Last updated: February 6th, 2025
You may not think of resigning from your job as an exercise in personal branding. However, your approach to quitting a job communicates a lot about your professional character – and is likely to have career repercussions down the line.
I highly recommend that you leave on the best terms possible, regardless of whether your time with the employer was positive or not.
I’m here to show you how to quit your job without burning any bridges.
(Related: 14 Side Hustle Ideas You Can Start Today.)
First, Make Sure It’s The Right Time To Quit.
Before you hit ‘send’ on your resignation email, or storm into the boss’ office, take a moment to deeply consider your decision to leave your job.
Unemployment remains low in Australia, but job vacancies have been in decline. Before you lose a steady pay check, ask yourself:
- Are your skills currently in demand?
- How will this look on your resume?
- Are there other ways to improve your work-life?
Leaving one job after 4 to 6 months is rarely a red flag for recruiters. Having held five jobs within four years is.
People analytics platform Culture Amp finds that “newly hired employees tend to be more positive than their tenured counterparts”. Its data shows that 70% of Australian employees are engaged.
They’ll be wondering if you’re the problem.
If you’re keen to avoid looking like a serial quitter, but you’re unhappy at work, reflect on how you can improve your current situation.
Discontent tends to stem from feeling unappreciated or unchallenged, or interpersonal conflicts with managers or peers. You could:
- Have a conversation with your boss about a promotion, ask for a raise, or request a change in working conditions.
- Put your hand up for different projects or responsibilities to add more variety to your work.
- Develop your own communication skills and mindset, perhaps by managing stress or through training.
- Seek a lateral career move — switching to a different team or location could mean less butting heads.
If you can’t make it work, and you’re confident that quitting won’t hurt your job hunt, follow the steps below to resign from work respectfully.
1. Check Your Required Notice Period.
Australia’s Fair Work Ombudsman sets out minimum notice periods for employers, which varies between 1-4 weeks.
| Period Of Continuous Service | Minimum Notice Period |
|---|---|
| 1 year or less | 1 week |
| More than 1 year – 3 years | 2 weeks |
| More than 3 years – 5 years | 3 weeks |
| More than 5 years | 4 weeks |
A worker’s obligation to provide notice are usually similar, but it depends on how you’re employed. If you’re employed under a modern award or enterprise agreement, you’ll need to check the specific award or agreement.
Important!
The notice period begins the day after you send your resignation letter.
If you have an employment contract, it may state a specific notice period — but it might not. In which case, you’ll need to offer “reasonable” notice.
For senior professionals or technical specialists, a longer period of notice would be reasonable, because you’re harder to replace.
Additionally, C-suite executives will often have specific ‘restraint of trade’ or ‘garden leave’ clauses in their contracts to prevent them from:
- Immediately going to work for a direct competitor.
- Starting a competing business or poaching clients.
- Accessing confidential information before they leave.
Keep this in mind as you make plans for a new position or venture.
Also, be wary of giving more notice than is required.
If you give two weeks’ notice but the legally required period (for both employee and employer) is just one week — your boss can ask you to finish after one week. If you were relying on that extra week of income, it can sting.
2. Tell Your Boss.
You may think that the process of quitting your job begins with you writing your resignation letter.
Leave that until after you have spoken to your boss. The conversation will flesh out details that you’ll both need to agree on, such as your last day and a transition plan.
It’s also smart, because your boss can be a great source for:
- References for future job applications.
- Connections to other leaders or industry networks.
Ideally, remove the element of surprise by sending an email prior to the meeting. In that email, simply state that you’d like to discuss the future.
Expert Tip.
Avoid the temptation to tell your colleagues first, as news travels fast in an office, and it’s not unlikely that your boss will hear the news of your departure from someone else.
What Should You Say To Your Boss When You Quit?
Act with confidence and dignity, and avoid language that:
- Reveals your frustration, like: “I’m so sick of this place.”
- Comes off as smug: “I found a job that pays what I’m worth.”
- Is apologetic: “I’m so sorry to leave you a person down.”
- Criticises leaders: “There’s so much micro-management.”
- Sounds like a threat: “If people knew what goes on here…”
Instead, here’s a rough script for how to handle it tactfully:
- Start with the news that you’ve decided to leave and express gratitude. Here’s an example of what to say:
- Have your reasons ready for when you’re asked why you’re leaving. Keep it positive. Perhaps you’ve accepted a new job at a higher level. Or it could be as simple as:
- Be prepared for tricky questions. For instance, what if your manager asks if there’s anything they could offer to change your mind? In response you could say:
- Mention major projects/tasks they should be aware of and your role in the transition, which is when you can hash out when your final day will be. For example:
- End the conversation by saying you’ll follow up with your resignation letter in writing, clarifying all the details you’ve agreed to.
If you’re on good terms with your manager, you could have an ‘off-the-record’ discussion regarding your motives for leaving. Keep the tone professional and avoid being overly critical.
Let’s say you can’t stand a few difficult colleagues.
- Don’t say: “Working alongside Jan and Ian everyday was driving me crazy, they’re so annoying!”
- Do say: “You know there are strong personalities in the team. Not feeling like I gelled well affected my concentration.”
If you have concerns about your experience with the company, save them for the exit interview with HR. Even then, focus on providing constructive feedback.
(Related: The Future of Work Is Hybrid.)
3. Write Your Resignation Letter.
Occasionally, outrageous and amusing resignation letters go viral on social media. Like an incredibly brief letter of just three words that said: “Bye bye Sir.”
A Goldman Sachs executive caused a stir when he resigned via an op-ed piece in The New York Times, calling the company “toxic and destructive” and denouncing the firm’s “moral fibre.”
You don’t have the luxury of being cute or cutting when you pen your letter — if you want to maintain your reputation.
Important!
Research published in Harvard Business Review in 2022 found that weak ties and acquaintances can be the most effective connections for finding work.
You might feel like being honest with a manager you have no desire to speak to ever again will have no repercussions. But leaving a positive impression could lead to advantageous network linkages in future.
Aside from the basics like the date, your boss’ full name and job title, your letter must include the following things:
- Your intention to resign.
- Your last day.
- The transition plan.
- A thank you.
Also, don’t forget to sign it!
If you feel the need, you can also include any positive impressions of your time with the company – whether it relates to working with your team or the company culture.
Here’s an example of a resignation you could use as a template:
From: Matt Black, m_black@gmail.com
January 31st, 2025
Dear Jill,
I’m writing to formally advise you that I am resigning from my role as Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator at PQD. My last day of employment will be Friday 14th February 2025.
I’ve learnt a great deal in the two years I’ve worked here and I know the experience I’ve gained will serve me well in my future career.
As we discussed, before I leave I’ll transfer my current projects to the Communications Coordinator and also develop a handover document for my successor.
Thank you for your guidance throughout my time here, and I wish you and PDQ the best for the future.
Sincerely,
Matt
Importantly, you do not need to include your reasons for leaving or where you’re going. (You will probably be asked those questions by HR, but you don’t need to include the details in your resignation letter.)
(Related: What Are The Weirdest Jobs In Australia?)
4. Tell Your Colleagues.
Many of us form bonds with our teams and colleagues. With close contacts, it’s ideal to tell them of your decision to quit face-to-face, maybe over a coffee or lunch.
Just as with your boss, to be remembered well:
- Stay upbeat, avoid the temptation to vent or rant.
- Thank people for their support, mentorship or friendship.
But don’t just focus on your work besties — try to check-in with everyone you’ve worked with to let them know you’re leaving.
And if you haven’t already, connect with colleagues and senior leaders via LinkedIn, so they’re part of the online networks that can help your career progress.
If you ask for someone’s personal contact details to stay in touch, make sure that you do. Too many people fail to follow-through and let valuable connections wither.
If you’re really pressed for time, or the political landscape doesn’t allow you the opportunity to roam the office floors, you can send a goodbye email; it is an accepted way of acknowledging the time you’ve spent working alongside your colleagues.
Important!
When sending the email, include a personal email address they can reach you on – but only if you’d like to keep in touch.
Finally, take the time to personally thank colleagues or leaders who have contributed to your professional growth.
(Related: How To Get Maximum Redundancy Entitlements.)
5. Get Your Ducks In A Row.
If you’re in a position where you’ve quit without lining up a new job beforehand, you need to quickly get organised.
Gartner HR research released in December 2024 found 39% of Aussie candidates were having difficulty finding a new job, and 41% had declined an offer because it didn’t match their expectations.
The upshot? It can take time to secure a new role. That’s especially true at the executive level.
Because it can be months in the making — a complacent approach to job hunting will let you down.
You need to:
- Be confident you can articulate your value
- Have a solid job search strategy.
- Ensure you’ve updated your resume
Remember that the best opportunities often fall into your lap unexpectedly. Make sure that your professional career marketing documents are ready before you need them.
Jody
