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Rage Resignation? How to Write an Immediate Resignation Letter

It's time to quit the job, and you're not giving two weeks' notice. Here's how to politely write a resignation letter, effective immediately.

By Caileen Kehayas Holden
September 30, 2024

So, do you need an immediate resignation letter? You've come to the right place.

I wrote an "effective immediately" resignation once, after enduring six weeks of a job that, to put it politely, didn't match the job description.

As someone who gives career advice for a living, I can't really recommend rage quitting your job on the spot. However, as someone brought to her edge at a job, I understand the moment where you simply say, enough.

Typically, it's customary to give two weeks' notice when leaving a job. This gives your employer time to find a replacement and get everything in order. However, while most employees give notice, some employers dismiss the employee on the same day.

So, it really is up to you.

Why We Resign Immediately

When you know you need to resign immediately, you know. It's in the pit of your gut, and it is heavy.

Folks immediately resign when they feel disrespected, overlooked, misunderstood, or abused. While financial strains are very real, the thought of enduring another week of this psychologically horrific job was terrifying.

Reasons Employees Quit Effective Immediately

Toxic Work Environment
Unfair Treatment
Burnout
Health Issues
Inadequate Compensation
Personal Reasons
Job Dissatisfaction
Lack of Appreciation
Poor Leadership
Ethical Concerns
Job Insecurity
No Work-Life Balance
Inadequate Training and Support
Unexpected Life Events
Job Dissolution or Restructuring

In my case, I was working a job for a married influencer couple. Unbeknownst to me, they seemed to believe that folks on their payroll were also their 24/7 employees, marriage therapists, and drinking buddies. There was no difference between a content marketer and a grocery fetcher.

Somehow, I had to drive through dense LA traffic to their home two or three times a day. Another coworker, whose title was in sales, was often asked to make doctor's appointments for our boss's children. I received angry phone calls, one-liner emails, and rage texts around the clock. While no pay grade can justify weird and borderline abusive behavior, mine was nowhere near a "24/7 access salary."

I've worked in the hospitality industry for years—in busy, tourist-packed restaurants. I was no stranger to rude people, busy days, and picking up slack where needed. This was very different.

In my circumstance, I was broken down pretty easily. While I had a part-time freelance job to help, I quit without a real backup plan. However, the alternative was to continue to feel attacked. If it was this bad less than two months in, it probably wouldn't get any better.

What About Burning Professional Bridges?

Personally, I felt this particular professional bridge was in disrepair.

I had no problem burning this bridge on the way out because I didn't want to be associated with it. I have never listed it on my LinkedIn or reconnected with my former employers. However, I did make sure to quit on a Friday so that I wasn't inconveniencing my coworkers, who were amazing people.

My Real Resignation Letter Effective Immediately

By my sixth week, I was pulling 16-hour days putting together Ikea-level complicated furniture. I don't know if you've read the job description for an SEO-focused content marketer lately, but this wasn't it.

I wrote this resignation letter on Friday evening.

Subject: Resignation

Hello [BOSSES NAMES + TEAM],

I am sure you already know, as I discussed with [HR REPRESENTATIVE], but I am resigning from [COMPANY NAME] team effective today.

I appreciate the opportunity, but I believe this particular position is best suited for someone whose dedicated specialty is not in content marketing and SEO.

I have no doubt in my mind that [COMPANY NAME] will be successful in the future. You have beautiful products and a wonderful, hardworking team in place.

Thank you,
Caileen Kehayas

I kept this resignation letter short because, as my mom says, "If you don't have anything nice to say..." I followed up with an exit interview with two other managers. Did my exit interview result in any change? I doubt it, but one can hope!

More Resignation Letter Templates

If you're considering leaving a position you've held for a while, you might include more details in your letter. This template provides more detailed information.

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to inform you of my immediate resignation from my position at [Company Name]. After careful consideration, I have decided that it is in my best interest to conclude my employment with [Company Name] effective immediately.

This decision is not made lightly, and I appreciate the opportunities and experiences I have gained during my time with the company. However, due to [briefly mention reason for resignation, if comfortable], I believe that leaving at this time is the most suitable course of action.

I understand the importance of a smooth transition, and I am committed to ensuring that my departure causes the least disruption possible. I am willing to assist in training a replacement or provide any necessary information during the transition period.

I would like to express my gratitude for the support and opportunities I have received while working at [Company Name]. I have enjoyed working with the team and have learned a great deal during my tenure.

I wish [Company Name] continued success, and I hope that my departure will not inconvenience the team. I am grateful for the relationships I have built here and appreciate the understanding of my decision.

Thank you for the understanding, and I hope that we can part on amicable terms. Please feel free to reach out if there are any formalities or procedures I need to complete in relation to my departure.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Finally, here's another brief, to-the-point, immediate resignation sample. Press send and go if you're fine with burning this particularly shoddy bridge and walking out with your head held high.

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to resign from my position at [Company Name], effective immediately. I appreciate the opportunities during my time here but have decided this is the best course for my personal and professional well-being.

I appreciate your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

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Caileen Kehayas Holden

Caileen is an experienced content creator with a demonstrated history of working to achieve healthy and organic growth. Enthusiastically skilled in SEO, content strategy, and creating evergreen, valuable, and actionable content Caileen has been working for over two decades in content strategy and writing for career-oriented startups. Caileen is passionate about writing content to help folks determine the best career for their ever-changing lives—especially mid-career professionals who find their career needs changing due to parenthood, values, and ambitions.

Caileen's advice has been featured by Thrive Global, FlexJobs, Microsoft, WeWork, The Ladders, FastCompany, and more.