How to quit a job you just started

Understanding the situation

Your initial experience at a new workspace can go either way. There is a chance things work out smoothly for you. If that is the case, consider yourself lucky. Unfortunately, this may not be the case always. Due to a multitude of reasons, including those not under your control, things span out worse. All the excitement and thrill you were looking forward to ends prematurely igniting the thought of leaving the position and saving yourself. Needless to say, such thoughts on quitting the job do not make you a bad employee, and hence, no need to take the pain all by yourself.

In other situations wherein you get a fantastic offer from other companies, you find yourself in the same dilemma. To quit your current job or not ?!

Quitting your current job does not imply that either the organization or you are not to the mark. This, in most cases, is ignited by certain mismatches and asynchronous work culture. Even if you have done all possible research about the organization, the goals of the company, the hierarchy, work culture, and everything else, your first-hand experience may surprise you by being completely opposite to it.  

The task at our disposal here is very crucial. If you decide to quit the job you just started, how perfectly can you pull off the mission by minimizing the dreadful impacts it carries along with it and maximizing the benefits which you look forward to. A careful analysis of the same is presented here. This article explores in detail the different facets of the same, inclusive of the questions one should try to address before the decision is taken, the varied impacts of the decision, how well you can pull this off, along with sample email templates to put everything in perspective.

Questions to think about before you decide

❖   Confirming the decision to resign

When it is time for you to think in detail about the possibilities and consequences of quitting the job, the most important thing is to rethink, rethink and rethink. This is to make yourself convinced before you spit it out.

On the flip side, since the hiring official/ employer must have spent their time and other resources in recruiting and training you into the job position, the news of your resignation will not be exciting for them. On top of that, there exists no space between you and the employer for you to change the decision once made. Hence, it is strictly advised to think over your thoughts and not let emotions overpower your decision as it may cost you dearly in other situations as well.

❖   Rethinking the decision again – staying?

There are chances that you may be wrong in judging the job profile and related responsibilities in the initial phase itself. Also, it is all possible that the more you interact with your colleagues and teammates, the work environment may not be as harsh as you think it is. Similarly, there will be plenty of reasons for you to consider staying in your current job and avoid jumping to the decision of quitting the job.

For example, there exists the possibility of you opening up to the manager and discussing in detail the different dimensions of the issue, especially why you are not comfortable in the work environment. The perks of having such conversations include you getting in touch with other openings in the same organization and hence, finding a better way to deal with the same situation. A periodic break from your work will provide ample opportunity to rethink the instinct of quitting the job and might result in a different fate for yourself.

In short, as a job seeker, you should think about staying back as it may give you new perspectives. Can you think on the lines of is it a wise decision to hang on a few more weeks before I make a final decision? You can also think about staying back based on your research on how quick=kly you can land a new job.

❖    Question of new job

The question of a new job is very crucial in any discussion surrounding the quitting of a job you just started. The question of a new job may hinder you from making harsh decisions. There may be situations where you just simply cannot afford to quit. For example, if your expertise does not match the industry standard and you are not in the domain of an in-demand job, it will be difficult to find a new job placing yourself in a void until you find one. In such cases, financial issues may creep in if you cannot afford not to have a salary for such periods.

Impact of quitting a job you just started

There are varied impacts when you quit a job you just started. Analyzing all such possible impacts in detail may help you to make a more informed decision. Here is a list of such possible impacts. That is the immediate consequence you may have to face if you make a quick decision to resign from the post.

➢   Possibilities of a boycott

Being blacklisted for quitting the job you just started is one practical possibility of this decision. Since there is an enormous amount of resources (including time) invested in the hiring process, companies tend to identify those employees who default in a similar fashion. This may result in adverse consequences as those individuals will not be preferred in that company again and also in its associated companies.

➢   Badly affected reputation

Even though it is the case that you are trying to close a chapter by virtue of your resignation from the post, the ghost of which will chase you further. One such trouble that you may encounter in the future is nothing but the reputation issue. When your job status enters your CV with a short period written against it, it sends a wrong message to the employer. You cannot convince the hiring official enough that you will not do the same to their organization. Given that hiring officials are risk-averse, the decision may not end up in your favor.

Also, it is almost certain that your new recruiter will spend some time asking in detail the reasons for the same. You may have to prepare well to avoid any bad impression.

➢    Financial constraints

This impact of quitting your job early is pretty straightforward. Given that you are not receiving a salary while looking for jobs, you may end up pressurizing your savings to meet your own financial requirements. As a job seeker, this is no good thing. While making a final decision on whether to quit the job you just started, it is imperative to consider this impact in detail.

➢    Troubles for your colleagues

In case you finalize your decision to quit the job you just started, there are high chances that it may cause some collateral damage. One such damage can be for your colleagues with whom you might have started on a project. Losing one team member in that scenario means additional work for the rest of the team members. It may not be the case that they fully understand your emotions and support your decision. Hence, meeting them again in any project together will be a not-so-nice experience.

How to quit a job you just started?

This section explores the various steps involved while quitting the job you just started. This section assumes that the decision to quit the job is already made. Since the final decision is already made, there are certain things that you must focus on in order to avoid further ruckus. Pro tip here is that resignation is a process and not an act.

➔   In-person communication is preferred.

It is crucial that all steps taken in the direction of resignation from the job you just started has to be professional. Hence, it is not preferred to send an email to your boss breaking the news. It has to be assumed that your boss may not perceive the way you meant it. It is always advised to talk to the boss in person. It is always the best and professional way to go about it.

➔   A positive tone is professional.

Limited explanation and positive tone of the conversation go hand in hand. There is absolutely no need to be very emotional in front of your boss while breaking the news. The best way to do it is to keep a very limited conversation. You may express your gratitude, leave no confusing statements, and state that it will be the best decision considering the future of both yourself and the company. Lack of clarity in explaining the decision will create haphazard situations and certainly invite more trouble.

➔    Mandatory resignation letter

A resignation letter needs to be submitted. Certainly, the organization needs to document the process. It is better if you are prepared with a resignation letter in a proper format as prescribed in the company. Hence, you can avoid further confusion and eliminate technical troubles for the organization.

➔   Notice period is necessary.

Notice period in resignation is considered highly professional. A sudden resignation and related exit of an employee from the company will create a huge ruckus and invite troubles for sure. The company may have a policy regarding the notice period. The rule of thumb here is to have at least two weeks notice period. This ensures that the company will not be in trouble by virtue of your exit, and such an action is expected from all employees whatsoever the situation is.

➔   Continued efforts

Submission of your resignation letter or conveying the decision should not hinder your performance. In usual cases, the decision of the company may consume a few days or even weeks. Notice period also plays a role here. It is advisable not to mentally check out before your resignation is approved. This will ensure that you are not leaving on a bad note.

Email example – resignation letter

Dear (insert the name of your boss here),

I hope this email finds you well.

I would like to let you know that I have made up my mind to resign from my current position (insert your job position here). I had put enough thought into this and have realized that it will be good for me as well as for (insert the company name here). I request you to initiate the proceedings from your end after considering today as the beginning of the notice period.

I really appreciate the opportunities bestowed on me and extend my gratitude for the space at your company. I recently decided to go ahead with an offer from another company as it will suit my career goals.

I also extend my gratitude for your understanding of this situation. Please do not hesitate to connect to me if I can offer any help to fasten the transition process. I hope to stay connected and collaborate in the future.

Sincerely,

(insert your name here)

Final thoughts

The most vital takeaway from any resignation is experience. Be it a week or a year, your engagement with an organization will certainly bring you a bunch of learning experiences. The wise will always correct themselves from the past. Hence, it is all about self-reflection, correction, and moving forward.