Those who had the pleasure of quittinga jobknow that it can be an awkward and extremely nerve-wracking experience. I, for example, felt so nervous and guilty about handing in my very first notice that I made up a whole story about how I got this new amazing opportunity when in reality I spent the summer relaxing and soaking all the vitamin D I could. But a great way to avoid the pleasantries and unpleasantries of announcing your resignation is to do it over a message.

To learn more about resigning over a message, we reached out to therapist, career and life coach,Helen Godfrey, and career coachKacie Bail, who kindly agreed to tell us more about it.

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Text exchange of workers taking back control after a surprising career-ending situation.

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Text exchange showing a worker’s accidental resignation request without context, illustrating control and communication mishap.

Employee declines covering a shift due to prior commitments, leading to resignation via text message.

When employees hand in their notice, it seems to be brief. 43% who quit in person talked for a few minutes, while 1 in 10 people who sent an email or text wrote just a few words.

Text exchange showing a worker refusing a shift and resigning, asserting control over their career decisions.

Quit a job where I was overworked and underpaid, and found a more stable better paying job. Manager texts me months later

Text exchange about not returning to a job with increasing demands, reflecting workers taking back control.

“So this just happened and I’m almost numb atm. I hope I don’t regret this tomorrow as I do enjoy my job.”

Text exchange showing a worker resigning after refusing to cover an early shift, highlighting a career-ending decision.

Interestingly enough, inthe UK, people favored quitting in person less. Almost half (47%) have quit a job via text, email, call, or voicemail. The majority of them were younger folks (64%) aged 25-34.

Context: I was a great waitress, I had worked there over a year, made a slightly higher tip percentage than the other girls (tips were pooled), was always on time, and had NEVER no called-no showed. To give “proof” that I was a great waitress, I had JUST been given a raise (base pay) and been promoted to a shift lead position of sorts. The restaurant had planned a Halloween party (Oct, 22nd 2022) quite a bit in advance, we were all supposed to dress up and had a special menu planned. I was excited for it! I went costume shopping with my boss in the text so she knew I was planning on going. My grandpa was on hospice during this time period and unfortunately passed away. As soon as I knew when his funeral was I asked if I could have the day off. They said NO (insane) because “all waitresses” needed to work the Halloween party. Later on however, they let a girl take the night off because she’d been there a month and she “wasn’t comfortable working a party yet” ??? That trumps funeral?? I was upset but because the funeral was in the morning I figured it would be okay. Well flash forward to the day of the funeral and I just could not bring my self to rush home, put makeup and slutty costume on, and go be high energy with strangers, a mere three hours after burying my grandpa. I texted this at 1pm and the shift starts at 5pm. It was rainy that night and from what I could see from their instagram it wasn’t the absolute mad house that needed everyone on board they thought it would be. It was really unfortunate because I considered my manager a true friend but this really showed their true colors

Text exchange of a worker putting family first, leading to job termination, exemplifying workers taking control.

Got my boss to admit to wage theft(my employer is rounding down my hours so he can pay me less.)I work for a very well-known corporation as a server/bartender. My shift usually starts at 4:00 pm.The time clock rounds my hours to 15-minute intervals. If I clock in at 4:01, I don’t start getting paid until 4:15. If I clock in at 3:50 and start working immediately as expected, I don’t get paid for those first 10 minutes. I know if I clock out at 10:40 it doesn’t round to 10:45. It gets rounded down to 10:30. My general manager confirmed that over text. This means I lose up to 28 minutes in my wages every shift.I know this is wage theft. They did not notify me that they changed the time clocks. When I was first employed, I was paid from when I clocked in to when I clocked out. I wasn’t aware that it was rounding down my hours for a few months. I believe that I’m owed a couple of hundreds of dollars in unpaid wages. I’m planning to send these screen shots to the labour board but I’m not very hopeful anything will happen

Text exchange between a worker and employer discussing clock-in rounding and timesheet records.

I literally just got home from my first day of work

Texts from workers who took back control, discussing unexpected job termination details.

However, therapist, career and life coachHelen Godfrey, and career coachKacie Bailrecommend against quitting over text.“I would not recommend resigning over text because it would come across as unprofessional,” says Godfrey.“If you’re thinking about resigning over text, please consider writing an email instead since it is a more formal way to communicate such important news,” adds Bail.

However, therapist, career and life coachHelen Godfrey, and career coachKacie Bailrecommend against quitting over text.

“I would not recommend resigning over text because it would come across as unprofessional,” says Godfrey.

“If you’re thinking about resigning over text, please consider writing an email instead since it is a more formal way to communicate such important news,” adds Bail.

The truly sickening practice is the companies that purposely destroy food to prevent/deter dumpster diving… you’re literally throwing it away because you didn’t sell it but the homeless people referred to in this image are PAYING CUSTOMERS!!

Text message conversation between workers questioning a policy about serving homeless people.

My gfs job gave her a fake raiseSo about a week ago my girlfriend was excited to tell me she had been given a raise at her job. Apparently raise has a different meaning now than more money in your paycheck. Since when does anyone appreciate a recognition card.

Text exchange of workers discussing a misleading “raise” recognition card.

Text exchange between workers discussing quitting a job and starting at Hot Topic, showcasing career-changing decisions.

“Some potential consequences of resigning via text message include burning bridges with your employer, seeming unprofessional, and unintentionally conveying your resignation with a tone you didn’t intend,” says Bail. “If your resignation message is seen as unprofessional or misunderstood, it may negatively affect your chances of securing a positive reference, a referral in the future, or returning to the company later.”

Oof… Perfect reason why you should always discuss your wage with coworkers

Text exchange where a worker discusses confronting their boss about unfair pay during the pandemic.

Texts showing workers taking back control by quitting due to work misunderstandings and personal emergencies.

“Quit my job yesterday because I was tired of the unprofessional environment - got this text from my supervisor today.”

Text exchange screenshot showing a worker’s final shift request.

“In that case, I would recommend having a conversation with your human resources (HR) department. Otherwise, typically, you will want to give 2 weeks’ written notice. Written notice is a typed letter or email of resignation. You will generally want to have a conversation with your direct supervisor first and follow up with your written resignation letter after your conversation,” she explains and notes that the letter should be gracious, as shown below.

“Thank you for the opportunity. Wishing you the best in your future endeavors.”

How my boss asks me to work 21 days straight.We have 7 routes and 11 drivers. These guys thought it was a good idea to let 3 drivers take a vacation spanning over 3 months. All 3 will be gone at the same time over the next month. So what’s their plan? Try to make other drivers work for almost a month straight to pick up the slack. Needless to say, it hasn’t gone over well. Now the boss and production manager get to drive a couple nights a week as well as work the day shift.

Text message about work every night request, related to workers taking back control.

Screenshot of a text exchange where a worker takes control of a difficult job situation.

“Tried to re-enter my trade with a part time opportunity. Apparently this guy pays glaziers less than I already get as a gas station attendant.”

Text exchange of workers discussing wages, with an employee declining a low offer after evaluating their current pay situation.

Handing in notice via email may also be fitting if the manager is not available for an in-person meeting or a call in a timely manner, says Bail.“If you’re trying to give 2 weeks' notice and your manager says the next available time they can meet in person is 2 weeks from now, I would recommend calling them or emailing them to give them adequate notice,” she says.

Handing in notice via email may also be fitting if the manager is not available for an in-person meeting or a call in a timely manner, says Bail.

“If you’re trying to give 2 weeks' notice and your manager says the next available time they can meet in person is 2 weeks from now, I would recommend calling them or emailing them to give them adequate notice,” she says.

My dad had a stroke and I took my vacation at work to help care for him. He’s not doing too good, and my SO and I are moving to help him and my step mom, and I had to give a 1 week notice (not ideal, but better than none imo). Got this text from the owner of the store.

Text message from boss about promotion, worker takes control and replies with career-ending decision.

As a last last resort, like in the case of family emergencies or other extreme cases such as those mentioned above, Godfrey proposes to formulate the text like this:“Thank you for the opportunity to work at ABC company. Due to personal reasons, I will not be able to return to work, effective immediately. Thank you for understanding.”“Depending on your relationship with your manager, you may choose to share more details and you may even be able to negotiate some flexibility instead of resigning,” she notes.

As a last last resort, like in the case of family emergencies or other extreme cases such as those mentioned above, Godfrey proposes to formulate the text like this:

“Thank you for the opportunity to work at ABC company. Due to personal reasons, I will not be able to return to work, effective immediately. Thank you for understanding.”

“Depending on your relationship with your manager, you may choose to share more details and you may even be able to negotiate some flexibility instead of resigning,” she notes.

Last ditch effort or I quit tonightI have been trying to communicate to my bosses basically since I started (Nov 2023) and I am ignored, not taken seriously, or gaslit and manipulated. This is my last attempt at getting some peace and control over my job. If this conversation doesn’t go how I want it to, I’m quitting in the middle of my shift and reporting them.Context: I am a bartender and the owners/my bosses have no problem putting my license and career at risk

Text exchange between workers discussing uncomfortable work conditions and the need to take control.

Email of a worker resigning due to reduced compensation, claiming back control of their career.

To resist the urge to quit over text, the experts provided some recommendations that can make in-person resignation less nerve-wracking and awkward.Godfrey strongly suggests being prepared beforehand. “Practice what you are going to say. Type out your script and say it out loud 2-5 times before you meet with your manager. Focus on the positive aspects of your job and everything you’ve learned. Thank your manager for helping you grow as a professional,” she said.

To resist the urge to quit over text, the experts provided some recommendations that can make in-person resignation less nerve-wracking and awkward.

Godfrey strongly suggests being prepared beforehand. “Practice what you are going to say. Type out your script and say it out loud 2-5 times before you meet with your manager. Focus on the positive aspects of your job and everything you’ve learned. Thank your manager for helping you grow as a professional,” she said.

Employer didnt contact all weekend regarding monday workMy employer didnt contact me at all this weekend for work (i am a renovations contractor, monday to friday work schedule). I texted him this morning, and this was the conversation i had. This is the second time ive had to message him to figure out where im working and i have only been working for him for 8 days. In those 8 days, hes told me he restructured and fired all his staff 6 months ago and was working on a new team. Also told me he expects us to use personal vehicles to bring materials to site. A coworker was then told to pick up 10 bags of concrete in their vehicle.

Text message exchange with workers asserting control over unclear job instructions.

for context I 22F work in a kitchen. The previous 2 weeks i was out of work in mourning because I unexpectedly lost a family member. Our kitchen is only open 4 days a week, I asked last week (2 days before open) could i come back because i was ready to get out of my rut, they made me wait an extra week. This is me asking about the schedule because they’ve scheduled me like this before (only night shifts) And i think it’s unfair especially without letting me know any schedule corrections and they know my situation. This isn’t a corporation it’s a family owned restaurant.

Text message exchange showing a worker taking control of their job situation and resigning due to schedule conflicts.

Text exchange about schedule conflict; worker asserts preset off days, highlighting control over work-life balance.

“You can then let them know you are taking on a new opportunity that you feel is right for you at this time in your career,” adds Bail. “Finally, let them know you’re willing to do what it takes to make a smooth transition out of your role. If you have this conversation coming from a place of gratitude and a willingness to have a smooth transition, your manager will most likely take the news well and support you as best they can in your final days.”

“They weren’t paying us an hourly, they have never paid their taxes, they let this one drunk bitch do whatever she wants because she’s been there since it opened. Just very problematic and stressful”

Text message of a worker quitting their job and leaving keys, expressing control over career decisions.

Hold your ground with this predatory hiring bosses and don’t fall for their tricks. The change in the work place starts at the hiring process.

Text exchange of a worker rejecting a job offer due to shady practices, emphasizing taking control.

Text message of a worker resigning due to a toxic work environment, expressing dissatisfaction and moving to a new job.

From my experience though, there is a way to communicate this in a respectful way that facilitates a smooth transition for both parties involved and doesn’t include burning any bridges.”

Text exchange from an employee standing up against workplace bullying, sharing a career-ending message for mental health reasons.

Text screenshot of a worker taking back control by resigning over unethical workplace behavior.

Made an enemy on my first day of work

Text exchange between workers discussing lunch break timing and seniority privileges.

Because how dare an employee attempt to maintain a work-life balance when you’re not even paying him overtime

Screenshot of a worker’s bold text message about late arrival, showcasing career-ending communication.

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My gf has asked for reduced hours at her work for 2 weeks and they’ve been ignored.. today she asked to come in late and this was the “manager” replied

Text exchange between worker and boss about balancing college and work hours, highlighting control over career choices.

Text conversation showing a worker asserting control over their schedule and refusing to alter time-off dates.

Text exchange about a humorous typo on a restaurant sign, discussing a dish with “Aspergers” for $8.99.

Company not allowing home cook foodToday morning, my company HR announced staff not allowed to bring food in to company. Regardless of bought from shop or cooked from home. Company is indirectly or directly forcing us to buy and eat food from in house canteen. Why? I don’t know…but looks like want to the canteen profit to go up?? I bring my food from home as I am living with a budget. Is this legal and is there a way I can go about not following this rule

Text message from HR about canteen rules, contributing to workers taking back control.

my boss is 100% gaslighting me

Text exchange between workers, discussing job responsibilities and schedule conflicts.

“The GM of my now ex-job who cannot rely on the other 6 managers to help him run the store.”

Text messages from workers discussing health issues and work schedule adjustments.

Career-ending text showing a serious conversation about trust issues and wages between a worker and employer.

Their response cracked me up 🤣 I’m 33 years old I’m not doing a group interview ever again. They’re embarrassing and insulting. It’s literally the company saying flat out that candidates are numbers they’re just shuffling through that day. So while they “respectfully disagree” I will no longer be lowering myself for any company that can’t be bothered to one on one interview people. Pathetic.

Texts exchange where a worker rejects a group interview, taking control of their career decision.

Fuck this place. Went and got a better job 3 days later. Let them fire you in these situations! You’ll bury them with OSHA fines.Changed our pay date without notice. Proceeded to claim it will be on the same 2 week interval next check. It wasn’t. This is the text exchange with the GM that followed. Turns out she didn’t like the owner and corporate supervisor knowing she’s been selling expired food.I’ve been a GM at 4 locations and over a decade with the company. I wanted to focus on a different career and deliver pizzas while doing online school. Couldn’t stand working in this environment any longer though. Went and got a manager job at a not big 3 pizza place for 63k/ year 3 days later.I should have let her fire me though. Turns out these OSHA fines can completely bury these franchise locations/small businesses. I called the owner following the texts to let him know I’m stepping away. Letting her fire me would have been the best way for them to realize how bad she is at her job.

Text conversation showing workers taking back control and discussing career-ending messages.

My boss didn’t put me on the schedule this week, when I asked why she told me that she doesn’t need me on the days in my availability and to change it to having the weekend’s off instead of what I had previously been approved for. I had been getting scheduled in this availability for a little over 2 months, and before that I had an open availability for 9 months. I ended up moving around my schedule outside of work to accommodate and told my boss I’d like to be put on the schedule next week. This was her response

Text exchange showing a worker’s career-ending decision to reject unpredictable scheduling requests.

Employee text exchange showing frustration about overtime and schedule adjustments.

Text message of a worker taking back control by quitting their job for a new opportunity.

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Indrė Lukošiūtė

Gabija Saveiskyte

Justinas Keturka

Work & Money