Sometimes unexpected life situations force us to suddenly leave a job. In such circumstances, explaining why you need to quit can be difficult.
The best way to get this challenging conversation started with your employer is by writing a resignation letter. Here are seven resignation letter templates designed for specific life situations to help you write your own letter:
- Immediate-notice resignation letter template
- Retirement resignation letter template
- Short-notice resignation letter template
- Heartfelt resignation letter template
- Health-related resignation letter template
- Family-related resignation letter template
- Return-to-school resignation letter template
1. Immediate-notice resignation letter template
Sometimes you need to resign from a position without warning. While your manager will be surprised by your sudden exit, a well-written resignation letter that explains your situation can soften the blow.
If you’re experiencing personal issues, you don’t need to provide all the details. Just say that a personal matter is forcing you to leave, and apologize for the inconvenience your departure is causing.
Here’s an immediate resignation letter template you can customize to fit your circumstances:
Download Immediate-Notice Resignation Letter Template (Word)
Immediate-Notice Resignation Letter (Text Format)
Immediate Letter of Resignation
[Your Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]
_______________________________________________________________________________________________[Today’s Date][Company Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
Please accept this letter as my notice of formal resignation from [Position Name], effective immediately.
I sincerely apologize for the abrupt timing of this announcement, however, due to unforeseen circumstances, I have decided to resign.
Thank you for the opportunities you have given me to pursue my interests in numerous areas. They have prepared me well for the challenges ahead, and I am grateful.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance during the transition period. I wish you and the company the very best going forward.
Sincerely,[Your Signature][Your Name]
2. Retirement resignation letter template
If you’re considering retirement or are about to announce your big decision, have your resignation letter ready. A retirement letter of resignation can provide perfect and professional closure to your career.
A proper retirement letter begins with a formal declaration that you’ll resign, followed by a short discussion of your feelings about your career. Your colleagues will expect some sentimentality, so feel free to open up a little bit.
Here’s a resignation letter template that you can adapt for your retirement announcement:
Download Retirement Resignation Letter Template (Word)
Retirement Resignation Letter (Text Format)
Retirement Letter of Resignation
[Your Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]
_______________________________________________________________________________________________[Today’s Date][Company Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to inform you that I will be formally retiring, effective as of [Resignation Date].
I have given considerable thought to this decision over the past year, and I feel this is the right time to retire. I am proud to have achieved so much with such commendable and respectable peers in these past [# of years employed] years.
I sincerely appreciate [Company Name]’s support during my long tenure. Because of our shared accomplishments, I will always consider myself part of the company. I wish all of my colleagues the very best, and am certain that [Company Name] will continue to grow in success.
Please let me know when you would like to meet to further discuss my resignation. I’d be happy to provide any additional assistant to enable a smooth transition.
Sincerely,[Your Signature][Your Name]
3. Short-notice resignation letter template
Even if you don’t have time to give the expected two weeks’ notice, you can still leave your company in a professional way by submitting a formal letter announcing your resignation.
Providing short notice will likely cause problems for your manager, so explain why you’re unable to wait to leave your position if you feel comfortable sharing.
The below resignation letter template will help you sincerely apologize to your manager for leaving on such short notice:
Download Short-Notice Resignation Letter Template (Word)
Short-Notice Resignation Letter (Text Format)
Short Notice Resignation Letter
[Your Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]
_______________________________________________________________________________________________[Today’s Date][Company Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
Please accept this letter as my notice of formal resignation from [Position Name], effective as of [Resignation Date].
I sincerely apologize for the abrupt timing of this announcement, however due to unforeseen circumstances, I have decided to resign.
Thank you for the opportunities you have given me to pursue my interests in numerous areas. They have prepared me well for the challenges ahead, and I am grateful.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance during the transition period. I wish you and the company the very best going forward.
Sincerely,[Your Signature][Your Name]
4. Heartfelt resignation letter template
At some point in your career, you may have to leave a good team for career-specific reasons or an unexpected life situation. After you make the difficult decision to quit, write a heartfelt resignation letter to express your feelings about leaving.
While sincere emotions are a major part of writing this letter, don’t overstate your feelings or mention too many details. An exaggerated letter will come off as insincere.
Download this heartfelt resignation letter template and customize it to thank your ex-coworkers and express how much you’ll miss them:
Download Heartfelt Resignation Letter Template (Word)
Heartfelt Resignation Letter (Text Format)
Heartfelt Resignation Letter
[Your Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]
_______________________________________________________________________________________________[Today’s Date][Company Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
Please accept this letter as my notice of formal resignation from [Position Name], effective as of [Resignation Date].
I make this announcement with a heavy heart, as I have sincerely enjoyed my time at [Company Name]. With your guidance and mentorship, this position has been one of my most rewarding work experiences. I will greatly miss my teammates and colleagues across all departments.
I am deeply appreciative of the numerous opportunities you have provided to build skills in numerous areas. I leave knowing I am better equipped to face my next position’s challenges. I look forward to reconnecting in the future.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance during the transition period. I wish you and the company the very best going forward.
Sincerely,[Your Signature][Your Name]
5. Health-related resignation letter template
Leaving a position due to health concerns? Write a resignation letter that properly communicates the seriousness of your situation.
Remember that you aren’t required to share specific health reasons for your resignation. Just give general details about your health to avoid making you or your manager feel uncomfortable.
Use this health-related resignation letter template as a guide to create your own:
Download Health-Related Resignation Letter Template (Word)
Health-Related Resignation Letter (Text Format)
Illness Resignation Letter
[Your Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]
_______________________________________________________________________________________________[Today’s Date][Company Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to inform you of my resignation from [Position Name] at [Company Name], effective [Resignation Date].
I will be resigning due to a number of worsening health complications and feel it would be best to focus on recovery. Unfortunately, it has become clear that under these circumstances I am unable to satisfactorily perform my duties as [Position Name]. It is therefore in the best interest of all parties that I resign.
I’ve been very fortunate to have had the fantastic opportunities to grow and make lifelong friends during my time at [Company Name]. Thank you so much for your guidance and support during my tenure.
Please let me know how I can be of help during the transition period. I wish you and the company the very best going forward.
Sincerely,[Your Signature][Your Name]
6. Family-related resignation letter template
Quitting a job to take care of a family member in need can be difficult for you and your employer. Ensure that you properly leave your company by writing a resignation letter.
A family-related letter of resignation can help your employer understand your situation and keep the door open for a possible return.
Try to give your boss an advanced notification of two weeks or more if you’re able to do so. However, most managers will understand if you need to leave suddenly.
Here’s a family-related resignation letter template you can change to match your specific situation:
Download Family-Related Resignation Letter Template (Word)
Family-Related Resignation Letter (Text Format)
Family-Related Resignation Letter
[Your Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]
_______________________________________________________________________________________________[Today’s Date][Company Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to inform you of my resignation from [Position Name] at [Company Name], effective [Resignation Date].
As you know, I have been caring for my partner as they battle a chronic illness for some time now. Unfortunately, their illness has recently begun to worsen and I will no longer be able to balance both my professional responsibilities and my duties as a partner. I am therefore resigning to take up full-time caregiver responsibilities.
I’m especially thankful for the tremendous amount of support you have shown my family and I during this time. I am also personally thankful for the professional opportunities you have offered to me during my time at [Company Name].
Please let me know how I may be of assistance in training my replacement. I am here to help make the transition as smooth as possible for you and the team.
Sincerely,[Your Signature][Your Name]
7. Return-to-school resignation letter template
If you’re leaving your job to further your education, you need a return-to-school letter of resignation to professionally announce your intention to resign.
Even if you’re planning to use your education to land a job at a different company, you may need a letter of recommendation from your current supervisor. So write a resignation letter that thanks them for hiring you and guiding you to this point in your career.
To emphasize your gratitude, consider sending your employer a thank you letter after they accept your resignation.
The following resignation letter template is perfect for telling your manager you’re leaving work and going back to school:
Download Return-to-School Resignation Letter Template (Word)
Return-to-School Resignation Letter (Text Format)
Return-to-School Resignation Letter
[Your Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]
_______________________________________________________________________________________________[Today’s Date][Company Name][1234 Street Address][City, State, Zip]Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to inform you of my resignation from [Position Name] at [Company Name], effective as of [Resignation Date].
I have decided to return to school to pursue an advanced degree. While it has been a difficult decision for me to leave [Company Name], I feel that an advanced degree will allow me to deepen my understanding of the field and expand my career prospects.
I can’t thank you enough for providing tremendous support over these past few years. Because of your mentorship, I have discovered a passion that I will carry with me far into the future.
I’m especially thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to build a professional network within our industry. I sincerely hope that you and I can work together in the future.
Please let me know how I may be of assistance in training my replacement. I am here to help make the transition as smooth as possible for you and the team.
Sincerely,[Your Signature][Your Name]
