Considering quitting your job? Here are 5 sample resignation letters to get you started
New year, new you… new job?
The (lunar) year of the pig is officially upon us, and for many, the turning of the calendar can signal a time to reassess our careers—and even take that long-awaited plunge into a fresh start. After all, with plenty of new positions typically opening up from February onwards, if not now, when?
Whether you are considering a full-on career change, a mini-break, or across-the-globe adventures you had long put off, there is one crucial step in your ‘out with the old, in with the new’ plan no employee can skip—penning the perfect resignation letter.
The important notice you submit to your higher-ups not only serves as official documentation for your departure but communicates gratitude (or in some cases, dissatisfaction), sets the tone for your remaining weeks at the office and professional relationships moving forward.
How and what you write in your resignation letter matters. To get you started, we have crafted five sample letters specifically catered to five common reasons employers quit their jobs. (These are templates and you are advised to tailor them to your circumstances.)
Resume & CV Sample for Fresh Graduate
The value of a “thank you” note after an interview
1) You received a better job opportunity
So you have just landed a great gig with a new company. Congratulations! This needs not to diminish your gratitude for your current employer, and it is important to remain gracious and humble. Don’t feel the need to disclose details of your new role if you don’t wish to.
Dear [your manager],
[Your name] |
2) You have been dissatisfied at work
If you are leaving an unsatisfactory workplace, you may feel tempted to unleash that bottled-up frustration in your letter. Do refrain; it might be wise to remember that burning bridges in the small professional world we live in might do more harm than good in the long run. Speak out on your grievances but do so subtly and professionally.
Dear [your manager],
[Your name] |
3) You wish to spend time with family/family reasons
Whether it be a little one on the way, getting married, an elderly requiring more of your attention or anything in between, devoting more time to the family is a common and valid reason to leave your job. You have a right to keep your circumstances private; however, if you see your absence being a short-term arrangement and would consider returning in the future, it would be especially helpful to keep communication with your managers open and leave on a positive note.
Dear [your manager],
[Your name] |
4) You wish to change your career
You might be a lawyer who always wanted to be a journalist or a teacher who had dreamt of owning a bakery. Regardless, you have decided to pursue a different path—good on you! Chances are your employers will be equally thrilled for your adventure. Do communicate your circumstances clearly and offer to go the extra mile to help out during the transition period.
Dear [your manager],
[Your name] |
5) You wish to travel abroad
The world—or at least another city—has come calling. Lucky you! Don’t be surprised to hear a few envious sighs in the office. Ideally, the possibility of an internal transfer or sabbatical should have already been explored, but if such opportunity is not on the table, remain gracious and include a thank you note to your managers and colleagues as a positive farewell.
Dear [your manager],
[Your name] |
This article is either written or edited by Jobsdb HK and the author. If you would like to publish on other website or publication, please contact us by email: [email protected]. Jobsdb and the author reserve the right to take legal action against any person that infringes the copyright.
