Stop Lying on Your Resignation Letter

Image by “I write like a 3 year old” DALL-E.

So, you've been grinding away in the professional world for a while, huh? Chances are, you've had the delightful experience of working in a place where the culture, for lack of a better term, sucks. The boss is a tyrant, your career growth is slower than a snail's pace, and your schedule is as flexible as a concrete slab. When it’s finally time to say goodbye, let's admit it, our resignation letters often read like a Hallmark card compared to the grim reality.

The Art of Polite Fibbing in Resignation Letters

There’s a fine line between being polite and telling outright lies in a resignation letter. Here’s the typical resignation spiel:

1. You announce your departure and provide an exit date.

2. You thank them for the “opportunities.”

3. You offer to help with the transition.

Now, the first and third points are a breeze, but the second? That’s where you need to channel your inner thesaurus. You’ve endured endless unchanging hours and yet, you’re somehow grateful for their “consideration.” Your paycheck hardly saw any growth, but hey, thanks for the “professional development!” And despite the office being a hub of gossip, you commend their “stellar management.” It’s all about being polite—or at least, making sure your reference letter doesn’t read like a list of your worst moments.

If you’re drafting this letter, you’ve probably secured a new gig. So, let’s dive into the reality of writing that resignation:

Step-by-Step Guide to MY WAY of Doing Resignation Letters

1. State Your Position and Exit Date

   • Business as usual. Keep it simple: “I am resigning from my position as [Your Position] effective [Exit Date].”

2. Give the Real Reasons — Tactfully

   • This is where you get creative. If the company’s flexibility with family time was as rare as a unicorn sighting, phrase it like: “I am seeking opportunities that better align with my need for work-life balance.”

3. Nod to the Positives — Briefly and Honestly

   • Keep this part short. “I appreciate the chance to work on [specific project].” Translation: “I’m grateful for that one project that didn’t make me want to pull my hair out.”

4. Thank Them — Because Manners Matter

   • Despite everything, end with a note of thanks. “Thank you for the experiences I’ve gained during my time here.” Internally, you’re thanking them for teaching you exactly what to avoid in the future.

5. Offer Transition Help — Standard Procedure

   • Be the bigger person and offer your help. “I am happy to assist in the transition process over the next [notice period].” This reads better than “Good luck finding someone else to put up with this nonsense.”

Example Resignation Letter

Imagine you’re quitting because of a soul-crushing company culture and a career that’s stuck in quicksand. Here’s how that resignation might read:

Wrapping It Up

Resigning from a job with grace and honesty doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your sanity. By weaving in a bit of tactful honesty and maintaining politeness, you can leave your old job with your dignity—and humor—intact. After all, the best way to walk away from a less-than-ideal job is with a smile on your face and a witty resignation letter in hand.