Before you resign in workplace, you need to consider reasons to give the boss for your resignation.
There are two ways to send a resignation letter to the boss. One is a good ending, while the other is like burning all the ships.
18 Reasons To Give Boss For Resignation
We all know that quitting a job can be hard. You may have been with the company for years, and it can feel like you’re betraying them.
But sometimes, quitting is the best thing you can do for yourself. And when that time comes, you need to have a good reason so your boss will accept your resignation.
Let’s find out all the possible reasons to give the boss for resignation.
1. Not A Good Fit:
The most common reason people give for quitting is that the job wasn’t a good fit.
This could be because the job didn’t match your skillset. Or perhaps you were in a different role from what you expected.
If you don’t feel like you’re in the right position, moving on is OK.
When giving this reason, you can write:
“I’m resigning because this job is not a good fit for me.”
Or “I’m resigning because I’m unable to utilize my skills.”
Then go on and tell why you think that is the case. For instance, you can say:
“The projects I’m working on don’t require much writing.” Or “I’m unable to use my creative skills in this position.”
2. Career Change:
Another common reason people resign is that they want to change careers.
You could be looking to enter a new industry or move up to management. Whatever the case, don’t stay in a job that doesn’t make you happy.
When giving this reason to your boss, you can say something like:
“I’m resigning because I want to change careers.”
Then, explain what you’re looking for in a new position. For example:
“I’m interested in working in the fashion industry.” or “I am looking for a role much like my current one, but with more opportunity to lead projects.”
Career change is a valid reason to resign. So your boss shouldn’t have trouble understanding this decision.
3. Pregnancy:
If you’re pregnant and resigning, it’s best to be upfront about your plans. For example, you can say something like:
“I’m writing to inform you that I am pregnant and will resign effective (date).”
This shows that you’re planning and gives your boss time to plan for your departure.
For maternity leave, your boss may understand if you give them as much notice as possible.
You can also resign if you have a baby and are returning to work but feel like you can’t do both.
So then you might say :
“I’m sorry to say that I am resigning because I cannot juggle work and motherhood.”
If you are the father, you could say:
“I’m resigning to spend more time with my family.”
4. Poor Working Conditions:
If your office is in disrepair or your equipment is outdated, this can be a reason to resign.
You might say:
“I regret to inform you that I am resigning due to the poor working conditions.” Then explain what the conditions are.
For instance, “My computer is from the stone age, and half the time it doesn’t even work.”
Or “There is a hole in the ceiling, and every time it rains, my desk gets wet.”
Such working conditions are hard to tolerate day in and day out.
5. Unethical Practices:
Do you work for a company breaking the law or engaging in unethical practices? If so, that’s a good reason to resign.
You might say:
“I am resigning because the company is breaking the law/engaging in unethical practices.”
Although it is not that simple to say it out loud. But you also don’t want to be complicit in illegal or unethical behavior.
So rather say: “I am not comfortable with the direction the company is going, and I don’t want to be a part of it.”
That’s a better way to state your case. Your boss will probably see sense in that and let you go.
6. You Have A Better Opportunity Elsewhere:
If you found a great opportunity elsewhere, then that’s an excellent reason to resign.
Your boss will be sad to see you go. But will understand that you got presented with a wonderful opportunity.
You could say: “I got another job that I feel is a better fit for my skills.”
Or “The new company’s values align more closely with my own.”
Or it could be about salary issues too. For instance, “I have got offered a much higher salary.”
This way, you are not just burning your bridges. But you are being positive about the future and your new employer.
7. The Company is in Financial Trouble:
If the company is going through financial trouble, it’s not a good place to be.
You might get worried about job security or even getting paid on time. So it’s understandable that you would want to leave.
You could write: “I am concerned about the company’s financial stability, and I feel it’s time to move on.”
If that sounds too harsh, you could say: “I have enjoyed working here. But I am worried about the company’s future and would like to explore other opportunities.”
When a company is going through financial trouble, it’s often a good time to leave.
8. You’re Unhappy With Your Current Job:
If you’re just plain unhappy with your job, it’s time to move on. You shouldn’t stay somewhere that makes you miserable.
Some symptoms of job unhappiness include:
– Always stressed out
– Feeling like you’re not good enough
– Disliking your co-workers
– Boredom
– Feeling unappreciated
If this is the case, you could say:
“I have been unhappy in my current position for some time. I think it’s time for me to move on.”
Then explain why you’re unhappy and what you hope to find in a new job.
9. You’re Underpaid:
This is a tough one. But if you feel underpaid, it’s time to start looking for a new job.
You could say:
“I have been with the company for a long time. And I appreciate everything that they have done for me.
But I feel I am underpaid and would like to find a position that pays me what I am worth.”
Moreover, you could always negotiate a raise before you resign. You could say:
“I know that I am underpaid. And I would like to find a position that pays me what I am worth.”
If they do not give you a raise, then you can resign.
10. You’re Overworked:
If you feel like you’re overworked, then it’s time to find a new job. You could say:
“I have been with the company for a long time. However, I feel like I am overworked.
I want to find a position that better fits my skills.”
They may try to talk you into staying, but if you’re firm, they’ll let you go.
But since overwork is a common issue, it’s also best to have another reason.
11. You Are Moving Away:
If you are moving away, then it’s time to move on. You might have found a job in another city or state.
Or, you might want to move to be closer to family. Either way, tell your boss:
“I have enjoyed working here, but I am moving away. I have already accepted a position in (new city or state).”
When you resign, it’s always best to have a new job lined up. But if you don’t, don’t worry.
Just be honest with your boss and explain that you’re looking for new opportunities.
12. You Need to Focus on Your Health:
If your health is suffering because of your job, it’s time to make a change. Maybe you’re working too many hours and starting to feel burnt out.
Or, you could be dealing with a lot of stress at work. You may have a physical condition that makes it difficult to do your job.
In any case, if your health is suffering, it’s time to resign. Explain your situation to your boss and tell them that you need to focus on your health.
“I’m sorry to say that I’m resigning from my position. My health has been suffering and I need to focus on getting better. Thank you for understanding.”
Or about physical conditions:
“Dear Boss, I am resigning from my position due to a physical condition that has made it difficult to do my job. Thank you for understanding.”
13. You Feel Undervalued:
This is a common reason for resignation, especially among women. You might say:
“I have appreciated working here. But I feel that my contributions are not valued as they should be. Therefore, I am resigning from my position, effective immediately.”
Although you might have to discuss this further with your boss. But it is important to be firm about your decision.
When you hand in your notice, be clear and concise about your reasons for leaving. This will help to smooth the transition and avoid any hard feelings.
14. You Got Harassed:
If you have been the victim of harassment, you have every right to resign. You might say:
“I am resigning from my position because I have been the victim of harassment. I have reported this to HR and have evidence to support my claims.”
Your boss might try to talk you out of it, but don’t let them convince you to stay in a hostile environment.
If they did nothing to stop the harassment,What To Do If A Coworker Is Harassing You – A Complete Guide they are just as responsible as the person who was doing the harassment.
15. The Company is Moving:
Did the company announce that they are moving to a new location? If the commute is too far, you might have no choice but to resign.
You can say: “I’m sorry to say that I am resigning because the company is moving and the commute is too far for me.”
Or, “I was hoping to stay with the company, but since we are moving locations, it’s just not feasible for me.”
Your employer should understand your reasoning.
16. You Have Been In The Company For Too Long:
Sometimes, people stay in a position or with a company for too long. As a result, you might feel stuck in a rut.
And no matter how much you try, you can’t get ahead. So if this is how you feel, it’s probably time to move on.
You could say: “I’ve enjoyed my time with the company. But it’s time for me to move on to new opportunities.”
They will understand that after serving for X number of years, you feel like you need a change.
17. You Got Promised A Raise Or Promotion:
Were you promised a raise or promotion, and it didn’t come through?
You could say: “I got promised a raise six months ago, and it still hasn’t come through. I’m sorry, but I can’t stay any longer.”
This is a situation where it’s totally fine to be blunt. Your boss knows that they dropped the ball on this one.
And when you’re the one they did wrong to, you don’t need to worry about being polite.
18. The Hours Are Terrible:
Do you have to work long hours with no overtime pay? Or are the hours just really inconvenient?
You could say: “I’m sorry, but I can’t keep working these hours. It’s just not feasible for me.”
They may have promised different hours at the time of hiring. But when the hours changed and you weren’t told, that’s a breach of contract.
You could say: “HR told me that my hours would be from 9 to 5, but now I’m expected to stay until 7. That’s not what I signed up for.”
So these are some 18 best possible and genuine reasons to give your boss when you resign.
Final Word:
Finding reasons to give your boss when you resign can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Just be honest and cite the specific instance that made you want to leave.
When you’re giving your notice, be respectful and avoid burning bridges. You never know when you might need a reference from your former employer!
Last Updated on 6 months by Eesha Khan
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