It has become customary for Millennials and Gen Zers to quit their job with a text message. Even people from previous generations find this means of communication less complicated and tend to use it to their advantage.
However, people who don’t text regularly or aren’t avid social media users can’t even imagine quitting their jobs with a text message. No matter how bored they are with their current job, they would still choose a more professional way to quit to leave a good impression.
Most people consider quitting a job with a text as unprofessional. Many would opt for using an email or having a face-to-face discussion. But we understand that quitting can be an intense experience and some people would prefer to just avoid the potential conflict involved.
So, to make things easier and more convenient for you, this guide will discuss a few ways you could inform your boss about quitting your job by means of text.
Can You Quit Your Job With a Text Message?
It is possible to resign from a seasonal or part-time job over text where your client doesn’t expect you to give two-weeks’ notice. However, if you’re quitting a more permanent job, then it would be better to use a formal method and approach your employer directly.
Keep in mind that if you’re quitting a job with a disagreeable or toxic environment, then nobody blames you if you don’t want to have a face-to-face conversation with your boss. It can bring up stuff you don’t wish to rehash or get into.
Even for a permanent job, quitting through a text is acceptable as long as you let your boss know that you will also be submitting a formal resignation letter to the Human Resources department.
You can also submit the resignation letter two weeks before the effective resignation date to ensure your employer or the HR department doesn’t make a fuss.
In this case, the text message will be a preliminary communication that an employee provides to their HR department or employer. Reviewing your employment contract and checking the termination clauses is also imperative to ensure you are on the right track.
Quitting a Job With a Text – Is it Unprofessional?
Suppose you have worked in a company for a few years and have grown professionally. In that case, the proper way to resign from a job with that organization is either through a formal letter with two-weeks’ notice or by having a face-to-face conversation with your HR manager or boss. This is especially the case if your work environment was welcoming and your co-workers and employers have been good to you.
Leaving an organization that has treated you with dignity short-staffed would be unprofessional. Furthermore, this will reflect poorly on your reputation and may even make it difficult for you to get a new job.
News travels fast in the same field, and if you plan to approach a new employer you may find you now have a reputation as someone who is unpredictable or ungrateful.
So, before you send off that text, think this through. You may be regarded as unreliable and unprofessional by potential future employers.
However, it is understandable that dropping a resignation text may seem like the only option in some cases. That may be acceptable, but in that case make sure it looks and sounds professional by the language you use.
How to Quit a Job Over a Text Message
If a formal resignation letter is out of the question, you can still quit your job with a text message politely and formally.
Here ARE A FEW USEFUL TIPS THAT MAY HELP
Step 1 – Craft Your Message Thoughtfully
You’re mistaken if you think you can do this in a single line. You must show respect to your employer or HR manager by crafting a message that explains why you want to quit the job. You can be brief but try not to be vague.
Use simple and easy-to-understand language with a brief explanation. Don’t go into too many unnecessary details and keep your text message to the point. It will help if you also express gratitude for being part of the team and for the opportunities offered to you by your employer.
If you think it is appropriate, you can let your boss know that you have a new job offer that you’d like to pursue and that it is time for you to move ahead.
Step 2 – Apologize for Not Providing a Formal Resignation Letter
It may seem complicated, but it won’t hurt if you apologize for resorting to an improper way of resignation. For example, tell your boss how you couldn’t send a resignation letter for personal reasons and how sorry you are for that.
This will leave a good impression, and you won’t have burned all your bridges.
Your acknowledgment of using an informal way to quit your job will let your employers know you’re aware of this gaffe. However, they will hopefully let it slide, and you might even hope that they will recommend you in the future.
Step 3 – Be Respectful
This tip is not just restricted to quitting a job with a text message but all other channels as well. Whether you’re resigning through a formal letter or a text message, it is of the utmost importance that you remain respectful and polite throughout the proceedings.
However, it is understandable that instant messaging will have its shortcomings and limitations when addressing an important matter.
There isn’t much you can say with these short messages. So make your concise message as respectful as possible, so the reader will notice the element of respect at first glance.
Step 4 – Keep It Concise and Polite
Regardless of your social media app, don’t send a series of text messages. Instead, restrict it to a single text. Sending too many messages in one go can irritate your boss, and you may end up parting ways on bad terms.
If you’re confused about what to write, draft a message on paper first so you can easily edit it. You don’t want to accidentally tap “send” on your phone with a half-finished message. Although you can still remove that message, it won’t look great.
The best approach is to draft your message on paper, read it carefully, revise it if necessary, and then send it to your boss.
Step 5 – Be Friendly but Not Too Casual
You can be friendly when you’re writing your resignation text, but this doesn’t mean you should become too informal with your former manager. Also, avoid using shorthand like IMO or ASAP. It looks unprofessional, especially when you’re trying to craft a replacement for a resignation letter.
Use the same format in the text that you would use if typing a business letter. For example, don’t use “ur” instead of “your.” Be just as professional as you are when crafting professional emails. The only difference here is that you’re doing this in a text.
Also, use a subject line for your text message to inform your boss about your text. It will draw your boss’s attention to the text message, and they will then be more focused when reading it. Finally, avoid using emojis when you’re writing your text. This will make your resignation look more informal than it already is.
So, be professional and avoid using the auto-correct facility. Proofread your message before tapping send, and you’re good.
Adding Two-Weeks’ Notice in Your Text
If you want to add a formal notice in your text message, there is an effortless and straightforward way to do it. Send a brief text to your boss explaining why and when you are resigning from your job.
Instead of asking to arrange a formal meeting for discussion, you can list your reasons for resigning in the text, such as briefly informing them about a family emergency or any personal issues you are not at liberty to discuss.
If your contract mentions submitting a formal resignation letter to the HR manager, you can indicated that you will be submitting one soon. Inform them about the notice period as discussed in the contract. Also, let them know what will be your last day at the office.
Quitting a Job Without Notice Period
Discussing a notice period with your employer isn’t always necessary as long as it is not mentioned as mandatory in your signing contract.
You should apologize to your boss sincerely for quitting abruptly. Tell them that you couldn’t foresee the resignation due to a personal problem, which is why you’re sending the text, and that unfortunately this is as much notice as you can give them.
You may not know this but quitting a job over text without prior notice is quite prevalent. But you should try to resign in a manner which allows you to remain on good terms with your current boss for a smooth transition to your next job.
People working on temporary or seasonal jobs often quit without notice, which has a beautiful simplicity. Just inform your boss why you have to quit the job, provide them with sufficient reasons, and be grateful for your good relationship with the organization.
You can also talk about how great it has been working with the organization, just so your boss knows you have always been grateful for working with them.
Be friendly, and if you’re going to collect your last paycheck at the office, don’t forget to bid farewell to your colleagues if you shared a positive relationship with them.
Quitting a Temporary Job Over Text
There is not much difference between quitting a temporary or permanent job with a text message. But, resigning your job by means of a text with a company you have added value to for years might seem inappropriate unless your text to your boss is followed by a resignation letter to HR.
However, it is obviously easier to quit a temporary job by text where you haven’t spent much time and haven’t become a valuable part of that company.
Still, even if you’re signing off with a temporary company, don’t forget to express gratitude in your text and let your boss know it was a great learning curve for you. Write as briefly as possible and that’s it.
Final Thoughts
To quit a job over text might seem a bit over the top, but it can be done. You need to be cautious about the manner in which you resign with an SMS and be very considerate about what language you choose.
People quit a job by text message all the time. It is, of course, not the perfect exit, but it depends on how you convey your message to your company which will leave a lasting impression. Resigning in person can be difficult and stressful for a lot of people. They fear possible confrontation and difficult explanations, which is why they choose to resign with a letter or a text.
You can use either, however you see fit.
First, go over the termination clauses in your contract to make sure of the resignation terms. Then, quit your job as gracefully as possible, regardless of whether your current position was with a minor or multinational company.
Use the tips we have mentioned above wisely to quit your job over text, and you will be able to make a smooth exit.