How to Quit a Job You Just Started

No one accepts a job hoping it won't work out. But sometimes it doesn't take long for a person to realize that they've accepted a position that isn't right for them. If you find yourself feeling that you need to leave a job that you just started, here are some thoughts about how to handle the situation.

Give it Some Thought

It's not uncommon to feel uncomfortable in a new situation, so pause and make sure you're happy with your reasoning before going through with quitting. You don’t necessarily need to take a long time thinking it over or change your mind, but make sure you know and feel right about your reasons for wanting to leave.

Be sure to consider the practical implications of leaving as well. Do you have another job lined up that's prompting your departure? If not, do you have the means to take care of yourself while you look for a new place to work? Only you can decide what's best for you, and thinking your plans over can help you make a decision that you’ll feel right about.

Know that They've Probably Seen it Before

You can't foresee the future and can't always know what a job will be like, so don’t be too quick to cast blame on yourself or others. Most companies have been in this situation before, and may even hire expecting a certain number of employees to drop out early on. There's likely little need to be embarrassed.

It may not be a familiar situation for you or something you want to make a habit of, but leaving a new job is actually a fairly common occurrence. According to Harvard Business Review, a full 30% of new hires leave their new position within the first 90 days.

There's a business adage that can be applied here. It states it's best to "fail fast." This may seem counter-intuitive, but the idea is that if something isn't going to work, it's best to realize that as soon as possible in order to minimize losses. While the company that hired you will likely be disappointed that you're not going to stay, they'll be glad to know when they do instead of after spending additional time and resources training you. It can also save them money in the hiring process – the sooner they know, the list of other candidates they considered for the job will still be relevant as they resume their search.

Express Gratitude and Keep it Positive

If you want to maintain good relations with the employer, it's usually best to keep your tone as positive as possible. This might sound impossible when you're delivering the news that you won't continue working for them, but it usually can be done.

Express gratitude for the opportunity and their decision to choose you for the job in the first place. Share your disappointment that things won't work out. You might also share your confidence that your departure will allow both you and them to find a better fit.

If applicable and they ask for it, you could choose to share feedback about the job and how it differed from your expectations, and/or the reasons you're pursuing a different opportunity. But it's also ok to choose to keep these things to yourself. There's nothing wrong with simply telling them that you realized that the job isn't going to work out.

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