That pre-jump feeling—pumpin’ heart and trembling hands. You know it . Your Resignation letter/notice taunts you Liberty and fear, twisted together.
That was how I was feeling as I stared at my computer screen last Tuesday night. The cursor taunted them by blinking mockingly in an empty document called “Resignation Letter.”
The Moment Everything Changed
It was not dramatic. No boss yelling. No horrible deadline. Just me in my car after another blase meeting today and I was wondering the last time I felt like looking forward to Monday morning.
My phone vibrated. A text from my beau: “What was your day like?”
I started writing”Fine” but left it. My day was not ok. It was rain-gray. Colorless. Like seeing the world from through a dirty window.
That’s when it dawned on me. I was suffocating by the spreadsheet.
The Inner War Begins
But leaving? That’s terrifying.
My brain immediately started its greatest hits playlist of worry:
- What if I can’t find another job?
- What about my mortgage?
- Am I being ungrateful?
- What will people think?
I phoned Sarah, who is my best friend. She heard me talk myself into aimer twenty minutes before she said, “You sound like you have to get permission to save your own life.”
She was right. There is a difference between knowing and doing, however.
Small Signs I Should Have Noticed
In retrospect, they were there all along:
Sunday evenings were like making preparations for a funeral. I would tie myself up in knots about Monday morning. At work, I would be watching and counting the clock every fifteen minutes. My morning coffee even tasted different now it was bitter like my attitude.
I was creatively dead. I would get back home, all pumped up, and excited with ideas. I now simply fell on a sofa and was wasting my time on my phone.
The last nail on the wall? My 6 year old nephew wanted to know my occupation. I found it difficult to describe it in a manner that did not make it sound soul-killing. And how could I kids think it was important to me when I did not even think I could make it sound interesting to a kid?
Writing the Letter (The Hardest Easy Thing Ever)
It took me three weeks to open that document again. Again I trembled but this time it was different. It was more like reeling excitement than out-and-out terror.
The words were slow at first. Then faster. I made it so simple and formal, but every sentence was like releasing a caged bird.
What I Learned About Resignation
The process of quitting a job does not only involve quitting. It is all about willingness to put yourself, instead of security. It is about placing your bets on the future rather than embracing the current state of things.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me:
Your feelings are valid. If you dread going to work, that’s your body telling you something important.
Timing is never perfect. There will always be bills, responsibilities, fears. Don’t wait for the perfect moment – it doesn’t exist.
You’re not trapped. Even when it feels like you are. Even when everyone tells you to be grateful for having any job.
Small steps count. You don’t have to quit tomorrow. Start updating your resume. Network quietly. Apply for positions that excite you.
Your Turn
If you’re reading this and nodding along, maybe it’s time to listen to that voice in your head. The one that whispers “there has to be more than this.”
Maybe it’s time to write your own notice of resignation.
Your future self is waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean by resignation?
Resignation means formally quitting your job by giving written notice to your employer. It’s the official way to end your employment relationship while maintaining professionalism and following company policy.
What do I say in a resignation?
Keep it simple and professional. State that you’re resigning, provide your last working date (usually two weeks from when you submit the letter), offer to help with the transition, and thank your employer for the opportunity. Avoid negative comments about the company or colleagues.
Is resignation the same as quitting?
Yes, resignation and quitting mean the same thing – voluntarily ending your employment. However, “resignation” sounds more professional and formal, while “quitting” is more casual. In business settings, always use “resignation.”
What is the resignation of an employee?
Employee resignation is when a worker voluntarily decides to leave their job and formally notifies their employer. This differs from being fired or laid off because the decision comes from the employee, not the company. It typically involves giving advance notice (usually two weeks) and following proper procedures.
