. Smith,

This letter is to inform you that I will be resigning from my duties, with the effective date of my resignation being on May 30th, 2022. I would like to thank you for this job opportunity. I learned a great deal working here. And I felt the emotional support and work support of all of my colleagues.

Unfortunately, I have decided to leave because I would like a different schedule for myself. A more flexible schedule.

I look forward to staying in touch and continuing a professional relationship in the future.

Sincerely,

Jan Ryan

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About the author

Patrick Algrim is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), NCDA Certified Career Counselor (CCC), and general career expert. Patrick has completed the NACE Coaching Certification Program (CCP). And has been published as a career expert on Forbes, Glassdoor, American Express, Reader's Digest, LiveCareer, Zety, Yahoo, Recruiter.com, SparkHire, SHRM.org, Process.st, FairyGodBoss, HRCI.org, St. Edwards University, NC State University, IBTimes.com, Thrive Global, TMCnet.com, Work It Daily, Workology, Career Guide, MyPerfectResume, College Career Life, The HR Digest, WorkWise, Career Cast, Elite Staffing, Women in HR, All About Careers, Upstart HR, The Street, Monster, The Ladders, Introvert Whisperer, and many more. Find him on LinkedIn.

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