How to Quit A Job (When It's Time, It's Time)

Heard of quiet quitting? The phrase has gone viral on TikTok recently. In response to long hours and burnout, many Gen Z and millennials have suggested kicking back and taking it easy, doing the bare minimum at work instead of actually quitting.

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The trend has caused a lot of controversy. Is ‘quiet quitting’ sticking it to capitalism? Or just doing what exhausted workers have done for decades? Or is it just being a slacker?

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Either way, the reality remains that many people want to leave their sh*tty jobs, and find something better.

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So, this article is a guide to actually quitting.

From deciding whether it’s time to leave, to leaving on a positive note with a solid resignation letter.

Because, like financial health, this kind of thing is important - but it’s not something we’re taught in schools.

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First off, why are so many people quitting their jobs?

Since the start of the pandemic, a record number of people have been quitting their jobs. It’s called the Great Resignation.

After such a long time working from home with no commute, many people decided their work-life balance is more important than they realized.

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The main reasons people are resigning?

📍 Low pay

📍 No opportunities for growth

📍 Feeling disrespected at work

📍 Inadequate childcare

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And this trend has only continued in 2022, with 1 in 5 workers planning to quit their jobs globally. So, you may be wondering…

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Should I quit my job?

You don’t always have to wait until a terrible job has ground your soul into the consistency of a Ritz cracker left in someone’s back pocket to leave.

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In fact, people who switch jobs frequently in their early careers tend to have higher wages and incomes in their prime-working years as discovered by economics Professor Henry Siu. He explained in an article for The Atlantic, “Job-hopping is actually correlated with higher incomes, because people have found better matches.”

This  doesn’t even necessarily mean quitting your job; it could mean role switching within your current place of work. This puts you out of your comfort zone, meaning you can sample different roles and skills, and then find a role that really clicks for you. It’s sometimes called the “explore-exploit” sequence.

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If you do decide it’s time to leave, there are some things you gotta do to leave things on a positive note, and ultimately get the most out of your current position. Squeeze the life out of it like it has been doing to you 💖

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What to say when quitting a job

Quitting a job well is something that your parents might have taught you, or you might feel totally in the dark about where to begin. There is a process to follow, and a way to do it that’s both polite and assertive.

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Spoiler - it’s not like this:

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You gotta remember to:

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📍 Find out how long your notice period is. This should be in your employment contract. If not, two weeks is usually appropriate for customer service and hospitality roles.

📍 Write a letter of resignation, giving your notice, and thanking your employer for the experience you’ve gained.

📍 Tie up any loose ends of work you have to do.

📍 Ask for a reference. Even if you don’t need it right away, it’s easier than coming back to your employer months or years down the road.

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We asked Cleo People team member Dani the best way to write a rock-solid resignation letter. This is how you do it, from a professional:

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“Dear [Employer],

Please take this email/letter as note of my resignation from [insert position here]. As my notice period within my contract is [x] I believe my final working day will be [x] however if there is any holiday I am owed I am happy to take this into account.

Thank you for the knowledge and experience I have gained whilst working within [company], Please let me know if there is anything you need from me before my final day.

Best,

Jerry Maguire”

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(I added that last bit.) Chef's kiss.

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How to quit a job you just started

It happens. If you haven’t accepted the position yet, this is what Dani suggests for if you’ve changed your mind/think it’s trash/can’t do the hours etc:

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“Thank you so much for taking the time to guide me through the job role and all it entails, I have truly enjoyed learning about the company and meeting the team.

Unfortunately on this occasion, I would like to withdraw my application. I apologize for the inconvenience, however, at this time I have decided to accept an alternative offer. I wish you all the best.”

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Ok, what about if you’ve started the job and they’re asking for more than what your job description entails?

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If you’re covering other people’s work as well as yours:

“I wanted to discuss the current tasks I have been asked to manage. Are these new tasks likely to be a part of my job on a long-term basis? If so, Can we schedule a time to re-evaluate my job description, title and compensation to ensure this accurately reflects my additional responsibilities?”

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If your boss is asking you to come in when you’re sick:

“Unfortunately, I am feeling unwell today, therefore, I won't be able to come to work. I am going to rest today and I will update you as early as possible about whether I am fit enough to return tomorrow, I will/will not be available by email and I have rescheduled today’s tasks accordingly.”

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If your boss is expecting you to work hours that you didn’t agree to:

"I wanted to bring attention to the recent changes in my scheduled hours. My usual working pattern has always been (x). Unfortunately, I am not able to work on the new requested schedule. I just wanted to confirm the days/hours I am available to work again so we can plan accordingly."

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And finally, if you’re absolutely sure the job is trash, here’s how to write a resignation letter for a job you just started, according to Dani:

"Unfortunately, due to a change in my personal circumstances, please take this email/letter as a note of my resignation from (insert position here). As I am still within my probation period, My contract states I do not have a notice period. However, I would be happy to work my notice if this is not correct. If there is any holiday I am owed I am happy to take this into account.

Thank you for the opportunity to learn more about (company here) I apologize if this causes any inconvenience to you, please let me know if there is anything you need from me before my final day."

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‍There you go.  If you need more of a push, just take a long hard look at this picture of Britney Spears. This is the energy you need to embody. Happy dumping!

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