How to Quit a Job You Just Started (and Move on to a Better Fit)

New job not turned out how you thought it would be?

No problem, it happens. Maybe the workload just isn't what was advertised, the role was misrepresented, or the culture just isn't very you. Either way, if you don't see yourself hanging around for the next year or more, it's probably time to leave.

But how do you get out gracefully without ruining future career prospects?

According to recent surveys, up to 30% of new hires leave within the first 90 days, so it does happen. While leaving so soon isn't ideal, sometimes it's the right move for your career and well-being.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making a graceful exit from a job you barely started—without burning bridges or damaging your professional reputation.

7 essential tips on how to quit a job you just started

I'm going to share a step-by-step process to really guide you through what you need to do, but if you're just going to jump in and do it, here are seven crucial tips to help make everything go a bit smoother.

1. Confirm it's really not working out

Before making any moves, take a moment to ensure you're not experiencing normal new-job jitters. 

Ask yourself:

• Is this a temporary discomfort that will pass as I adjust?
• Have I given the role enough time to truly understand what it entails?
• Could a conversation with my manager address my concerns?

Sometimes, what feels like a mismatch is just the awkward adjustment period that comes with any new position. 

However, if you're experiencing serious red flags like ethical concerns, significant misrepresentation of the role, or a truly toxic environment, trust your instincts.

2. Consider the financial implications

Quitting a job you just started can have financial consequences. Before pulling the plug:

• Ensure you have savings to cover expenses if you don't have another job lined up
• Check if you'll need to repay any signing bonuses or relocation assistance
• Review your health insurance situation and make a plan for coverage
• Calculate whether you'll forfeit any soon-to-vest benefits

While money shouldn't be the only factor in your decision, understanding the financial impact will help you plan your exit strategy.

3. Have your next move planned

Ideally, you should have another opportunity lined up before you submit your resignation. If that's not possible, at least have a clear plan for your next steps:

• Is this departure part of a deliberate career pivot?
• Do you have active applications or interviews in progress?
• Have you updated your resume to include transferable skills from this brief position?
• Do you have networking contacts you can reach out to?

Having a concrete next step will not only make your transition smoother. Still, it'll also help you explain your departure more confidently.

4. Keep explanations simple and professional

When figuring out how to quit a job you just started, resist the urge to share every detail of your disappointment. Instead:

• Prepare a concise, professional explanation
• Focus on fit rather than fault
• Avoid criticism of the company, role, or team
• Keep emotional language to a minimum

A simple statement like "I've realized this role isn't aligned with my career goals" is often sufficient and less likely to create tension than detailed critiques.

5. Be prepared for different reactions

Your manager might react with understanding—or they might not. Be prepared for:

• Questions about why you're leaving so soon
• Attempts to convince you to stay
• Expressions of disappointment or frustration
• Requests for more detailed feedback

While you hope for a professional response, emotionally prepare for a range of reactions and decide in advance how you'll handle each scenario.

6. Don't trash talk on social media

While it may seem great to drop highlights of your poor working experience on LinkedIn, venting online about your brief stint can come back to haunt you:

• Avoid posting negative comments about the company
• Don't share details of your departure until you've officially left
• Consider waiting to update your LinkedIn until you've secured your next position
• Remember that future employers may see anything you post

The professional world is smaller than you think—maintaining discretion protects your reputation.

7. Learn from the experience

Use this situation as a learning opportunity:

• Reflect on what warning signs you might have missed during the interview process
• Consider what questions you could ask in future interviews to better understand the role and culture
• Think about whether there are patterns in your job satisfaction that could guide future decisions
• Identify what you value most in a workplace based on what was missing here

Understanding how to quit a job you just started is important, but learning how to avoid needing to do so again is even more valuable.

How to quit a job you just started gracefully step-by-step

Now you've decided leaving is necessary, here's your detailed roadmap for executing a professional exit:

Step 1: Finalize your decision

Before taking any action, be absolutely certain this is the right move. 

Consult with mentors, trusted colleagues, or career coaches to ensure your perspective is sound. 

Once you start the resignation process, it's difficult to reverse course.

Step 2: Review your contract and employee handbook

Before submitting your resignation, carefully review:

• Your employment contract for notice period requirements
• Any non-compete or confidentiality clauses that might affect your next move
• Policies regarding probationary periods
• Information about returning company property
• Details about exit interviews or procedures

Understanding your obligations helps you plan an exit that fulfills your contractual responsibilities.

Step 3: Prepare your resignation letter

Even though you've been there briefly, a formal resignation letter is still appropriate. Keep it:

• Brief (one page maximum)
• Professional and courteous
• Focused on gratitude for the opportunity
• Clear about your end date
• Free of criticism or detailed explanations

Here's a simple template you can adapt:

Dear [Manager's Name],

I am writing to submit my resignation from my position as [Your Title], effective [Last Day of Work].

While I appreciate the opportunity to work with [Company Name], I've determined that this role does not align with my long-term career goals as I had initially anticipated.

Thank you for the opportunity to be part of your team, even for this brief period. I'm committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will complete any outstanding projects before my departure.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

This helps document when you've reached out, the reasoning, and showcases that you've taken a professional approach.

Step 4: Request a private meeting with your manager

Learning how to quit a job you just started includes mastering the art of the resignation conversation:

• Schedule a one-on-one meeting
• Choose a time when your manager isn't under immediate pressure
• Be prepared to have the conversation in person (or via video if remote)
• Bring your resignation letter
• Practice what you'll say beforehand to remain calm and professional

Remember, this conversation sets the tone for your departure.

Step 5: Deliver your resignation clearly and professionally

During the meeting:

• Get to the point quickly—"I've requested this meeting because I've made the decision to resign from my position"
• Provide your end date
• Offer a brief, professional explanation without oversharing
• Express appreciation for the opportunity
• Be prepared to answer questions about your decision
• Present your formal resignation letter

Maintain a positive, professional tone regardless of how the conversation unfolds.

Step 6: Negotiate your transition

Depending on your role and how long you've been there, discuss:

• Whether a two-week notice period makes sense or if a shorter transition would be preferable
• Which projects you can reasonably complete before leaving
• How to handle the transfer of your responsibilities
• What to tell clients or team members about your departure
• Whether you'll be involved in training your replacement

Be flexible but also realistic about what you can accomplish during your remaining time.

Step 7: Follow up in writing

After your conversation, send an email to your manager:

• Confirming your resignation and end date
• Summarizing any agreed-upon transition plans
• Attaching your formal resignation letter (if you haven't already provided it)
• Expressing your commitment to a smooth handover

This creates a clear record of your resignation and demonstrates your professionalism.

Step 8: Prepare for HR procedures

Be ready to:

• Participate in an exit interview if requested
• Complete paperwork related to benefits termination
• Return all company property (laptop, access cards, etc.)
• Provide information about any ongoing projects
• Transfer any necessary knowledge or documentation

Handling these logistics professionally reinforces that your departure isn't impulsive or disrespectful.

Step 9: Maintain your professionalism until the end

During your notice period:

• Continue to perform at your best
• Document processes and projects for whoever takes over
• Avoid negative comments about the company or your decision
• Don't mentally check out or slack off
• Remain positive in interactions with colleagues

How you behave during these final days significantly impacts how your brief tenure will be remembered. You also don’t want to get fired.

Step 10: Craft your narrative for future interviews

Prepare to explain this short job stint to future employers:

• Develop a brief, honest explanation that doesn't disparage your former employer
• Focus on what you learned from the experience
• Emphasize your professional handling of the situation
• Connect the decision to your clear career goals and values

A well-crafted explanation demonstrates self-awareness and professional maturity.

How to quit a job you just started: Special situations

Sometimes, you might find yourself in a bit of an odd situation when you're looking to quit. Generally, the same process outlined above should work, but here are some tips for special cases that can help.

When you haven't even started yet

Sometimes, you realize a job isn't right before your first day. If that's your situation:

• Notify the employer immediately by phone, followed by email
• Be honest but tactful about your change of heart
• Apologize for the inconvenience
• Offer to help identify other candidates if appropriate

While uncomfortable, declining before starting is often better than leaving shortly after.

When you're still in training

If you're still in the onboarding process:

• Your departure may be simpler logistically
• You might consider offering to reimburse training costs
• Focus on the mismatch becoming apparent during the training itself
• Acknowledge the investment the company has made in you

Framing your decision as saving both parties from a poor long-term fit can soften the blow.

This can feel rough, especially if the company is actively investing in you. This is why it's important to do it as soon as possible. If the company feels like they've lost a lot of money on you as you're leaving, or they've given you skills with no ROI, it can make things very difficult moving forward.

When you’ve found a much better opportunity

If you're leaving for a significantly better role, to freelance, or do something for yourself:

• Be honest, but avoid making comparisons that might seem insulting
• Focus on the specific aspects of the new opportunity that align with your career goals
• Express genuine regret about the timing
• Emphasize that your decision isn't a reflection on their company

Most managers understand that career decisions are ultimately personal.

Wrapping up

Learning how to quit a job you just started is an uncomfortable but sometimes necessary skill. While it's not ideal to leave a position quickly, staying in the wrong job can be worse for both you and the employer in the long term.

By handling your departure with professionalism, clear communication, and respect, you can minimize the negative impact on your professional relationships and reputation. 

Remember that your career is a long journey—this brief chapter doesn't define you, but how you handle it might reveal a lot about your professional character.

Looking for guidance for any part of your professional career?

Enter Mentorcruise - the platform to connect with seasoned professionals who've navigated similar waters and can provide personalized advice for your unique situation. 

Whether you're reassessing your career path, preparing for difficult workplace conversations, or strategizing your next move, Mentorcruise mentors offer the support and wisdom you need to confidently move forward.

Don't let career uncertainty hold you back. 

Find your perfect mentor today and transform career challenges into stepping stones for growth.