How to Resign From a Job Due to Stress (2024)

By Lisa McQuerrey Updated June 27, 2018

Whether you're in a naturally high-pressure, high-stress job, or you've simply become overwhelmed in a typical job, there may be a point where resignation is the best course of action for managing your stress. If you find yourself in this position, make sure you've looked at all of your options prior to tendering a resignation.

Don't Act in Haste

Keep in mind there's a difference between a high-stress project or a stressful work week, and an overall high-stress job. If you're going through a rough patch that has an end in sight, give pause to quitting – you could inadvertently line yourself up for additional stress if you don't have an income or another job to jump into. Also, make sure you've exhausted all of your options first, like talking to your boss or the human resources manager about altering your workload. Some other ways to combat stress in the workplace, short of resigning, include:

  • taking a leave of absence
  • moving to a different role in the company
  • cutting back to part-time hours
  • reducing workload
  • hiring additional staff to take on a portion of a stressful workload
  • attending stress management classes

You have nothing to lose by bringing your stressful situation to the attention of those in your company who can help you.

Talk to Your Boss About Your Stress

It can feel awkward and uncomfortable to talk to a supervisor or boss about work stress. But having a candid conversation may position you in such a way that you can both manage your stress and keep your job. At the very least, a conversation about your concerns should be the first step you take before quitting.

Examples:

I’m having a challenging time handling my workload, and it’s causing significant stress. I’d like to talk to you about some options.

Since the merger, I have been pulling double duty as a sales rep. It has become overwhelming, and I don’t feel I’m doing my job as well as I could be. Can we talk about a way to address this issue?

I feel an extreme degree of pressure hangs over my job, and I’m not able to work at optimum capacity in this type of high-pressure environment. I have some ideas for reducing stress levels I would like to discuss with you.

Making the Choice to Resign

If you reach a point where resignation is your best option, ask to speak to your boss or supervisor in private and have an official resignation letter on hand to deliver during your conversation.

Examples:

As we have discussed before, I’m having a difficult time handling the stress levels of this job. It’s starting to impact my health, and as such, I must tender my resignation.

As you know, this is an extremely high-stress environment. Despite my very best efforts, I am not able to continue with this degree of elevated anxiety any longer. As such, I’m giving you my two weeks notice.

After much careful thought, I have decided to resign my position. The stress of the work is having a negative impact on me and my family, and I now feel compelled to step back and reevaluate my long-term professional objectives.

Be prepared for a boss to try and keep you around – you’ll have to decide in advance if there are any incentives that will entice you to change your mind and stay. Regardless of your decision, take proactive steps to help you better manage your stress in the future. Your primary care physician is a good place to start.

How to Resign From a Job Due to Stress (2024)

FAQs

How to Resign From a Job Due to Stress? ›

If you're experiencing health issues that are affecting your ability to perform your job duties, it may be best to resign immediately without giving notice. This ensures you can focus on your health and recovery without added stress or pressure from work obligations.

Can I resign effectively immediately due to stress? ›

If you're experiencing health issues that are affecting your ability to perform your job duties, it may be best to resign immediately without giving notice. This ensures you can focus on your health and recovery without added stress or pressure from work obligations.

Is it okay to quit a job because of stress? ›

Deciding to leave a job due to anxiety is a significant choice and not taken lightly. It's important to evaluate the balance between the job's toll on your mental health and the potential consequences of leaving, such as financial stability and finding new opportunities.

How to quit immediately due to mental health? ›

Address your resignation letter to your supervisor or HR, establishing that your resignation due to health reasons is effective starting from a specific date. Whether you want to mention that it's for mental health is optional. Thank your employer for the opportunity, and offer transition help if it's feasible.

How do I resign from a job that is too stressful? ›

If you reach a point where resignation is your best option, ask to speak to your boss or supervisor in private and have an official resignation letter on hand to deliver during your conversation. Examples: As we have discussed before, I'm having a difficult time handling the stress levels of this job.

Can I quit my job immediately due to mental health? ›

So while leaving without notice isn't common courtesy, it doesn't have to burn bridges or ruin your career if you're honest about why you need to leave. that's impacting your mental health is a very valid reason for wanting to leave quickly. You need to do what's best for you, on a timeline that works for you.

How to explain leaving a job due to stress? ›

You can say something like: “After realizing the toll the workload was taking on my health, I took a step back to reevaluate my priorities. I learned the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and now prioritize self-care to ensure optimal performance.”

Should I quit my job if it's ruining my mental health? ›

Yes, mental health is a valid reason to quit your job. Prioritizing one's well-being is crucial for long-term success and happiness. If the work environment negatively impacts mental health, it's essential to consider other options such as seeking professional help or exploring alternative career paths.

Can I quit my job if I am unhappy? ›

You may consider quitting your job if you're unhappy so you can find a satisfying career in a different industry or work environment. Before you quit your job because you're unhappy, ensure that you think about all the factors, like your financial situation, that may influence your decision.

Can I quit my job if I have anxiety? ›

If you're experiencing job-related stress, it's natural to consider quitting. While I'm an advocate for removing yourself from situations that harm your mental health, I also think it's important to really reflect before making such a big decision.

What happens if you quit without notice? ›

These contractual notice requirements are legally binding, and it's essential to comprehend their implications. If you have such a contract, quitting without notice could at least in theory put you at risk of legal action by your employer, or forfeiture of other contractual benefits.

How to explain leaving a job because of bad management? ›

Explaining why you left a negative work environment in a job interview
  1. Be honest and brief. ...
  2. Use neutral language. ...
  3. Avoid blaming others. ...
  4. Emphasise positive learnings. ...
  5. Provide examples. ...
  6. Avoid Speaking ill of previous employers. ...
  7. Practice your response.
Apr 10, 2023

What to say when leaving a job for mental health reasons? ›

You don't have to disclose specific details about your condition if you're not comfortable doing so. Keep the conversation focused on your wellbeing and the steps you're taking to address it. You should briefly explain how your current mental health challenges are affecting your ability to perform at your best.

Can I resign with immediate effect due to stress? ›

This could represent a valuable loss, so you need to make sure you really intend to resign with immediate effect, rather than making it clear that you are providing the appropriate notice under your contract of employment. In any event, a resignation with immediate effect could put you in breach of your contract.

How do I resign if I am unhappy? ›

How to write a resignation letter when you're unhappy with management
  1. Start with a date and time. ...
  2. Use a formal address. ...
  3. Detail the exact date you plan to leave. ...
  4. Explain your reason for resigning. ...
  5. Express your gratitude. ...
  6. Discuss transitioning your responsibilities. ...
  7. Request a recommendation letter for future employers.
Jul 28, 2023

What to do if your job is stressing you out? ›

Managing common stressful situations at work
  1. Ask your manager for help. Discuss your workload with your manager, if you have one. ...
  2. Try to balance your time. You might be doing too much at once. ...
  3. Reward yourself for achievements. ...
  4. Be realistic.

Can I leave with immediate effect due to stress? ›

It is usually best practice to hand in your notice and stick to your contractual notice period, but this is not always possible. In some cases, you might have to leave sooner than your agreed notice period. This could be due to a number of reasons, such as family, health, stress or other issues.

Is it OK to quit effective immediately? ›

When is it okay to quit without notice? Unless employed under a contract, most people work under the terms of at-will employment, meaning that neither the employer or the employee has a legal obligation to give notice before terminating employment.

Is it possible to resign with immediate effect? ›

In most cases, where an employee has resigned with immediate effect, they will be contractually bound to work at least one week's notice. As such, they will arguably be in breach of contract, where the employer may be justified in threatening the employee with legal proceedings unless they work their notice.

What is a strong reason for immediate resignation? ›

This can include the sudden illness of a family member, a death in the family, or other emergencies that make it impossible for the employee to continue working. In such cases, the employee may need to resign immediately, which is entirely understandable and must be handled sensitively.

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