I was permanently laid off in June and started a new job in August.

I was permanently laid off in June and started a new job in August. I was not getting any hits and ended up taking a position in a different role than I had been doing, with a huge pay cut. I was getting nervous and bills had to be paid. Fast forward 3 months and I have two offers from other companies, putting me back in my salary range doing more what I love. How do I tell the company I am working for I am leaving? I feel guilty and kind of nervous to start over once again.

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24 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    You won't be the first nor the last person to do that. Just keep it matter of fact. You have an offer (or two) for a role that more closely aligns with your experience, background, etc. Thank them for the opportunity.

  2. Katy Walker

    Give them a two week notice paper notice , make copies for you and them or email or text but make sure you document it in case you run into problems.

  3. Anonymous

    You have nothing to be ashamed of. The other job was not in your career field, and the new one(s) is/are. If the pay cut was huge and you feel so inclined, let them know that you will now be working in your desired career field and back at the salary level you are accustomed to. However, all you need to tell them is that you are leaving and the last day you expect to work. Based on your resume, they probably expected that you would eventually leave for your desired career.

  4. Anonymous

    You really don't need to explain more than the role isn't a fit and you've accepted something more aligned with your career plans. Thank them for the opportunity and wish them well.

  5. Anonymous

    I don’t think that it is necessary to discuss that the current role isn’t a fit and that new role is better aligned.

    Just resign and thank the company for the opportunity.

  6. Anonymous

    I think the first 2 sentences you've given are more than enough and should be followed by a date for her last day. Short and sweet.

  7. Anonymous

    Why on earth would you put something in about a different salary? Unless you were hoping for the org to match it? We as women tend to over explain, to put filler information into uncomfortable conversations. Stop it! You could communicate the very same message with:

    I've accepted another job that aligns more closely with my long-term personal goals. My last day is XXX.

    The OP will NEVER work for this organization again after jumping ship within a few months of their start date. Please, lets offer actionable advice rather than this mythical hope that it will keep doors open.

  8. Lisa Palmer

    There is a nicer way to say that. My response was base on the fact that she felt guilty. You're entitled to your response and so am I. In the end, she can chose what response is best for her. I have learn never to burn bridges.

  9. Anonymous

    You are in control of your own career and you should always take shots that are going to benefit yourself.

    Of course, you will always want to be professional in situations when you are leaving jobs, like giving 2 week notices and etc. Never burn bridges, because you never know what the future holds. Although don’t feel bad for leaving a job. There are many businesses that would like to have a good quality worker for a short period of time, rather than a person who isn’t reliable.

    Try to remember every job is temporary. That means you could be in a job and then get promoted or you leave an organization to start a new job or start a new career in general. No one is going to put their career on hold for you, so you shouldn’t either.

    “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars”.

    • Norman Vincent Peale
  10. Anonymous

    No need to feel guilty! You’ve received a better offer and are understandably moving on. Your company will find a new worker to fill your job.

    Your resignation letter:

    I will be resigning from Current Company effective (insert date) to accept a new position.

    I have appreciated the opportunity to work at Current Company, and to contribute to this great team.

    Sincerely,

    ***

    If your current company asks for details, you can merely say that you have accepted a more senior position. Don’t identify the company/companies from which you have offers.

  11. Anonymous

    You just tell them that you were pursued by another company where the role has a larger scope more aligned with your interest. Don't tell them about the money. It is irrelevant. Give them a professional 2 weeks notice and if you can draft up anything you can that will help them to replace you or to guide the next person in the seat.

  12. Heather (she/her)

    You just give your notice like you would in any other situation.

  13. Alexis Gladstone

    Don't feel guilty (I know easier said than done for some of us). Take the offer and professionally resign.

    There isn't a company in the world who wouldn't hesitate to lay off any employee no matter their tenure. I had a conversation with someone this week who is getting laid off from a job she was pursued for. She's been there less than a year. It's not her performance, it's the fact she IS new.

    Good luck with your new role, whichever you choose!

  14. Jaina

    Do what is right for you. You won't be happy there for long knowing you're worth so much more & offers are out there for you. You have no committment of longevity from any company, so always put yourself first. They will understand.

  15. Maggie Stone

    The probationary period goes both ways; it’s a time for both parties to see if it’s a good fit.
    Don’t feel bad or guilty if you need to move on.

  16. HalleG19

    You choose which job you want, tell your company you are leaving and give two weeks notice. And, you can tell them the truth, not about the $ but you found a job with a role much more similar to what you had been doing. Congratulations andGood luck!

  17. Nicolette Thompson

    Soften the blow: I thought I could try doing something different, and it’s not a great fit for me. I’ve decided to take an offer that’s more in alignment with what I know I really love. I thank you for the opportunity and I’m sorry that it didn’t work out.

    then give 2 weeks notice and move on.

  18. Anonymous

    No need to soften the blow to the current employer, they won’t care. They’ll move on quickly to rehire for the role. Let’s stop all the mental gymnastics in this post and help the OP submit her resignation, void of all these emotions and wordsmithing games.

  19. Sarah Mayfield

    Just tell them that you had put in other application privations and were just offered a significant pay increase. This happened to us twice at a company. The employee took this job and then a month later they were offered the job they really wanted. You have got to look out for you. Your company is not going to.

  20. Cheryl Wilburg

    This is an EXCELLENT way to state it

  21. Anonymous

    Never compromise your future by being "loyal" - invariably you will find that this loyalty is rarely, if ever, acknowledged or respected.

    An honest discussion with your current employer expressing regret and explaining that it is a necessary move for your financial security (as opposed to just greed)

  22. Maslos

    Always do what is best for you. Make no mistake everyone is replaceable and they will indeed replace you asap. This is your life. Every moment of every day are moments take. From your life. Make them count!

  23. KellyW43

    Just put in your resignation and let them know you found another position. Thank them for the opportunity and move on.

    You did what you had to do to survive until something better came along.

    Congratulations on the new job!

  24. Elizabyth Harrington

    Why do you feel guilty? You're taking care of yourself. You took the position as a temporary stopgap so you could pay your bills. Now you've found a position in line with your salary and career requirements. Resign and move on without guilt.

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