Let’s be real—wanting to quit a job is completely normal. Whether you're frustrated, burned out, bored, or just ready for something new, it's a feeling many people have at some point. But the most important thing is knowing how to quit a job the right way—it matters a lot.
Leaving in a rush, saying the wrong thing, or ghosting your employer can stick with you longer than you’d like. Even if you’re 100% sure it’s time to go, how you leave can impact your reputation, your network, and even your next job offer.
In this article, we’ll walk you through six steps for how to professionally quit a job—from recognizing when it’s time to go, to what to say when quitting, to how to handle things if you need to leave without notice.
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1. Make sure you’re really ready to quit
Before you quit your job, take a breath and ask yourself: Is this just a tough week, or a bigger pattern? It’s totally normal to have frustrating days (or even months), but that doesn’t always mean it’s time to walk away.
Feeling bored, overworked, or undervalued can be signs that something deeper is off. “If there aren’t opportunities to expand your skills or get the kind of experience you want, that can also be a sign it’s time to leave,” says Cassandra Spencer, a career coach at The Muse and Fairygodboss.
Ask yourself some key questions:
- Do I have another job lined up?
- Am I financially ready to be without a paycheck for a bit?
- Is this a short-term frustration or something that’s been building?
You might also want to quit if your company has made promises they haven’t followed through on—like a promotion that never came—or if you’re noticing shifting priorities, or even quiet layoffs. “If you’re seeing changes like reduced flexibility or disappearing benefits, it might be time to prepare for a transition,” Spencer says.
Knowing when to quit your job is as much about your gut feeling as it is about your long-term goals. If you’re constantly thinking, “I want to quit my job,” it’s worth figuring out if that’s just stress talking or a real signal that it’s time for something better.
For extra guidance, read this next: 20 Signs You Should Quit Your Job
2. Plan your timing and exit strategy
Once you’ve decided to leave, the next question is when. Timing might not seem like a big deal, but it can make a big difference for you and your team.
If you can help it, the best time to quit your job is when it creates the least disruption. That usually means avoiding the middle of a huge project or right before a major deadline. If you’re expecting a bonus, stock vesting, or some other benefit, check the date—it might be worth sticking around just a little longer.
In general, two weeks’ notice is the standard. It gives your employer time to plan, and it shows you’re leaving on good terms. But there are situations where more notice makes sense—like if you’re in a leadership role, managing a critical initiative, or just want to be extra helpful during the transition.
On the flip side, if things are really toxic or unsafe, less notice may be reasonable (we’ll get to that later).
3. Tell your manager first—and do it the right way
Telling your boss you’re leaving can feel awkward, stressful, or even emotional. That’s totally normal. Whether you’re close with your manager or things have been rocky, it helps to prepare mentally and emotionally before you break the news.
Start by thinking through what you want to say and how you want to say it. If you expect your manager to take it personally, Spencer suggests tailoring your approach based on what you know about their personality and communication style. “Start with gratitude,” she says. For example, you might mention the skills you’ve gained or opportunities you’ve had in the role.
Keep the message simple, honest, and focused on your reasons, not your boss's or company's flaws. Spencer recommends framing your decision around your goals: Maybe you want to grow in a new industry or need a better work-life balance. You don’t have to give every detail—just share what feels comfortable.
Not sure how to phrase it? Here are a few examples of what to say when quitting a job:
- I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to grow here, and I’ve decided it’s time for a new challenge.
- This wasn’t an easy decision, but I’ve accepted an offer that aligns more closely with my long-term goals.
- I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned, and I want to talk about how I can help with the transition.
And what not to say:
- I hate it here.
- You never supported me.
- I found something way better.
- This is a toxic environment.
As for how to have the conversation? In person is ideal, but virtual or phone calls are also acceptable, especially if you’re remote or your manager is hard to reach. Just don’t let them hear it through the grapevine. However you do it, being direct and kind goes a long way.
4. Write and deliver a professional resignation letter
Once you've told your manager, it’s time to follow up with a formal resignation letter. Even if you’ve already said “I want to quit my job” out loud, putting it in writing is still part of quitting professionally. It helps HR keep things official and gives everyone a record of your last day.
Keep your resignation letter short and polite. No need to vent or share your entire thought process. Instead, focus on the basics:
- A clear statement that you're resigning
- Your last working day
- A thank-you (even a simple one is fine)
On the other side, avoid complaints, blame, or overly detailed explanations. This letter is not the place to air your grievances or rehash your exit conversation.
Ideally, send your resignation letter right after you’ve had the conversation with your manager. Don’t send it before you talk to them, unless a conversation really isn’t possible. The letter is a formality—it shouldn't be how they find out you’re quitting.
(If you’re looking for extra guidance on how to write a letter to quit a job, check out our complete guide and examples for different situations.)
5. Help with a smooth transition
Quitting a job professionally doesn’t end with the resignation letter. Do what you can to ensure a smooth transition on your way out—like updating SOPs, outlining FAQs, handing off projects, or even training your replacement. Before your last day, try to finish up whatever tasks you can, or at least outline next steps for whoever’s taking over.
“If there are people at your company—supervisors, coworkers, other cross-functional team members—that you've had positive relationships with, it can be nice to send a brief email of gratitude and to wish them well,” Spencer says. “If the circumstances make sense, you can also share additional contact information like LinkedIn or a personal email if there is someone you want to keep in touch with.”
6. Know your rights—and prepare for HR logistics
When you quit a job, there are some important HR steps to keep in mind. One of the first things you might face is an exit interview. This is your chance to share feedback—but how honest you want to be is totally up to you. Keep it professional and constructive, focusing on things that could help improve the workplace rather than airing all your frustrations.
You’ll also want to check on your final paycheck, including any unused paid time off (PTO) that may be owed to you. Laws vary by state and company, so it’s a good idea to ask HR about the timing and details of these payments.
Don’t forget about returning company property like laptops, keycards, phones, or files. Handling this smoothly helps you quit a job professionally and avoids any last-minute headaches.
Bonus tip: How to quit a job without notice (only if you must)
Quitting a job without notice isn't ideal—but sometimes, it’s the only option. While giving two weeks’ notice is the best way to quit a job professionally, life doesn’t always make that possible. If you’re dealing with a toxic work environment, serious health concerns, safety issues, or a sudden personal emergency, quitting a job without notice might be justified.
Still, it’s important to weigh the potential fallout. One of the biggest consequences of quitting without notice is losing out on a good reference—or missing PTO payout if your company requires a full notice period to qualify, Spencer says. In some cases, giving even a few days’ notice can soften the blow and help preserve your professional reputation.
If you do need to leave right away, keep your communication brief, honest, and respectful. Focus on protecting relationships rather than venting frustrations. You may also want to follow up later with a thank-you or an offer to help in some small way once things have settled.
After you quit: What now?
Even if you were 100% sure about quitting, it’s normal to feel a wave of doubt or anxiety afterward. Maybe you’re second-guessing your decision or the “quitter’s guilt” is starting to creep in. Take a breath—this is part of the process. Remind yourself why you made this move in the first place, and give yourself permission to feel uncertain for a bit.
How to handle regrets after quitting (and how to avoid them)
If you left without a job offer, be prepared for the job search to take longer than expected. “One of the biggest regrets clients share with me comes when they quit without something lined up and realize their job search may take a little longer than expected—especially right now,” Spencer says.
Another common regret is rushing into a new job that turns out to be worse than the one you left. “It’s important to remember that there will also be people who quit and wish they had stayed longer, as there will be people who will say they wish they had quit sooner,” she says.
To avoid these regrets, get clear on what you value in a company, and ask the hard questions before accepting an offer. What’s most important to you? What are you willing to compromise on?
If you do receive a counteroffer before leaving, think carefully. Counteroffers can be flattering, but they don’t always fix the deeper issues that made you want to quit your job in the first place. Use this moment to reflect, not react.
Finally, consider which professional relationships you want to maintain. Staying in touch with former colleagues (via LinkedIn, email, or the occasional coffee chat) can help keep doors open for future opportunities—and remind you of the great connections you built along the way.
Read this next: How to Evaluate a Job Offer—and Ask for Time to Think About It
FAQs
“Can I quit a job I just started?”
Yes, you can—but consider why you want to leave so soon. If the role was misrepresented, the environment is toxic, or it’s simply not a fit, it’s OK to move on. Just be professional, polite, and brief in your explanation. (Here’s our guide on how to quit a job you just started.)
“What if I feel guilty about quitting?”
Feeling guilty is totally normal—but it doesn’t mean you’re doing the wrong thing. It often stems from being a thoughtful, conscientious employee. Remember: Choosing what’s best for your career and well-being is not a betrayal. It’s a boundary.
How do you quit a job you hate but still need a reference from?
Keep your resignation respectful and focused on your goals. You don’t have to gush, but showing appreciation for any positives (skills learned, opportunities, relationships) can help preserve goodwill. And if you’re unsure about your manager, consider asking another colleague or mentor for a reference instead.
Should you tell my coworkers?
Yes—after you’ve told your manager. A quick message or conversation to say goodbye, share contact info, and express gratitude can leave a lasting positive impression. Just keep it professional and avoid turning your exit into a vent session.
“Can I take vacation time during my notice period?”
Sometimes. It depends on your company’s policy and your manager’s approval. If possible, avoid requesting time off during your notice period unless it’s already approved or truly necessary. Remember: You’re aiming to leave on a high note.