How to Quit a Job You Just Started (And Exit Gracefully)

According to one survey, 30% of workers^{1https://www.jobvite.com/blog/job-seekers-insights/} have left a job within the first 90 days at some point in their life. So, if you’re contemplating leaving a job early on, you’re not alone. 

In this article, we’ll help you clarify whether quitting is the right choice and, if so, how to proceed as gracefully as possible.

Evaluate Your Reasons for Leaving

Before pulling the trigger, it can be wise to take a step back and consider why you want to quit. If your reasons feel solid enough, then go for it!

Here are a few reasons to quit that are rock solid:

• Job misrepresentation. If your new job role, responsibilities, or work environment significantly differ from what was presented in the job description or interview process, you have a valid reason to reconsider. 
• Toxic work environment. If you don’t feel safe in your new workplace because issues like harassment, discrimination, gossiping, bullying, or unethical behavior are prevalent, it’s a clear sign that you should leave. No job is worth compromising your dignity or mental health.
• Changes in your personal life. Life happens. Whether it’s a family emergency, a health issue, or another life-altering event, sometimes external circumstances can make committing to a new job nearly impossible. It’s alright to prioritize your personal life when it truly counts.
• Better opportunity knocking. Sometimes, right when you start a job, another golden job offer presents itself. It’s the classic “good problem to have.” Loyalty to a new company is important, but not at the expense of a significantly better opportunity.
• Clearly, inadequate training and support. If it’s week two, there’s no employee handbook, and you already feel like you’re drowning and woefully undersupported, this could be a sign that your time at the company will be a constant nightmare of stress and overwhelm.
• Your gut tells you it’s not right. Sometimes, you can’t put your finger on it, but something feels “off.” Even if you can’t pinpoint the exact reasons, if your gut feeling is persistently signaling that something isn’t right, and you find yourself dreading work every day, don’t ignore it. 

The top three reasons^{2https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/03/09/majority-of-workers-who-quit-a-job-in-2021-cite-low-pay-no-opportunities-for-advancement-feeling-disrespected/} people quit their jobs in the US are because the pay is too low, there are no opportunities for advancement, and they feel disrespected at work. Some of these reasons you might not realize until you start the job.

On the flip side, there are some situations where it might be best to stick in there for a bit longer. Here are some scenarios where you might want to pause and reassess if quitting is the right move:

• You tend to quit things whenever they get tough: If you notice a pattern of job hopping or leaving situations when they become challenging, it may be worth exploring whether this job is genuinely not a good fit or a form of self-sabotage. You’re avoiding the discomfort that comes with growth. 
• You haven’t given the job enough time: Sometimes, a new job is overwhelming simply because it’s new. If you haven’t given yourself sufficient time to adapt, you may want to hang in there longer.
• External opinions influence you: If you’re considering quitting primarily because you’re afraid of the opinions that friends, family, or social media might have on your new role, take a moment to evaluate what you truly want.
• The grass seems greener: If you’re thinking of quitting because another opportunity seems slightly better but not necessarily transformative, consider whether you’re romanticizing the new opportunity.
• You’re running from conflicts instead of addressing them: If workplace conflict is your main reason for quitting, evaluate whether you’ve done your best to address the issue. Sometimes, conflicts can be resolved or mitigated, leading to a more comfortable work environment.

The above list is just food for thought; at the end of the day, you are the expert on your life. If you want to quit, you are completely empowered to do so.

If the challenge you’re having is toxic workmates and you want to stick it through, you might appreciate this free training.

With that said, let’s go over some tips to help you quit as skillfully as possible.

5 Tips on Telling Your Supervisor You Want to Quit

You might be dreading sharing the news with your manager. Yes, it might feel awkward, but if you follow the tips below, you’ll get through it as smoothly as possible.

1. Schedule a private meeting

The first step is to request a one-on-one meeting with your supervisor to discuss your decision. Choose a time when you can sit down without distractions or interruptions. A private setting allows for a candid conversation and shows respect for the gravity of the situation.

2. Prepare a script or talking points

Before walking into the meeting, jot down the main points you want to cover. Having a script or talking points can boost your confidence and help you communicate your reasons clearly and professionally. 

Action Step: Write out a bulleted list of the main talking points you want to go over with your supervisor.

3. Be honest, yet diplomatic

During the meeting, be honest about your reasons for leaving. Also, avoid blaming the company in an “I’m right, and this company is wrong” type of framing. Instead, be clear about your desires and how they don’t align with the company.

Try phrases like “I’ve taken time to reflect on my career goals” or “I realized that the company culture isn’t the right fit for what I’m looking for” to keep the conversation objective.

4. Offer to assist with the transition

Give a standard notice period (usually two weeks in the United States) or as much notice as possible, and offer to assist during the transitional period. Whether it’s helping to train a replacement or wrapping up projects, this gesture not only demonstrates professionalism but also leaves a good taste in your manager’s mouth.

5. Follow up in writing

After the meeting, it’s good practice to send a formal resignation email summarizing what was discussed and outlining the steps for your departure. This creates a written record and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Tips on How to Leave a Positive Impression with Your Colleagues

Breaking the news to your manager is half the battle. It can be equally tricky to let your coworkers know. Fortunately, there is a way to handle this that will keep you on good terms with your colleagues. 

1. Communicate clearly and honestly

Clarity is key when leaving a job, especially one you just started. Take the time to talk with your colleagues about your reasons for leaving, being as transparent as you can without oversharing. Honesty earns respect and can help colleagues understand your decision.

Just make sure not to tell them until you’ve let your manager know.

Action Step: For any coworker you’ve started to build a connection with, make an effort to pull them aside so you can let them know in the privacy of a 1-on-1 conversation.

2. Assist in a smooth transition

Be extra generous in helping your colleagues adjust to your absence. The truth is, you might cause them some inconvenience and extra work. Don’t let this deter you from quitting, but use this knowledge to act with empathy.

Consider preparing summaries of your current projects, providing documentation, or even helping to train the person who will take over your responsibilities. 

3. Stay a team player until your last day

It will be very easy to emotionally check out in your last days and even let your frustrations with the role spill out. But do your best to resist the urge to spread negativity. 

Everyone staying is still a part of the team and will benefit from positive morale and teamwork. Plus it will boost your professional reputation. Even though you’re only here a few more weeks, how can you keep a positive spirit and contribute to the team?

Action Step: Challenge yourself to spend the next two weeks at work as if your dream employer were watching and would hire you, depending on how you show up.

4. Share your contact info

If appropriate, offer a way for colleagues to stay in touch. Whether it’s LinkedIn, an email address, or another form of contact, offering to keep in touch signals that you care about the connections and leaves the door open for future opportunities.

5. Show appreciation

A simple thank-you can go a long way. Express gratitude to your colleagues for their support, collaboration, and friendship. This can be done in person, via a team meeting, or by a farewell email. Acknowledging the positive aspects of your time together can leave a lasting good impression and end things on a high note.

4 Tips for Handling Emotions When Quitting a New Job

Quitting a job right after you start working can bring up a lot of emotions. You might feel any of the following:

• Doubt. “Did I make the wrong choice?”
• Guilt. “I screwed everyone over who is still at the company.”
• Relief. “Thank GOD I am out of the role.”
• Anxiety. “Crap! Now I don’t have a job again!”
• Excitement. “Now I can find something more aligned!”

Here are a few tips on navigating this complex web of emotions.

1. Give yourself permission to feel

First and foremost—whatever feelings come up for you are normal!

Don’t suppress these feelings; instead, allow yourself to process them. Acknowledging your emotions is the first step towards managing them effectively.

Action step: Take a few minutes to write down all of the feelings you are experiencing. Once you have your list, go through each emotion and write: “I give myself permission to feel ______.” 

If you could use some external aid in finding your emotions, you can check out this emotions wheel:

Also, here’s an article that goes deeper into the emotions wheel to help you identify your feelings.

2. Lean on your network

This is a great time to lean on your support network. Whether it’s friends, family, or mentors, talking through your situation with someone you trust can provide valuable perspectives and emotional support. Sometimes, vocalizing your feelings can give you the clarity to move forward with conviction.

Action Step: Schedule a coffee catch-up or a virtual meeting with someone in your support network. Prepare a list of questions or concerns you have about your decision to quit your job and be open to their insights. 

3. Zoom out

Now, quitting a job can feel like a giant leap into the unknown, accompanied by worries about your career or what others will think. 

When these concerns crop up, remind yourself that this is a singular moment in a (hopefully!) very long life. Things always work themselves out in the long run, and when you look back on this moment, it won’t be as big of a deal as it feels now.

Action Step: Draw an 8-inch line on a piece of paper. Each inch represents ten years of your life. Plot a few of your longer life experiences on the line (like high school or college) to get a sense of the scope of things. Then, draw the tiniest possible dot on the line representing this moment of quitting your job.

Here are a few excerpts from the late philosopher Alan Watts that might help you zoom out and gain perspective over indecisiveness.

4. Celebrate your courage

Don’t underestimate the bravery involved here. Quitting is always hard. And there’s plenty of social pressure to overcome in quitting right after you’ve started. 

Acknowledge that you’re taking steps to change your situation for the better.

Action step: Mark a day on your calendar to celebrate your courageous decision. Whether indulging in your favorite treat, enjoying a spa day, or simply taking some time off to relax and read a book, make sure you do something that brings you joy and relaxation. 

The Steps to Take After You Leave the Job

Once you’ve decided to quit, there are a few more considerations to take on moving forward.

1. Reflect on what you learned

The first step after leaving a job you’ve just started is to sit down and take stock of what you’ve learned—about both the job and yourself. Think about why the position didn’t align with your goals or meet your expectations. Use this newfound self-awareness to influence your future job searches and career decisions.

Action Step: Make two lists. List 1 is what you’ve learned from this experience about what you want from a job. List 2 is what you learned about yourself. Try to get 10 items on each list.

2. Update your financial plans

Leaving a job, especially when unexpected, can have financial implications. Review your budget, savings, and any financial commitments you have. Consider seeking financial advice if the situation calls for it.

3. Consider leaving this job off your resume

If the job was a brief stint, leaving it off your resume might be more practical to avoid raising red flags with future employers.  

4. Ask yourself the big questions

This is an excellent time to question whether you want to pivot into a different field, pursue additional education, or seek career guidance. Sometimes, a job mismatch can signal that a more significant change is needed.

Action Step: Check out People School, a course that will boost your soft skills and give more intention into your career trajectory.

5. Reconnect with your network

Let people in your professional network know that you’re back on the market and ready for some fresh opportunities. Update your LinkedIn profile, and don’t hesitate to reach out to contacts who might be able to offer advice or job leads.

If you’d like a complete setup of tips for how to land your ideal job, you might enjoy this article.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Quit a Job You Just Started

Takeaways On How to Quit a Job You Just Started

You can quit any job whenever you’d like, even if you’ve just started. Just remember these tips:

• Clarify why you want to quit. If your desire comes from the right places, move forward with it.
• Schedule a private meeting with your supervisor. Choosing a distraction-free time and setting allows for an open and respectful discussion.
• Prepare talking points. Having a list of main points boosts your confidence and helps articulate your reasons professionally.
• Be honest yet diplomatic. Framing the conversation objectively avoids blaming the company and focuses on your needs.
• Offer to assist with the transition. Offering help during the transitional period demonstrates professionalism.
• Follow up with a formally written resignation. Summarizing the discussion in a professional letter of resignation ensures clarity and formality.
• Stay a team player until your last day. Maintain a positive spirit and contribute to the team, even if you’re emotionally checked out, to benefit those staying.
• Share your contact info. Offer ways for colleagues to stay in touch, signaling you value the relationships and leaving the door open for future interactions.

Best of luck with this situation. You got this! 

And if you’d like to contemplate your career aspirations, you might enjoy this article.