How to Write a Resignation Letter for a Job You Hate (+5 Samples)

This blog will show you how to write a resignation letter for a job you hate. It also has five sample letters you can refer to.

How to Write a Resignation Letter for a Job You Hate

The following are a few key points to keep in mind if you’re writing a resignation letter for a job you hate:

  • Keep it civil and professional
  • Use a formal letter format
  • State your intent to resign with the effective date
  • Give adequate notice
  • Refer to your employment contract to check for guidelines
  • Briefly explain why you are resigning
  • Try to include something positive
  • Draw a plan for how to tie up incomplete projects

Sample 1:

“[Date]

[Immediate Supervisor],

Please accept this letter as notice of my formal resignation from my position at [xyz company]. My last day of employment will be [date].

I want to thank you for providing me with this opportunity three years ago. You saw my potential and provided me the chance to learn from you and the team in ways that I could not envision and in ways that were unclear to me at the time. We’ve tackled many successful projects together, but my favorite was [project x]. That’s the project that showcased to me how much your mentorship expanded my [descriptive] expertise, and we had a lot of fun along the way. The time you spent teaching and challenging me has left a lasting impact on my career and development, and I’m grateful to have worked for you.

I wish you and everyone at [company] the best and look forward to staying in touch and helping in any way that I can — during and after this smooth transition. I’m reachable at [email] or [phone].

Sincerely,

[Name]”

Sample 2:

“[Name]

[Address, including zip code]

[Phone number or email]

[Date]

[Immediate Supervisor],

I am resigning from my position at [xyz company], effective [date].

One year ago, you took a chance on me, and I took a chance on the company. I appreciate that both sides took a risk on each other. While it’s tempting just to walk away, I feel obligated to explain my decision in hopes that it sparks positive change for the colleagues that I’m leaving behind.

I’m resigning because the company is using improper accounting to bolster its financial performance. In my initial memo to you dated [month, day, year], I outlined each accounting trick that is hiding losses the company is sustaining. In a subsequent meeting on [month, day, year] and attended by you, [name], and [name], we discussed each of the accounting issues in detail and decided to refer the matter to the company’s Vice President. On [month, day, year] a follow-up meeting was held and attended by the same group, the Vice President said the matter had been investigated and concluded that no changes would be made because we are an “aggressive company.” This is an outcome that I cannot accept.

The company’s business is built on trust. When its customers and employees find out about the true financial performance of the company, their trust will be destroyed and I expect the company will have to cease operations. This letter of resignation is my last effort to implore the company to correct its practices.

Thank you for the opportunity to be heard.

Sincerely,

[Name]”

Sample 3:

“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 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

Sample 4:

“Kevin Richards

579 5th Avenue South

Tampa, Florida 33625

January 6, 2020

Karen Rodriguez

Director of Account Management

Sweet Snacks & Desserts, LLC.

8001 West Shore Boulevard

Tampa, Florida 33615

Dear Ms. Rodriguez:

I am writing this letter to inform you of my intent to resign from the Account Manager position with Sweet Snacks & Desserts, LLC. My last day of employment will be January 31, 2020.

While this was not an easy decision to arrive at, after careful consideration, I do not believe I am a good fit for this position. When I began in this position three years ago, my intention was to work in a corporate environment where I could continue to expand my career.

However, based on my current personal career preferences, I feel that neither myself nor the company is benefiting from having me in this position. I plan to follow my passion and pursue a career in writing upon my departure. It has been a great pleasure working for Sweet Snacks & Desserts, LLC. these last three years and I am thankful for the experience and knowledge I have gained during my time in the role of an account manager.

Prior to my departure from the company, I plan to return company-issued equipment including my business cell phone and laptop. I also plan to assist with the transfer of my existing clients to other Account Managers within the company.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make this transition easier for the company or if there are questions I can answer for you. I am happy to help train the person you find for my replacement.

Respectfully,

Kevin Richards”

Sample 5:

“Mallory Smith

8820 W. Broad Street

Auburn, Alabama 36801

January 7, 2020

Derek Johnson

Customer Service Manager

Breezy Air Conditioning, LLC.

900 Main Street Ste. 102

Auburn, Alabama 36801

Dear Mr. Johnson:

I am writing this letter to inform you of my intent to resign from the Customer Service Specialist position with Breezy Air Conditioning, LLC. My last day of employment will be January 28, 2020.

While this was not an easy decision to arrive at, after careful consideration, I do not believe I am a good fit for this position. When I began in this position, my intention was to work in an environment that would benefit from my time management and customer resolution skills.

Based on the current needs of this position, I feel that neither myself nor the company is benefiting from having me in this position. I believe my skills and experience make me more valuable in a position in a large call-center environment. It has been a great pleasure working for Breezy Air Conditioning, LLC. and I am thankful for the experience and knowledge I have gained during my time in the Customer Service Specialist position.

Prior to my departure from the company, I plan to return the key, t-shirts, and badge the company has issued to me as stated in the company handbook. Please let me know the next steps for properly returning these items to you.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make this transition easier for the company or if there are questions I can answer for you.

Respectfully,

Mallory Smith”

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FAQs

Should you quit your job because of stress?

If you’re stressed out because of work, first try and communicate your needs to your employers. If they can arrange for leave or relaxation of some duties, you won’t have to resign.

How do you write a resignation letter if you are not happy at work?

Try to keep the language civil and briefly explain the reasons for resigning. Do mention the things you appreciate and end the letter positively.

How do you gracefully resign from a toxic job?

Communicate in person to the supervisors of your intention. Write a politely worded, formal resignation letter and keep it neutral-toned.

Citations

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