How to Quit a Job over Text (with Examples)

Co-authored by Meredith Walters, MBA and Nihal Shetty

Last Updated: August 16, 2022 References

Ready to move on to your next opportunity, but not sure how to let your boss know over text? With recent shortages in the workforce giving workers more leverage, you may have seen viral screenshots where fed-up employees let their bosses know that they won’t be coming in to work anymore.^{[1]
X
Research source} Is this a good idea? And if you do send a text, how should you word your message? We’re here to answer all these questions and more with this guide on how to quit your job over text.

Section 1 of 3:

Is it okay to quit a job over text?

1
Quit over text only if you’re okay with burning some bridges. Managers still expect a face-to-face conversation to let them know that you’re planning on quitting. However, if your work environment has been so toxic that you can’t bear to talk to your boss any more than you have to, no one can stop you from just sending a text.^{[2]
X
Research source}
2
An e-mail or call is a better alternative for preserving goodwill. Since future employers commonly contact your previous references before hiring, it’s a good idea to try your best to remain on good terms with your boss. E-mails and phone calls are more professional than texts.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Your supervisor might end up missing your text if they aren’t paying attention to their messages. A conversation on the phone will confirm to you that your boss knows you resigned.
- Traditionally, you're expected to let your boss know that you're quitting in person. And, talk to them before you share the news with other people in your company. Making sure they don’t hear you're leaving from anyone else can keep you in their good graces.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
- You may have various reasons for quitting a job depending on your personality or financial situation.
- However, it is better not to quit a job until you have something else lined up.
- Sometimes, instead of quitting the job, you can find projects or areas in your current job where you can do things that are enjoyable for you and you are naturally good at.

Section 2 of 3:

Tips for Sending a Good Resignation Text

1
Give your boss as much notice as possible. The rule-of-thumb is that a two-week notice is standard when leaving a job. Try your best to let them know early, but if you’re in an abusive environment and need to get out as soon as possible, letting your boss know that you’re leaving on short notice might be your only option.^{[5]
X
Research source}
2
Maintain a professional tone. Even if your boss hasn’t treated you professionally, try your best to be confident, mature, and formal with your response. Write this text the way you might write a more formal e-mail, avoiding slang and text-speak like “u,” “lol,” or “thx.”^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Like with professional e-mails, it’s a good idea to check your grammar and spelling before sending your text. If you’re not so confident in your writing skills, ask a friend or family member to give it another look.
3
Stay positive or neutral about the job. If you want to reduce any fallout from your resignation, your text isn’t the time to vent about your frustrations, even if they’re valid. If you can’t say that you enjoyed your time working at your company, say something more neutral like, “Thanks for giving me the opportunity to work here.”^{[7]
X
Research source}
4
Offer to send a resignation letter. Since you’re leaving your job in an informal way, it’s a good move to also offer a formal letter of resignation in your text. Your boss might not end up taking you up on this, but it’s a good idea to have your bases covered.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Section 3 of 3:

Sample Texts to Quit Your Job

1
Sample text 1:
- “I’m sending you this note to let you know that I plan to resign in 2 weeks (February 20th). I’ve appreciated the chance to work with you and the rest of the team, but due to some other opportunities that have come my way, I’ve decided that it’s time to move on. I’m happy to write you a formal resignation letter as well if you need one. Just let me know. I’ll work on wrapping up the projects I’m currently on before I leave.”
2
Sample text 2:
- “I hope you’ve been doing well. I’m sorry to reach out to you with unfortunate news, but I’ve been dealing with health issues in my family, and I’ve had to make the tough decision to leave my current job. My last day will be one week from today. Thank you for having given me this opportunity, and do let me know if you’d like a more formal letter of resignation.”
3
Sample text 3:
- “I’m sorry to let you know at the last minute, but I’ve decided to resign, and will no longer be coming in for work. Thank you for your support.”

Expert Q&A

Question

How can you make your current job more meaningful?

Meredith Walters, MBA
Certified Career Coach
Meredith Walters is a Certified Career Coach who helps people develop the skills they need to find meaningful, fulfilling work. Meredith has over eight years of career and life coaching experience, including conducting training at Emory University's Goizueta School of Business and the US Peace Corps. She is a former Member of the Board of Directors of ICF-Georgia. She earned her coaching credentials from New Ventures West and a Master of Business Administration from the University of San Francisco.

Meredith Walters, MBA

Certified Career Coach

Expert Answer

You can find projects or areas in your current job that you find enjoyable and are good at naturally. Then talk to your boss or volunteer for teams working in those areas.
Question

How do you get a raise through email?

Meredith Walters, MBA
Certified Career Coach
Meredith Walters is a Certified Career Coach who helps people develop the skills they need to find meaningful, fulfilling work. Meredith has over eight years of career and life coaching experience, including conducting training at Emory University's Goizueta School of Business and the US Peace Corps. She is a former Member of the Board of Directors of ICF-Georgia. She earned her coaching credentials from New Ventures West and a Master of Business Administration from the University of San Francisco.

Meredith Walters, MBA

Certified Career Coach

Expert Answer

To get a raise, mention things you have done and accomplished. Point to the things you have done above and beyond your job description or additional responsibilities you have taken on. Give concrete examples of what you have contributed.