1. Career development
2. How To Quit a Job You Just Started

By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated June 8, 2022 | Published February 25, 2020

Updated June 8, 2022

Published February 25, 2020

Related: How To Know When To Leave: 15 Signs It’s Time To Quit Your Job

In this video, we’ll expose 15 warning signs that flag it might be time to quit your job.

Starting a new job can sometimes result in feelings of regret, and you may begin to question if it's really the right fit for you. If the desire to leave the new job wins out, you'll need to do so respectfully and skillfully to avoid damaging yourself professionally. In this article, we give you tips on how and when to quit a new job.

When to quit a job you just started

No matter how carefully you research a company before accepting a job offer, there may be circumstances when the new position or the new company isn’t a good fit for you. Here are some common reasons why you may decide to quit a new job:

• The work environment is not a good fit

• You have health concerns

• The commute is not what you expected

• There are scheduling issues with your work hours

• You need to relocate

Related: How to Know When to Quit Without Notice and Resign Professionally

Checklist for quitting a job you just started

If you’ve decided that your new job isn’t a fit and the issues can’t be resolved, then you’ll want to quit your job in a professional way. Here are the steps you can take to quit your new role:

1. Start job hunting

Being unemployed can be difficult, especially if you don't have another job lined up, so it is best to look for a job while you are still employed. Recruiters understand that some jobs are just not a good fit, so be sure you are ready to answer questions about why you are leaving your new job. Prepare a good response without saying anything negative about your company, as it might discourage some recruiters.

2. Draft your resignation letter

You should be prepared to submit a resignation letter when you quit your new job. Make sure your letter has a positive and professional tone and include the effective date of your resignation. It’s standard to give at least two weeks’ notice when you can.

You don't need to give a specific reason for leaving unless you want to. For example, if you need to relocate to a new city and your reason has nothing to do with the new job. Avoid saying anything negative in your letter, and express your gratitude for the opportunity they gave you.

Use a professional business format and don't forget to sign the letter.

Related: How to Give Two Weeks' Notice (With Examples)

3. Submit your resignation personally

Make sure you submit your resignation personally to your supervisor to show respect. You will probably also need to explain why you are choosing to resign from the job. Be prepared, as your supervisor might ask you to stay by suggesting solutions to your problems. Companies don't like wasting resources, and they usually do what they can to encourage employees to stay. Before you talk to your supervisor, make sure you are decisive about leaving and be ready with a response.

4. Keep doing your best

Make sure you keep a good relationship with your colleagues while you are still working for the company. Leaving the company doesn't mean you shouldn't try to do your best while performing your job, and you are still being paid for your best efforts.

5. Reflect and move forward

Resigning from a job can often be a cause for reflection on what your career aspirations are and how to effectively achieve your goals. Try to examine your experience for lessons learned so that your next job role will be a better fit.

Related: How To Explain Your Reasons for Leaving a Job (With Examples)

Related: First Impressions Mistake: Going in Knowing Everything

In this video, Jenn, an Indeed Career Coach, explains how to prepare for your first day, and shares why it’s not a good idea to go in knowing everything in your new job.

Consequences of quitting a job you just started

Below are some things to consider when deciding whether to leave a job:

You may get denylisted

There is always a possibility that a new employee gets blacklisted, also known as denylisted, by a company and its affiliates for resigning from a job they have just started. Companies invest money and time in the hiring process , so they may attempt to prevent you from applying to future openings if they consider you to be a potential financial burden for attempting to leave a new job again.

You can damage your professional reputation

Leaving a newly acquired job can be detrimental to your next job application. Recruiters might conclude you are unreliable, and if you include it on your resume, your interviewer will ask why you left after such a short period. 

Moreover, your resignation may leave a bad impression on your colleagues. Your workload will likely be distributed to—and unwillingly accepted by—your colleagues. Also, they might not understand your reasons for such a quick departure.

It can put you in a difficult financial situation

Leaving a job before you even receive your first paycheck could result in having to divert money from your savings to pay your financial obligations. It’s always advisable to look for other work before you quit. However, if you really must resign as soon as possible, planning it out and ensuring you leave the company with tact and respect will leave the door as wide open as possible for your next job.

Related:

Related: First Impressions Mistake: Waiting for People to Get in Touch with You

In this video, Jenn, an Indeed Career Coach, explains how to prepare for your first day, and explains the common first impression mistake that people make at a new job of waiting for people to get in touch with you.