Starting and leaving · 5 min read
How do I quit a job I just started?
How to quit a job you've just started: notice during probation, what to say to your manager, repaying bonuses or relocation, and explaining it later.
The short answer
Quitting soon after starting is more common than people think, and it's usually better than staying in the wrong job. Check your contract for notice during probation, which is often shorter, such as a week. In the UK, the legal minimum notice from an employee is one week after a month's employment, unless your contract says more. In the US, most jobs are at will, but two weeks' notice is customary. Tell your manager in person or by video first, then in writing. Keep the reason short and honest. Check whether you must repay a sign-on bonus, relocation or training costs. Later, explain the short stint in one sentence.
Key takeaways
- Check notice during probation, which is often short.
- Tell your manager first, then confirm in writing.
- Keep the reason brief and honest.
- Check for repayment clauses on bonuses, relocation or training.
On this pageBefore you decide
Before you decide
- Is it the newness or the job itself?
- Have you raised the problem with your manager?
- Do you have another job, savings, or the option to go back?
- What will you tell future employers?
Check your contract
| Clause | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Notice during probation | Often shorter than standard notice |
| Sign-on bonus repayment | You may have to repay some or all |
| Relocation repayment | Common within the first year |
| Training costs | Some contracts require repayment |
| Holiday | Accrued holiday may be paid or deducted |
How to resign
- Tell your manager in person or on a video call.
- Give a short, honest reason and thank them.
- Confirm your resignation and last day in writing.
- Offer to help with handover.
- Ask HR about final pay, holiday and any repayments.
Sample resignation message
'Dear Sam, I'm writing to confirm my resignation from the role of Marketing Coordinator. Under my probation terms, my last day will be Friday 4 December. I've realised the role isn't the right fit for me, and I think it's fairer to say so early. Thank you for your support, and I'm happy to help with handover. Best wishes, Alex.'
Explaining it later
In interviews, keep it to one or two sentences: 'I joined a role that turned out to be mainly cold sales, which wasn't what was described. I left after six weeks to focus on account management, which is what I'm applying for now.' Then move on.
Illustrative example
Jonah starts a role advertised as account management, but finds it's 90% cold calling. He raises it with his manager, who says it won't change. He gives a week's notice under his probation terms, repays a pro rata share of his sign-on bonus, and contacts his previous manager, who has a role opening the next month.
Leaving well protects you
Even if the job was a mistake, how you leave is remembered. Give the notice you owe, finish or hand over what you can, and stay polite. The people you worked with briefly may turn up again in your field. A professional exit keeps references, contacts and the option to go back later.
If you're leaving with no job lined up
- Work out how many months your savings cover.
- Check whether quitting affects benefits where you live.
- Start applying before your last day.
- Decide what you're aiming for next, so you don't repeat the mismatch.
Questions people ask
- Can I quit during probation without notice?
- It depends on your contract. Many probation periods have a short notice period, such as a week. In the UK, if you've worked less than a month, there's no statutory minimum, but your contract may set one.
- Do I have to pay back a sign-on bonus?
- If your offer or contract includes a repayment clause, usually yes, often in full or pro rata within the first year. Read the clause and ask HR to confirm the amount.
- Should I put a short job on my CV?
- If it was a few weeks, you can often leave it off. If it was several months, include it with a one-line explanation if needed. Be honest if asked.
- What should I tell my manager?
- Something short and true: 'I've realised this role isn't right for me, and it's fairer to say so now.' Thank them and offer to help with handover.
- Can I go back to my previous employer?
- It's worth asking if you left on good terms. Contact your old manager quickly, before the role is filled.
- Will I get a bad reference?
- Many employers only confirm dates and title. Leaving professionally, with notice and a handover, makes a fair reference more likely.
- Is it unprofessional to quit in the first week?
- It's unusual but not unprofessional if the job is clearly wrong. Be honest, give whatever notice you owe and leave politely.
Exercises are practice, not evidence of career fit or a qualification. How to read our guides and report a correction.
Sources
- Handing in your notice · GOV.UK
- Giving notice and notice periods · Acas
How this page is written
Sources support the factual background, not a guarantee that an exercise predicts career fit. Fictional practice material is labelled. Dates record content updates; no independent expert review is implied. More about OffLadder.