How can I leave my job?

Leaving a job can bring its own set of difficulties as you can often feel guilty for leaving the people you have been working with or you may be leaving under negative circumstances. Regardless of why you are leaving your job it is best to leave in a way which is right for you and leaves you with a good reference from your old employer.

Issues to think about before quitting

Before leaving your job there are a couple of things that you should consider. Firstly it is important to understand your own reasons for wanting to leave a job, if you think you may be having a bad day or week then you should give yourself some time to cool off before deciding to leave. If you are certain that it is the right decision to make for you then think about what your options will be once you leave and whether you will be entitled to unemployment benefits or if quitting your job could affect visa if you are on one. 

When you have decided to leave your job

• If you are leaving your job on bad terms still try to stay professional 
• Unless you have reason to do so don’t leave without giving your notice first 
• Ask your employer for a reference before you leave 
• Return any keys or items which belong to your workplace before you leave

It is best to find some time to talk to your boss one on one when you decided to leave. It is up to you at what stage of the day you decide to give your notice but if you feel that either you or your boss might become upset then leaving it until the end of your work day is probably your best option. Handing in a notice can be difficult so try to be confident in your decision and remember that it is both your professional and personal decision to make. 

Bullying or harassment at work 

Although it is best to leave a job in a professional manner in some cases this is not possible and it is best to remove yourself from the workspace as soon as possible. Legally all employers are obliged to stop harassment or bullying at work and if you are being mistreated or harassed it is important to know your rights in that situation. For more information on bullying or harassment in the workplace click here. 

Finding a new job 

Before deciding to leave your job it is best to start looking for a new one so that you know what is available and where you might be able to work. It can take to find new work so it is also a good idea to look into whether you are entitled to any social welfare benefits. For more information about Jobseeker’s Allowance and Jobseeker’s Benefit click here. 

Visit our Employment section for more information on your rights in the work place, updating your CV and finding a new job.

Need more information?

We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Our online chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Chat to us now about your situation.

• Chat now to a trained Youth Information Officer
• Or leave us a message and we will email you back