Resigning during probation.

8 Comments

1. Kimberley Ferretti HammettDecember 20,2024 at 3:48PM UTC

   There's no single answer for this. Do what is best for you. If you have the means to, resign sooner, do so. Better for you and gives them the chance to onboard someone sooner.

   If you're already productive in the role and can handle it and need some more time to find another opportunity, wait to resign.

   A third option.. If you are willing to stay longer to help them until they get someone else in but would be ok to walk away today if they cut you out, maybe turn in your resignation sooner but with several weeks notice, offering to assist in the transition while they find a replacement for you.

   From an HR standpoint we'd rather not spend the time and resources to get someone up to speed who isn't planning to stay but if you're already productive, a long notice is a nice offer to alleviate the transition. It's tough either way though so you have to do what is ultimately best for you. Just leave as respectfully and gracefully as possible without pushing your own boundaries. Be prepared to answer to it in future interviews. I think either would sound positive: "I realized quickly that the role didn't meet my expectations so to avoid wasting their time I resigned to allow a better fit to take on the role" -or- "I realized quickly that the role didn't meet my expectations but stayed a couple extra months to assist them while they found a replacement who would feel the role was a good fit for them" and even add what you learned from that experience.

   Good luck!

2. AnonymousDecember 20,2024 at 4:30PM UTC

   I think you should consider if it has been enough time for you to decide to leave so fast. If you know for sure without question that the role will never meet your expectations and that you are not in the place where you can excel, leaving sooner is better.

3. Vivian LeeDecember 20,2024 at 5:08PM UTC

   Sooner is better if you know you could get something more aligned with your expectations and qualifications. Especially if you have something lined up which is a better fit and working environment. This short tenure also doesn’t have to be listed on your resume.

   As the probationary period is for both parties, an employer could also end employment during probation. Or tell the employee they are not staying beyond probation.

4. AnonymousDecember 20,2024 at 5:11PM UTC

   Former recruiter here, and have been in this same position. I was recruited by a COO, created my own role and but saw the red flags. I needed to work. I was offered a management job within months but declined it as they did this before they fired the manager that was there. These people were messy and unethical practices were happening and I didn't want to be associated. However, I made great connections, and finally got to my tolerance level at 18 months. All this to say, can you get something out of your current role? Connections, more money, whatever that is, use it to your benefit. If you can't hang in there for a year, then do what is best for you, but be prepared it's a risk for your next job. Not really your next 2 jobs but the next one. If it were me, I'd secure my next job first, then resign leaving a clean record.

5. AnonymousDecember 20,2024 at 6:25PM UTC

   Do it when you have another job lined up? Are you looking right now? Don't resign until you have something lined up. What conversations are you having with your hiring manager? From a company perspective, they'd likely prefer sooner than later.

6. AnonymousDecember 20,2024 at 9:32PM UTC

   I wouldn't take any probationary period into consideration. What I would hope is to have another opportunity lined up, at minimum you have been already applying with a current resume too. Why wait, when you feel this role is below expectations.

7. AnonymousDecember 26,2024 at 12:27PM UTC

   ASAP and don't include any of it on your resume.

8. AnonymousDecember 28,2024 at 1:29PM UTC

   Thank you for all your responses. I will continue my applications after new years in hopes to land a better position in the following months. Thank you! And best wishes!