If you are thinking of quitting your job, then you will want to do it as gracefully as possible. If you have been with a company for a while, it is, generally, much easier to get a good reference.
However, what about if you just started a job, that you hate? How can you quit the job, without ruining future references, or even future jobs at the same company?
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Why People Quit Jobs They Just Started
There are many reasons why people may quit a job they just started, or why they may feel the urge to quit a job they just started.
In some cases, the employee does not realize the job that they have gotten themselves into. They may have felt capable of the job, and then realized that they are out of their depth.
It could be that they do not have the skill set needed for that job. This is true of many jobs, from waitressing to working in high-profile roles.
Other times, it could be due to the co-workers, or the manager. If an employee has co-workers which are rude, offensive,
and loud, it is not the ideal working condition. Moreover, if the manager is unprofessional, unreliable, and mean, that can also be very difficult to deal with.
Many people have left a job immediately, or almost immediately. Some people have extremely valid reasons, like the above.
There are some people who quit jobs due to their mental health, and this is valid. If someone suffers from severe anxiety and depression, they may need the right treatment before they can work a full, or part-time job.
They should be offered support and respect. In other situations, people can quit jobs out of laziness, which is generally frowned upon.
Be Sure That Quitting Is The Right Decision
Before deciding to quit a job, you should reflect on whether that is the best decision for you.
It is very normal to feel overwhelmed when you start a job, especially on the first day. Almost everyone feels some type of anxiety and nerves, because it is a new experience, in a new environment.
If you are feeling anxious, talk to your manager about it. They may be able to help you settle into work easier, by giving you more introductions and helping you socialize with colleagues.
You should also keep in mind that many people have jobs that they do not like. They, either, work within that role due to necessity, or because the experience is very valuable for their career.
You should weigh up the pros and cons of having your job before you quit. For example, if you have a very good job, for an esteemed company – would it be better if you stayed, and worked out a resolution for your fears?
After reflection, you may feel that quitting is still the best option for you. This is perfectly acceptable. No one should be working a job that makes them miserable and anxious.
While many people work jobs they do not enjoy, no one should have to work in roles that affect their well-being.
Now that you have made your decision to quit your job, it’s time to work out the best route to quitting.
How To Quit A Job You Just Started
Before you quit, you need to make sure you follow certain steps, to ensure that you behave professionally.
It’s crucial to act with respect and integrity because you need to ensure that you have a good reference, or at least a neutral reference, going forward. Plus, you will feel better about quitting if you leave your job with integrity.
Decide What To Say
Do not quit your job without reflecting on, and writing down, exactly what you plan to say. You need to know what you will tell your manager, boss, and co-workers.
This will help you talk more confidently when you decide to quit, and it will help reaffirm to yourself that you are making the right choice.
Write A Notice
You will then need to give your manager a notice. This should be written down on paper and handed to your manager in person.
Expect to have a discussion about your decision to leave. If your manager, or boss, is very busy and hard to locate – arrange a meeting with them.
When giving notice, check your contract to see the exact number of weeks you need to provide. In some cases, it may only be a week, in other cases, it will be a month. Be respectful of the company, as they will need to find someone to replace you.
If you feel uncomfortable about giving your notice, you can invite someone from human resources to the meeting. This will ensure that your boss, or manager, will not act inappropriately, and how you conduct yourself will be logged.
Write A Resignation Letter
While you will be having an in-person meeting with your manager, you should also provide a letter of resignation. This provides the company with proof of why you decided to leave your role.
This is especially important if you cannot have a face-to-face meeting with your manager. If you want to, you can explain your reasons for leaving the role.
You are not legally obliged to give a reason, however, so the choice is up to you. If you are not comfortable sharing your real reason, you can always make a fake reason up, providing it is reasonable and believable.
You should also show your gratitude for the chance they have given you. Make sure that you clearly state how grateful you are to be given the opportunity. You do not want to be blunt, dismissive, or disrespectful.
Be Prepared
Before you walk into the meeting with your manager, you should mentally prepare yourself. Remember that you are making the best decision for yourself, and your choice to leave is valid, even if you have only just started your job.
Make sure that you stand firm in your decision, and talk confidently about your choices. Do not let anyone bully you into staying, or shame you for your decision.
Some managers will be very understanding and will be sad to see you leave the role. Keep in mind that there are certain managers who will not respond the same.
They may be very dismissive, rude and ask you to leave immediately. If that is the case, explain to human resources what occurred, say goodbye to your colleagues, and take any of your belongings with you when you clear out your desk.
Even if you feel embarrassed about your manager’s reaction, remember that they are not the boss of you (literally, now!) and you can walk away with pride.
Summary
There is no shame in leaving a job that you just started. Be sure that you are making the right decision for yourself, reflect on what you are going to say, and be prepared for your meeting with your manager, or boss. Remember to talk confidently, and show your appreciation for the role.
