How to Resign From a Job Immediately

Best practice is to give your employer notice (typically two weeks) when you resign from your job. But sometimes situations arise where you need or want to leave a job quickly. 

While the situation may be uncomfortable, there are steps you can take to make an immediate resignation smoother. Let's look at why you may decide you need to resign right now, and how to do so gracefully. (We've even included a template to help you draft your own resignation letter.) 

8 valid reasons for immediate resignation

No matter how valid your reason for immediately leaving your job is—be it a family crisis, unexpected opportunity, or unsafe work environment—resigning without notice can add stress to an already stressful situation. Nevertheless, it’s sometimes the right thing to do. 

1. Sudden illness or family emergency 

If you or someone in your family suddenly develops health issues that will prevent you from working (because you must become a caregiver, for example), you may need to leave your position. Your government or employer may offer some alternative options, such as taking a medical leave of absence. If you can, try talking to your company’s Human Resources department before you resign. They can help you understand what, if any, alternate options are available to you.

2. New opportunities

What if you find an incredible professional opportunity that requires an immediate acceptance and start? Most employers will accommodate your need to give a few weeks’ notice at your former position. But some jobs require that you start right away—or entail a rapid relocation that will require all of your time and energy.

3. Not getting paid

Employers are required to pay you for the hours you work. If you’re not being paid, you may want to seek legal counsel along with submitting your resignation.

4. Unexpected life changes 

You might also encounter a sudden life change—like moving cross-country to take care of a family member—that requires you to take immediate action. 

5. Career changes

If you’ve decided to change careers, you may want to get started on your new job hunt, career path, or education right away. Unless you’ve already found a new job that you must start right away, this is a situation where attempting to give your employer at least a short notice period is advised.

6. Unsafe or toxic work environment

If your boss is asking you to do something that’s unsafe, illegal, or unethical you might also want to leave a position suddenly to protect yourself. (This could be another situation in which you may want to contact a lawyer for further assistance.)

7. Workplace harassment

You might also need to leave a position if you face harassment and your organization doesn’t do anything to help. Again, depending on the circumstances, this could be an issue to take to a lawyer.

8. Ethical concerns

If your employer is asking you to do something that goes against the ethical standards of your industry—or if they’re threatening to retaliate for whistleblowing—an immediate exit can be crucial for your future career. 

How to resign immediately in 6 steps

While you might have a completely valid reason for leaving, understand that doing so may impact how your employer and coworkers perceive you. 

For example, you may have an employer who refuses to provide a reference during a future job search. Or, if they do give a reference, they may even be critical of your professionalism when telling potential new employers about your abrupt decision to leave. And being short-staffed can leave your colleagues with considerably more work as they take on your responsibilities until a replacement is found. This may lead to resentment and related negative feelings.

Fortunately, there are specific steps that can help you create a smooth transition and prevent you from burning bridges.

1. Collect any personal items you keep at your workspace

It’s possible that, upon resigning, you’ll be asked to immediately leave the premises—without a stop back at your desk or locker to gather your things. This may feel sudden and impersonal, but some companies require all resigning employees to immediately leave for safety or insurance reasons. Gathering your belongings in advance can make your exit smoother, no matter how your conversation with your employer goes.

2. Have an honest conversation with your employer

The first thing you’ll want to do is speak honestly with your employer. Although you may not look forward to this conversation, the earlier you can do it, the better. Even if you end up giving your supervisor only two or three days’ notice, that can still make the transition easier for them than if you had provided none at all.

Know going into the meeting with your employer that the conversation may be tough. Remember to stay calm during the conversation and speak respectfully throughout the meeting.

3. Explain your decision to resign

Provide your employer with a reason for your sudden departure (although you certainly don’t have to disclose sensitive medical information.) The explanation might help your employer to be a bit more understanding toward you and your situation, even if the sudden departure leaves them in a tough position.

4. Be respectful to the employer and the company

As you navigate the process of notifying everyone about your impending departure, stay respectful of the business as much as possible. Articulate how grateful you are for the job and any opportunities you had to learn and grow as a professional.

You might also offer ways to make the transition easier, such as updating the training manual to help the next person succeed in your role. However, recognize that you are, in fact, leaving immediately, so don’t be overzealous in offering ongoing support.

Even if it’s your last day, maintain a positive attitude and professional tone.

5. Hand in an immediate resignation letter

Your immediate letter of resignation acts as official documentation for your departure. In most situations, you’ll turn in your resignation letter after you’ve spoken with your employer. Give your manager the courtesy of a personal conversation before submitting your resignation letter and before telling your coworkers that you’re leaving.

6. Stay professional in the aftermath

There may be a bit of chaos after you officially submit your resignation. Stay professional, regardless of your reasons for leaving and whether you believe your employer or colleagues’ reactions are justified.

Do your job as well as you can for however many days you have left with the company. Do anything you can to improve the transition to the next worker, such as updating any relevant training documents or jotting down notes for your successor.

If your employer or the human resources department offers you an exit interview on your final day, take it—if you feel safe doing so. You can use this last conversation as a chance to again express gratitude for the opportunities you’ve received. If you resign because of an unaddressed problem like harassment, you can also professionally voice these concerns to the company.

How to write an immediate resignation letter

Your immediate resignation letter will go in your employee file, so choose your language and wording carefully. These five steps provide a good guideline for writing a resignation letter.

1. State your name

Your formal resignation letter should follow the business letter format and use a simple, easy-to-read font. The default option in Google Docs and Microsoft Word is a safe choice. Create a formal heading, which includes your name and contact information. Include your phone number, personal email address, and a mailing address for your final paycheck or tax paperwork. This information goes in the upper right corner, though you can also keep everything aligned on the left if you prefer.

Include the date after the heading. Under this, go back to the left-hand side of the letter and include the information for the addressee. Your addressee will typically be your employer, and you’ll include the company name and company address.

Finally, start your letter with a professional salutation. 

2. Explain the reason for your resignation

After addressing the letter, move into your reason for the letter. Let your employer know about your intent to resign. If your resignation violates your employment contract, apologize for the sudden departure and articulate that this has happened because of events beyond your control. Note that not all employees have a written contract—this depends on where you live and the terms of your hiring arrangement.

You also have the option to provide limited information in the letter but share a few more details when speaking with your supervisor face-to-face. Let them know that you didn’t foresee the circumstances.

3. State your last day on the job

Once you’ve stated your reason for writing the letter, give the date you’ll exit your current position. Keep in mind that you want to give your current employer ample advance notice when you can, even if it won’t be at least two weeks’ notice. However, if you’re leaving today, say that your resignation is effective immediately.

4. Offer a transition plan

Lastly, recognize that suddenly leaving your current job may put your employer in a tough position. They might not be able to find a replacement before you leave. Acknowledge that this may mean they will be short-staffed for a bit.

Any information or help you can offer through this transitional phase will likely be well-received. For example, you may be able to do a limited amount to update training manuals relevant to your position, make sure your filing system is in order, and compile instructions related to important aspects of your job before you leave.

Doing everything you can to leave on good terms will help preserve the relationship, which may be better for you in the long run, especially if you want a favorable recommendation from this employer someday.

Immediate resignation letter template

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Your name

Your email address

Your address 

Your phone number

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Date

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Manager’s name

Manager’s title

Company address

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A formal salutation (Dear Mr./Ms.)

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[Introductory sentence that outlines the reason for the letter].

[A sentence that provides the date of your last day on the job].

[A sentence that articulates your reason for leaving].

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[A body paragraph or two explaining how much you have appreciated the chance to work at the company, to grow professionally, and anything else you want to include].

[A final sentence requesting any information you need about a last paycheck or other questions you might have].

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[A concluding paragraph that articulates what you can do to help with the transition].

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[A formal closing, your typed name, and your handwritten signature]

Immediate resignation letter sample

Click to view full size

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Jamie Smith

jsmith@email.com

123 Main Street

Somerset, State, ZIP

123-456-7890

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April XX, 20XX

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Allan Carter

Manager at Excellent Company 

456 Center Street

Somerset, State, ZIP

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Dear Mr. Carter,

I am writing to formally provide notice that I need to resign from my position with Excellent Company immediately. My last day will be Friday, April XX, 20XX. Please accept my apologies for not having been able to provide earlier notice. However, I have experienced a sudden, unexpected life change that has left me unable to fulfill my duties.

I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with you and the rest of the team at Excellent Company. I have been able to grow as a professional, and I will fondly remember my experience with everyone here.

I will be able to stop by the office on Friday, April XX, to pick up my last paycheck. Please let me know if there is anything else I need to take care of to complete this process.

I will look for any means to make this transition easier for you. I know that this sudden resignation may cause some challenges for the team. Therefore, I will update the training documents I received four years ago for the new replacement before Friday. I have also provided my personal email address above. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions concerning any in-progress work.

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Thank you for all of these years of working together and for your understanding of this situation.

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Best regards,

[handwritten signature]

Jamie Smith

Figure out your next steps

As you transition from your former position and look for a new job, consider the benefits of picking up freelance jobs on Upwork. The flexibility that comes with choosing your own work and clients might be exactly what you need in a time of transition.

If you’re an employer looking to fill gaps in your workforce, Upwork can connect you with freelancers from around the world who have the skills and expertise that you need for business success.

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This article is intended for educational purposes and should not be viewed as legal advice. Please consult a professional to find the solution that best fits your situation.