How To (Respectfully) Quit A Job You Just Started (+do this next)

Modern-day workers tend to stay in jobs for an average duration of just over four years. Furthermore, just under half of all employees believe that future employers would view quick quitting as a red flag. Generally speaking, then, it is a procedure that should be approached with caution.

While quick quitting may be viewed as a last resort, you should not rule it out. The Great Resignation has equipped workers with the inner confidence to quit under the right circumstances – and this can extend to people that have only spent a short time with their current employer.

Valid reasons to quit your new job

Before quitting a new job, you should always confirm that the reason for taking this measure is valid. Aside from enabling you to prepare for potentially difficult questions during future job applications, confirming that it is the right time to quit will allow you to resign without regret.

Here are just some of the valid reasons that may lead you to quit.

Signs of a toxic work environment

The most common reason for wanting to quit a new job is that the company culture isn’t a good fit. The signs of a toxic working environment are primarily linked to team dynamics or poor management. A high staff turnover rate or examples of other new employees quitting shortly after taking the job are also telling symptoms of a place that you’ll want to leave.

The genuine company culture isn’t something you can judge until you experience it as an employee. But if it is toxic, you’ll want to plan a quick escape.

The job isn’t what was advertised

When you accept a job, the decision is made based on the job description provided by your employer. If you have found that your responsibilities or work hours are noticeably different from what was advertised, it is a valid reason to quit the job. Or at the very least, it should be an incentive to discuss the situation with your boss. Otherwise, you will be left feeling underpaid and undervalued.

Furthermore, the sense of dishonesty will inevitably reduce your level of trust in the company and your boss.

Your life has suddenly changed

A good job is an important ingredient in the recipe for a happy life, but there are more important things too. For starters, your health comes first. If changes to your physical or mental wellness dictate that you need to resign, you should have no guilt about quitting. However, it is usually worth speaking to your HR department to see if they can accommodate your new circumstances.

Relocation or changing family dynamics, such as going through a divorce when you have kids, could force you to resign too.

Work burnout

When a job leaves you feeling unable to carry on within weeks of starting it, this is a clear indication that it isn’t the right fit for you. If you have identified the signs of work burnout, it may be necessary to quit before it takes a toll on your life. While finding a job isn’t the only potential solution to this problem, it is a very valid reason for wanting to quit a job you just started.

Ignoring the issue won’t only impact your life. It will inevitably have an indirect impact on your loved ones too. 

You have found a better opportunity

If you have been offered a better job, it may feel a little unprofessional or ungrateful to take it so soon after starting your current role. In reality, your employer would have no hesitation in replacing you if they felt it were necessary. They have their best interests in mind, and you should have no concerns about doing what is right for you. If you’ve only just started, they’ll be able to replace you in no time anyway.

Besides, the fear of not finding a new job is the main reason people hesitate to quit. In this case, you will bypass this problem.

Benefits of quitting a new job early 

Nobody wants to quit a new job prematurely, but there are several potential benefits to quick quitting. Here are six that could influence your decision;

• Quitting the wrong job may allow you to find your dream job and get your career back on track in the fastest possible time.
• Quick quitting a job may allow you to finally throw yourself into your startup – driven by the knowledge that you don’t want a repeat of this current situation. 
• If you quit a job within the first few weeks, you can omit it from your resume without causing a noticeable gap in employment.
• Leaving the job sooner may protect your mental health and quality of life – almost 15% of workers develop mental health disorders in the workplace.
• When you resign from a role early, you won’t be influenced by coworkers. It means you can make the right decision for you.
• Quitting the job early allows you to draw a line under this unfortunate situation far sooner without long-term damage to your career or lifestyle.