I'm always surprised how few people know how to actually quit a job. I get it if you're early in your career, no one really teaches you this. But how you leave matters just as much as how you started.
There are a million reasons to quit. You found a better opportunity. The role wasn't a good fit. You're moving. You're burned out. The reason doesn't change the playbook much. What changes is how much notice you can give.
We've all been told "always give two weeks." It's the gold standard in the US.
What I've learned managing global teams is how short that actually is almost everywhere else. In Portugal, Mexico, India, a lot of places, a 3-month notice is normal, enough time to find your replacement and hand off properly.
As a manager, I'll be honest: two weeks doesn't truly help me that much. I'm lucky if I can get the backfill approved and reposted in two weeks, let alone find someone and start training them.
So here's how to think about it.
If at all possible, tell your manager in person. Super quick, 15 minutes. Set up a call or a meeting.
"Hey [Manager Name], I wanted to tell you directly: I've been offered another role that I'm really excited about. I'm resigning, and my last day will be [Date]. I wanted to tell you in person. I'll send a quick email to you and HR right after this."
That's it. Keep it professional, even if you're quitting because you dislike the company, even if you dislike your boss. Venting in that moment won't help you. It will only hurt your reputation.
You don't need to answer a ton of follow-up questions if they have them. Just politely keep repeating: "This new opportunity is more aligned with where I want to take my career." Maybe add one real thing you're excited about at the new job. That's enough.
Then follow up with a quick email, to your manager and HR, one or two sentences.
Hi [Manager Name],
As discussed, I am resigning from my position as [Title]. My last day will be [Date].
Thank you for the opportunity.
Best,
[Your Name]
And you're done.
If your HR department does an exit interview, feel free to share, but I'd be careful. Assume whatever you say is going to get back to your manager. Lead with facts, not opinions, it's not going to help you.
Honestly, in my 15 years, exit interviews are generally not that helpful. It often feels like companies do it just to check a box. I've seen very little movement or change come out of them.
If someone says they're quitting because their boss was harassing them, was always mean, or created a hostile environment, that puts that manager on my radar to start watching more closely. If it's serious, say it, factually.
- Decide your last day.
- Tell your boss in person or on video, 15 minutes max. Quick, professional, grateful.
- State your resignation and your last day. No need for a long story.
- Send the short email to your boss and HR immediately after.
- Work hard until your last day and hand off what you can.
Quitting well is a skill. It keeps bridges intact. You never know when you'll work with those people again.