Maybe you’re ready to quit your job, or maybe you were ready a long time ago and you can’t take it anymore. There are many reasons a person may want to leave a job quickly.
So, as someone who has quit a few jobs while staying on good terms, allow me to offer a bit of guidance.
Is it bad to quit a job without notice?
It isn’t ideal to leave a job without notice. It’s best to maintain professional relationships whenever possible and offer your employer time to find a replacement for you. Appropriate notice, which is generally at least two weeks, will give your boss time to ensure a smooth transition so you don’t leave anyone in a bind.
You want to consider the potential consequences of leaving a job abruptly. That being said, each situation is unique. There may be circumstances when quitting your current job without notice is necessary.
Overall, I wouldn’t let fear of retribution force you to stay in a bad situation.
How do I quit my job immediately without notice?
Whenever possible, have a conversation with your boss and notify them of your last day, even if it’s today. Then, send a follow-up resignation letter or e-mail so that there is a “paper trail” of your notice.
Some people may opt to send a text when leaving in a hurry, although I don’t recommend that method either unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Read Also: How Do You Quit a Job Over Text? 5 Examples and Templates
What is the best excuse to quit a job without notice?
Here’s some guidance on offering reasons why you need to quit a job immediately:
1. The truth
An “excuse” feels different than a “reason” to me. An excuse does not feel genuine. It’s like saying you can’t go to an event because you need to stay home and wash your hair.
And most of the time, people can tell when you aren’t being genuine.
So, when applicable, do offer your honest reasoning of why you need to leave abruptly. However, avoid going into too much detail. I’ll offer a few templates and examples below.
2. Ethical differences
You may be experiencing discomfort in your current position due to ethical differences. This could mean a wide range of things, from lack of honesty, respect or even illegal practices.
It’s always best to contact human resources in situations like these. But if you think the nefarious behavior is company-wide, it may be best to leave. This is a situation where I would keep things vague.
Dear (supervisor name),
Please accept this as my notice of resignation from (company name). My last day of employment is (date).
If applicable: My departure is related to concerns I have brought up to human resources in the past, which have not been properly addressed.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
3. Toxic work environment
A toxic environment could include anything from harassment, an unsafe work environment, a hostile work environment, bullying or discrimination. Always try to bring up safety concerns to human resources before you turn to the option of quitting.
But if all else fails, your safety should come first, and it may be best to walk away.
Also, if you have reported incidents that include evidence of a toxic workplace like this, it may be appropriate to consult a lawyer. You could use the same template for this “excuse”:
Dear (supervisor name),
Please accept this as my notice of resignation from (company name). My last day of employment is (date).
If applicable: My departure is related to concerns I have brought up to human resources in the past, which have not been properly addressed.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
4. Sudden relocation or schedule conflict
Life happens. There may be cases in which you must pick up your life somewhat unexpectedly. In cases like this, you can always ask if remote work is an option.
But if your current employer can’t work with you on a change in schedule or location, you may be forced to leave with little to no notice.
Dear (supervisor name),
Please accept this as my notice of resignation from (company name). As you may be aware, my family and I are (insert life change), and I will no longer be able to fulfill my duty as (position title). My last day of employment is (date). I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and I am happy to help aid in a smooth transition if possible.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
5. Personal health
Your physical health must always come first. This is a tricky one since your health insurance may be tied to your employer. Again, talk to human resources if your personal health status may conflict with your ability to do your job. Remember, you cannot be fired for a medical condition.
That being said, if it is your choice to leave due to your personal health or mental health, that is a perfectly valid reason.
You will have your own best interest at heart far more than any employer ever will. Take care of your own well-being.
Dear (supervisor name),
Please accept this as my notice of resignation from (company name). I have made the difficult decision to take an extended leave due to (my physical or mental well-being). My last day of employment is (date). I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and I am happy to help aid in a smooth transition if possible.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
6. Family emergency
It may not always be your own health that conflicts with your career. A family emergency or personal crisis in some circumstances may mean that you have to make a major life change.
Whether this involves chronic illness or the sudden passing of a family member, you must do what is best for you and your situation. Most employers will understand since a personal emergency is outside of your control.
Dear (supervisor name),
Please accept this as my notice of resignation from (company name). I have made the difficult decision to take an extended leave due to (family situation). My last day of employment is (date). I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and I am happy to help aid in a smooth transition if possible.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
7. Sudden new opportunity
If you have recently received a better job offer that is time-sensitive, you have to do what is best for you. A big upward movement in your career can be life-changing. The bind you put your boss or coworkers in is temporary.
Dear (supervisor name),
Please accept this as my notice of resignation from (company name). I have recenly acquired an opportunity to (insert opportunity). I apologize for the abrupt departure, but my last day of employment will be (date). Thank you for your understanding. I am happy to help aid in a smooth transition if possible.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
8. Not getting paid
If your boss is not giving you any shifts or delaying your pay, that is a perfectly acceptable reason to leave. Remember, your employer is legally required to pay you for any work that you have done up to this point.
But if you are simply not being put on the schedule, it’s a perfectly valid reason to leave the job with little to no notice.
Dear (supervisor name),
Please accept this as my notice of resignation from (company name) due to a lack of work opportunities. My last day of employment will be (date). Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
9. Personal reasons
If nothing in the above list is resonating with you, just keep things short and sweet. You can always simply cite personal reasons.
Your own personal reasons may include things like wanting to achieve a better work-life balance, lack of job satisfaction or disagreements with management. You don’t necessarily have to tell them exactly why you are leaving.
While I still say honesty is the best policy, I also believe that you do not have to over-explain the reason you are leaving if it has to do with your personal life. Still, if your employer has been good to you, be sure to express gratitude upon your departure.
Dear (supervisor name),
Please accept this as my notice of resignation from (company name). My last day of employment will be (date). I appreciate the opportunity I have had in working for this company, and I apologize for the abrupt departure. I have made the difficult decision to leave due to personal reasons, and I appreciate your understanding.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
What happens if you quit your job immediately?
Even with a sudden departure, there may be protocols you have to follow. And legally, your employer will still need to pay you for all of the hours you have worked up to this point.
So, when you leave, you will still need to coordinate how you obtain your last paycheck. Depending on the role, you may be asked or required to do an exit interview. If you signed an employment contract, you may want to review that before quitting.
Read Also: I Quit My Job Without a Plan and It Was the Best Decision I Ever Made
Is it rude to quit a job after 2 weeks?
It’s not ideal to quit a job after a short period of time, but it’s not necessarily rude if you handle it in the right way.
The job simply may not be a great fit for you. And if that’s the case, there’s a decent chance you are not a good fit for the job. But even though your employment was short, try to offer the standard two weeks’ notice to maintain a good relationship with the employer.
Can I just stop going to work and quit?
Can you? Sure. Is it recommended? No. It’s always best to turn in a resignation letter or have a face-to-face conversation with your boss whenever possible. “Ghosting” your employer is probably one of the worst ways to leave a job.
Have you quit a job before without notice? Tell me about your experience in the comments below. And don’t forget to connect with Morgan Media on social.
