Best Maternity Leave Resignation Letter Example (Before or After Leave)

Individuals who are returning to work after maternity leave or choosing to resign during their maternity leave have a logistical problem as it pertains to resigning from their place of employment properly. The new parent or pending parent may currently be at home and needs to communicate with their manager, supervisor, or boss about their upcoming desire to resign.

It is fairly common for new parents to decide that returning to work is no longer an option. This can come from the decision that daycare or schooling is more expensive than one parent staying at home with their children. Some level of insight into the decision can be a cordial way to communicate with the employer. In some circumstances, paid maternity leave may be a company benefit. In which case, the employee should not wait until their final day of paid maternity leave to resign.

When Resigning During or After Maternity Leave

When resigning during maternity leave, consider having a phone call with a supervisor to explain the situation. The employee who is resigning may want to share details regarding their decision. For example, is the decision one that comes from a place of finances, a place of passion, or other. It can significantly help guide the process and ensure that the new mother or parent is resigning appropriately.

Once a phone call is made between the employee on maternity leave and a supervisor, they can decide the appropriate next steps and determine the appropriate employment end date.

Employees who rely heavily on company benefits (like health insurance) may want to have a separate phone call with the human resources department to discuss plans for transitioning their employee benefits or finding alternatives, especially in the circumstances of a newborn child and their healthcare needs.

Resignation Letter During or After a Maternity Leave Example

Julia Smith
112 East Lane, Chicago IL 60611

June 1st, 2019

John Anderson
VP of Product
Apple, Inc.
1 Infinite Loop, San Mateo CA 94112

Dear Mr. Anderson —

As discussed on the phone on May 24th, 2019, I have decided to resign from my duties and position as a Product Designer. This decision comes during my maternity leave as I start to fully comprehend the commitment both my spouse and I have made to our new child. We have decided it is best to have one parent stay at home with the children for the foreseeable future.

I appreciate your understanding as this time has been one of transition, and we are learning what this means for us. I understand that this may change some plans for the company and the role as we expected me to return to work. I’d be happy to commit hours to help the transition of work to another colleague.

Our agreed-upon employment end date will be June 30th, 2019.

Sincerely,
Julia Smith

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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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