How to Quit a Job over Text (with Examples)

Is it okay to quit a job over text?

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.

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. 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. 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.

Tips for Sending a Good Resignation Text

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. Beverly Langford Beverly Langford, Business Etiquette Expert When needing to resign from a position, always strive to notify your employer formally and in-person when feasible. Should circumstances require submitting notice electronically, craft the message thoughtfully — keep it brief yet warm in tone, offer adequate notice, express gratitude for the opportunities afforded, and extend well-wishes.

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.” 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.

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.”

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.

Sample Texts to Quit Your Job

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.”

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.”

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.”