If you feel that a life situations resignation letter won’t suffice, please check out our other letter samples. We provide useful two weeks notice formats that help your departure, and also offer concrete career specific reasons for your departure. For a complete collection of resignation letters, please check out our comprehensive database of letter templates.
SEE ALSO > Letter of Recommendation Samples and Writing Guide
Table of Contents: Life Situations Letter of Resignation Templates
- Retirement-Related Resignation Letter Sample
- Immediate Notice Resignation Letter Sample
- Short Notice Resignation Letter Sample
- Heartfelt Resignation Letter Sample
- Return to School Resignation Letter Sample
- Illness-Related Resignation Letter Sample
- Family-Related Resignation Letter Sample
1. Retirement-Related Resignation Letter Sample
If you’re considering retirement or on the verge of announcing your big decision, make sure you have a strong resignation letter to accompany your departure. 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 will resign and when followed by a short discussion of your feelings regarding your career. Your colleagues will expect some sentimentality, so feel free to open up a little bit.
Remember to include your name and address followed by the date, company name, address, and name of addressee.
A retirement resignation letter is ideal for situations where:
- You feel you need to show a level of professionalism and respect.
- You need to formalize your retirement announcement.
- Want to show appreciation towards your colleagues, company, and career.
Click Here to Download This | MS Word Letter
Retirement-Related 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 [Resignation Date].
I have given considerable thought to this significant decision over the past year, but I feel this is the right time to retire. I am proud to have achieved so much with such fine and respectable peers 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 as part of the company. I wish all of my colleagues the best and am certain that [Company Name] will continue to grow and be successful.
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]
2. Immediate Notice Resignation Letter Sample
Life events can come out of nowhere. Without warning, you may need to resign from a position. In these cases, a formal resignation letter is better than nothing.
In these types of letters, adding clarification into the reasons behind your departure will help your manager process your sudden departure. So feel free to include a reason in your letter.
The type of letter is designed to show respect and appreciation to your manager. You can show this in a separate paragraph detailing your experiences in your role.
Remember to include your name and address followed by the date, company name, address, and name of addressee.
A short notice letter is ideal for situations where:
- You suddenly have to leave your company.
- You want to show appreciation towards your manager.
- You want to leave your position in a professional manner.
Click Here to Download This | MS Word Letter
Immediate-Related 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 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 great opportunities to pursue my interests in numerous areas, which have prepared me well for my next challenge.
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]
3. Short Notice Sample
Sometimes you will have less than two weeks to announce your departure from a position. Even if you have given less than a two weeks notice, you can still depart from your company in a professional manner. In the end, a formal announcement of your resignation is better than no notice at all.
An abrupt announcement is bound to raise questions, so if you think that a reason would add clarification, feel free to include a reason in your letter.
Also, this letter is meant to show appreciation to your manager. Given that providing short notice will likely cause problems for your manager, this letter may help soften the blow. Submitting this type of letter is a professional overture that shows courtesy in a tight spot.
Remember to include your name and address followed by the date, company name, address, and name of addressee.
A short notice letter is ideal for situations where:
- You suddenly have to leave your company.
- You want to show appreciation towards your manager.
- You want to leave your position in a professional manner.
Click Here to Download This | MS Word Letter
Short Notice 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 formal resignation from [Position Name] effective [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 great opportunities to pursue my interests in numerous areas, which have prepared me well for my next challenge.
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 Sample
At some point in your career, you will have to leave a good company and good team for career advancement or for other reasons. After you have made the difficult decision to move on, a heartfelt resignation letter will allow you to express your deep bond with the company and the team.
The tone of this piece is its defining characteristic. It is meant to convey gratitude and, obviously, heartfelt emotions about leaving. While sincere emotions are a major part of writing this letter, don’t go overboard with your feelings or mention too many details. A melodramatic letter will come off as insincere.
Remember, this is still a resignation letter, so be sure to include your name and address followed by the date, company name, address, and name of addressee.
A heartfelt notice letter is ideal for situations where:
- You feel emotional about leaving your company.
- You want to display a deep bond towards your manager and your team.
- You want to be to be remembered as a professional.
Click Here to Download This | MS Word Letter
Heartfelt 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 formal resignation from [Position Name] effective [Resignation Date].
This announcement comes 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 the most rewarding work experiences in my life. I will greatly miss my teammates and friends made in other departments. All this was possible due to the unique culture at [Company Name].
I am deeply appreciative of the numerous opportunities to build skills in numerous areas. I feel better prepared 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. Return to School Sample
Returning to school to further your education is a common reason to resign from your current position. Earning a higher degree or certification will almost always result in an increase in salary and improve your chances of jumpstarting your career. You’ll need a return to school letter of resignation to professionally announce your intention resign.
Be prepared for your manager to try to persuade you to remain. However, if you are determined to return to school, you can give them this letter and make it official. This letter shows a level of respect while conveying your passion and commitment to the field. If you play your cards right, you may benefit greatly if your previous manager communicates great things about you with players in your field.
Remember to include your name and address followed by the date, company name, address, and name of addressee.
A return to school resignation letter is helpful because:
- You have shown a level of professionalism and respect towards your manager.
- Shows your passion towards your career, which may help you down the line.
Click Here to Download This | MS Word Letter
Return to School 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 [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 help 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 far into the future.
I’m especially thankful for the opportunity to build a professional network within our industry. Likewise, 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]
[Position Name] [Church Name]
6. Illness-Related Sample
Leaving a position due to health concerns is always a sensitive and emotional experience. Make sure you write a letter that properly conveys the gravity of your situation. An illness resignation letter is an acceptable form of notification to your employer. The tone and level of detail of the content are free for you to choose.
Again, you are under no obligation to disclose the reasons for your resignation. Should you feel comfortable sharing some general details regarding your health, you may follow the format above.
Remember to include your name and address followed by the date, company name, address, and name of addressee.
An illness resignation letter is helpful when:
- You need to communicate that your health concerns are keeping you from performing your day-to-day responsibilities.
- Want to show appreciation towards your manager, colleagues, and company.
Click Here to Download This | MS Word Letter
Illness-Related 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 for some time and feel it would be best to focus on recovery. Unfortunately, it has become clear that I am unable to meet my duties and expectations as [Position Name]. It is therefore in the best interest of all parties that I resign.
I have been very fortunate to be given 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]
7. Family-Related Sample
Taking care of a family member in need is a difficult time for anyone, especially for those who try to balance caregiving with full-time work. Make sure that you properly tie affairs up with your current employer in order to take care of your loved one.
A family related letter of resignation is an effective way to help your employer understand your motivations while keeping the door open for future possibilities.
While it may not be possible, try to give your manager an advanced notification of two weeks or more. However, most managers will understand if you need to leave suddenly.
Remember to include your name and address followed by the date, company name, address, and name of addressee.
A family related resignation letter is effective because:
- It shows thoughtfulness and professional courtesy if you take the time to write and submit this letter, despite being under a great deal of stress.
- Allows a possible open door towards you returning to your position once your situation has been resolved.
Click Here to Download This | MS Word Letter
Family-Related 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].
I have been working with my partner to help them battle a chronic illness for some time now. Recently, their illness has 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 personally thankful for the professional opportunities offered to me while 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]
Jerri Meador
How do I get rid of the yellow highlights on the finished copy?
Great letters too!
Jess Chen
Hi Jerri!
Thank you! Glad you found our letters helpful.
After downloading the free MS Word version of the resignation letter, use your word processor to remove the yellow highlights.
Hope this helps!
—The RG Team