Telling your boss you’re leaving is a big conversation. It’s normal to be nervous, but with preparation and professionalism, you can quit without burning bridges.
We’ll cover best practices for every situation — from in-person to phone to text — and give you sample language to use. Throughout, we’ll show you how to stay positive, help with the transition, and end on a high note.
In each case, be courteous and firm in your decision and minimize drama.
Prepare and Schedule the Meeting
Before you start talking, plan how and when to start the conversation. Never ambush your boss unprepared. First, request a private meeting at a good time.
For example, you might send a quick message like “Hey, can we chat for 15 minutes today?” to schedule an in-person or video call. Many career experts recommend in-person or video meetings whenever possible.
Requesting a meeting shows you respect your boss’s time and the importance of the conversation. If you’re remote, you can schedule a private video call.
If in-person is impossible, you can resign by phone, but still treat it like an in-person conversation. Tip: Rehearse beforehand. Write down the date you’re leaving, your gratitude for the opportunities, and a brief reason for leaving.
Framing Your Resignation: Words and Tone
Give short notice at the beginning of the meeting. Be neither defensive nor apologetic. Example:
“Thanks for the meeting. I’m giving notice as of [Last Day]. I appreciate the experience and time working for the company and the opportunity to help with the transition.”
This is direct, respectful, and blame-free. Don’t say you are leaving or stand up and leave the room like you do in the movies.
Instead of “I quit” or “I’m leaving,” use a neutral business-like way of saying it. You might say “I’ve been offered another job” instead of “I quit”. You might say, “I’ve been offered another job and I will be leaving at the end of my two weeks”.
This method — resign or accept an opportunity — is how you professionally leave an organization. It keeps you leaving positive and doesn’t cast blame.
When you describe why you’re leaving, be brief. Make a positive lead-in: “I have some great news – I’ve been presented with a new opportunity that fits into my career goals and I couldn’t pass it up.. As I resign, I thank you for the opportunity to work here.”
Control your emotions and stay on the career path. For example: “I’ve learned so much here, but it’s time for me to look for new opportunities”.
Most of how to talk in-person when you quit is a simple statement of leaving with thanks. Some of these example lines will go on like this: “I’ve learned so much here, but I’ve found it’s time for me to look for new opportunities” or “I have decided to resign after careful thought”.
These are things you say professionally and respectfully. Be sure and thank you. Be sure and thank your manager for opportunities, support, and development.
A phrase like “Thank you for the guidance and the chance to develop myself here. I am choosing to resign” will go over well. Be friendly and concise.
While you will hopefully be facing negative situations regarding your leaving, being friendly doesn’t hurt your bridges.
Example: “I thought I’d let you know I’ve decided to resign. I’ve learned a lot here, and I’m leaving in two weeks. Thanks.”
Covering Sensitive Reasons
If you’re leaving for personal reasons, you don’t have to disclose details. Many employees wonder how to tell their boss they’re quitting for personal reasons. The best approach is to state it simply and privately.
You can say, “I’ve decided to resign due to personal circumstances, and my last day will be…”. Medical or personal reasons don’t have to be shared. In other words, you can just mention that the timing is right for you to leave. For example:
“I want to give you an update: it’s the right time for me to step down for personal reasons. Thank you for understanding.” This phrasing acknowledges your reason without offering details. It is professional and honest, and it avoids oversharing.
Quitting Without Another Job
Many people ask how to tell their boss they’re quitting without another job. The process is similar: give notice, be thankful, and help with transition.
Leaving a job before you have another “doesn’t necessarily impact your employment prospects” if done gracefully. To resign without an offer, maintain the same professional approach. Explain that you have personal goals or circumstances and are choosing to resign now. For example:
“I’ve decided to resign from my position effective [date] to take some personal time and focus on next steps. I appreciate all I’ve learned here.”
Quitting under these circumstances “can be a positive move, so long as you are prepared.”
It’s vital to do so respectfully. Thank your supervisor and give advance notice (typically two weeks) to maintain goodwill. Employers understand that sometimes people need to leave jobs for reasons beyond starting a new one.
By expressing gratitude and ensuring a smooth handoff, you preserve your reputation. Thanking your supervisor and providing sufficient advance notice will help you get a positive reference.
Offer a transition plan (train a replacement, document your work) so your boss sees you’re responsible despite not having a new position lined up.
Giving Short Notice
Sometimes you have to leave fast. If you have to resign on super short notice, communication is key.
If you wonder how to tell your boss you’re quitting on short notice, do it ASAP. If less than 2 weeks’ notice is unavoidable, acknowledge the inconvenience and offer to help with the transition. For example:
“I know this is sudden, and I apologize for the short notice. I will do everything I can to hand off my projects before [date] to make this easier.”
Be apologetic but not whiny. Don’t over-explain or blame anyone. Just state the facts: you have a personal or career emergency that requires you to leave early.
Emphasize cooperation: offer to train a replacement, document your tasks, or work remotely if needed. This shows professionalism even when you’re under pressure.
In any case, make sure to still give written notice (email or letter) for your last day, and stand firm on your last day once it’s set. The advice is to be as direct and fast as possible about the departure date.
Resigning Over Text or Email
What about “how to tell your boss you quit over text”? In general, don’t text your resignation. It’s not professional. Even if you work remotely, email or schedule a call instead of a text.
If you have to give notice via written message (e.g., your boss isn’t available right now), use a formal email or Slack message with a subject “Resignation Notice” and polite language.
Never text “I’m out”. That’s not respectful or even grown-up. If you do use a written message, make it formal:
“Dear [Manager], I am writing to formally resign from my position. My last day will be [date]. Thanks for the opportunities… I will do my best to make the handover smooth.”
Even then, follow up with a call. In short, think carefully how to tell your boss you quit over text — the answer is: don’t. Use personal communication, or at least an email.
Conclusion
Knowing how to tell your boss you’re quitting is crucial for maintaining professionalism and leaving on good terms. By preparing in advance, being clear and respectful, and offering your support during the transition, you ensure a positive departure.
Remember, how you handle this conversation can have a lasting impact on your career and reputation.
Featured Image – Freepik
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