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.
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.
Before making any moves, take a moment to ensure you're not experiencing normal new-job jitters.
Ask yourself:
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.
Quitting a job you just started can have financial consequences. Before pulling the plug:
While money shouldn't be the only factor in your decision, understanding the financial impact will help you plan your exit strategy.
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:
Having a concrete next step will not only make your transition smoother. Still, it'll also help you explain your departure more confidently.
When figuring out how to quit a job you just started, resist the urge to share every detail of your disappointment. Instead:
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.
Your manager might react with understanding—or they might not. Be prepared for:
While you hope for a professional response, emotionally prepare for a range of reactions and decide in advance how you'll handle each scenario.
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:
The professional world is smaller than you think—maintaining discretion protects your reputation.
Use this situation as a learning opportunity:
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.
Now you've decided leaving is necessary, here's your detailed roadmap for executing a professional exit:
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.
Before submitting your resignation, carefully review:
Understanding your obligations helps you plan an exit that fulfills your contractual responsibilities.
Even though you've been there briefly, a formal resignation letter is still appropriate. Keep it:
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.
Learning how to quit a job you just started includes mastering the art of the resignation conversation:
Remember, this conversation sets the tone for your departure.
During the meeting:
Maintain a positive, professional tone regardless of how the conversation unfolds.
Depending on your role and how long you've been there, discuss:
Be flexible but also realistic about what you can accomplish during your remaining time.
After your conversation, send an email to your manager:
This creates a clear record of your resignation and demonstrates your professionalism.
Be ready to:
Handling these logistics professionally reinforces that your departure isn't impulsive or disrespectful.
During your notice period:
How you behave during these final days significantly impacts how your brief tenure will be remembered. You also don’t want to get fired.
Prepare to explain this short job stint to future employers:
A well-crafted explanation demonstrates self-awareness and professional maturity.
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.
Sometimes, you realize a job isn't right before your first day. If that's your situation:
While uncomfortable, declining before starting is often better than leaving shortly after.
If you're still in the onboarding process:
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.
If you're leaving for a significantly better role, to freelance, or do something for yourself:
Most managers understand that career decisions are ultimately personal.
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.
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