It’s Time to Go: How to Quit a Brand-New Job
Here's the right way to handle this difficult move.
You’ve had your first day on the job and immediately wish it was your last. The situation of taking the wrong job happens more often than you think. Your new job may feel like a bad fit once you’ve started, or you might hate the city where the company is located.
You might also have personal reasons for wanting to quit. If you’re separated from loved ones in a job across the country from them, for example, you may want to work closer to them.
If you’re wondering how to quit a job you just started, read on to learn how to navigate this awkward situation professionally.
Don’t make a rash decision
Before you turn in your registration letter, stop to ask yourself whether you’re leaving because of a temporary problem that could be solved within a few weeks or a permanent issue. Remember that it’s normal for the first few weeks of a new job to be challenging. After you hit your stride, you may love it.
Is the company’s culture stressful and toxic? Often employees will leave a company because of an abusive manager or because the work-life balance is inadequate. These problems may not change quickly and could be reasons to shorten your stay at a new job. If you see illegal or unethical activities within your new company, you may have to leave.
There’s also the matter of your finances. Will your budget allow you to leave a job you just started? If not, consider staying in the position while quietly looking for a new job. The old saying about it being easier to find a job when you have a job is true.
Consider waiting to see if the problems in your new job take care of themselves while keeping your eyes open for new opportunities. Your new job may grow on you, or you might find another job that you like better. You might even get a pay increase.
An alternative to leaving your new job is to see if transferring to another department within the company is possible. That might be a compromise, keeping your talents at the company while putting you in a job you’d enjoy more.
3 steps to quit a job you just started
If you can’t give your new job more time and think you need to find the exit door, here is how to quit a job you just started.
Ask your manager to speak privately
Don’t just walk off your new job, as that would be considered job abandonment and might come to haunt you later. Instead, speak with your manager about why you want to leave your new job. If you are uncomfortable explaining why you want to leave, give management a general response instead of specifics.
Work with HR to end your employment
Just as companies have policies about onboarding for new employees, there are exit procedures. Human resources will likely have paperwork for you to complete. You’ll need to return items such as keys, access cards, clothing, laptop computers, and anything else issued by the company.
Leave quickly and quietly
It’s best for your professional reputation to leave peacefully. Your manager and new coworkers may be disappointed to see you leave, but your loyalty should be to your career and personal satisfaction. Make your exit from the company as quietly as possible, giving the company space to hire your replacement.
FAQs
You may have more questions about how to leave a job you just started. These frequently asked questions may give you the answers you need.
What’s the best excuse to quit without notice?
When it comes to leaving a job you just started, honesty is always the best policy. Be frank with your manager about why you are leaving, and you may be helping the company improve. Your honesty could help future employees have a better experience.
Will I need a resignation letter?
Most companies will need a resignation letter for their files, but this doesn’t have to be lengthy. You may even be able to write your resignation letter and email it after you’ve left, depending on your company’s rules.
How soon is too soon to leave – one day, one week, or one month?
Unless you are obligated to work through a signed contract, there is no minimum time required to work before you leave a company. Be true to yourself and your goals. It’s a mistake to stay in a job where you’re unhappy because of professional or personal reasons.
Should I offer an explanation?
Naturally, your manager will ask why you want to leave so soon after arriving at your new job. How candidly you answer is up to you. You can give a detailed answer or one that is vague.
Is it legal to leave a job you just started?
If the job is in a company or state that has at-will employment, you can leave a job at any time and for any reason, just like your employer could fire you at any time. Your employer may be disappointed you want to leave, but it shouldn’t harm your career.
The bottom line
Staying in a new job you hate will stall your success and stifle your happiness. Your performance may suffer when you’re in a job that makes you miserable, so your employer is better off in the long run if you leave a job you just started if you realize being there is a mistake.
The answer to how to quit a job you just started is to do so professionally, honestly, and quietly, showing consideration for your employer while staying true to yourself. If you don’t think you can give your new job a little more time to improve, work with management and human resources to plan your exit.