How to Quit a Job You Just Started (Guide + Examples)

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Table of contents

Is It OK to Quit a Job You Just Started?
When Should You Quit a New Job?
Tips for Adjusting to a New Job
How to Quit a Job You Just Started
How to Address a Short-Term Job With Future Employers
Key Takeaways
Resources to Help With Your Job Search

You've written your resume and cover letter, applied for a role that seemed right to you, made it through every round of interviews, and now you're settling into your new role. This is the end of your job search for now… right?

But what happens when a new role doesn't click the way you expected it to? Is it okay to quit? How do you quit a job when you've just started? We'll help you navigate this challenging situation.

Our guide includes:

Guidance on whether it's OK to quit a new job.
Strong reasons to quit your job (even if you only started a week ago).
Tips for adjusting to a new job.
Tips for submitting your notice for a job you just started.
Advice on when to include a short-term role on your resume.

Want to be resume-ready when you get back to the job search? Our AI Resume Builder will help you build or update your resume quickly thanks to its automatic formatting, generated text suggestions, and stylish templates.

Is It OK to Quit a Job You Just Started?

Your new job isn't making you happy. This can be a frustrating and even frightening position to be in. You might be doubting whether it's even okay to quit this early. Let's sort through some of the questions you might be asking yourself.

Can I quit a job I just started?

Of course, you can. No matter how awkward it may feel, it's ultimately your responsibility to make sure your career is headed in the direction that you want to go. You're in the driver's seat, so don't be afraid to drive!

Should I quit my new job?

Now this is a trickier question. Many employees report that staying at a job they disliked was one of their greatest career regrets. But does that mean you should throw in the towel? Not necessarily.

Whether you should quit a new job or not is going to come down to your priorities and circumstances. In the next section, we'll discuss some potential reasons to quit a new job, as well as some situations where you may want to consider sticking it out.

When Should You Quit a New Job?

The impulse to quit a new job is a common one. The orientation process can come with some big adjustments; new coworkers, new surroundings, new expectations, and new routines may be jarring. But what if it's more than new job jitters? How do you know when it's time to throw in the towel?

You should give a new role time as you adjust to the changes that you're experiencing. Don't quit yet if:

You haven't been in the role long enough to adjust: Just a week or two of working isn't enough to understand the daily working experience of a role. If you're working through the orientation process, consider that you don't yet know what your job will be like. Wait for a while, and you might find that you like the job better than you thought.
You're feeling anxious about your new responsibilities: The fact that impostor syndrome is a relatable experience to so many people should tell you something. You landed this role because the employer believes that you have what it takes to fulfill their needs and thrive in the position. The employer knows the role. Don't assume that they're wrong about you!
You don't have a plan for what comes next after quitting: Even if a job is uncomfortable, it may be worth hanging onto it if you don't have a backup plan. If you're certain you want to quit, start by restarting your job search before you submit your notice.

There are many reasons to stay at a new job until you understand the role and its challenges, but does that mean you should never quit a job after a week? No! If it really is that bad, then sometimes the best thing you can do is move in and seek new opportunities.

You should consider quitting your new job if:

You have another opportunity lined up: With another opportunity lined up, you can afford to quit your job without worrying about what comes next. Many workers apply for multiple roles at once. If you receive a more attractive offer after starting a job, you are free to accept the new offer. Just be polite and professional as you quit.
You can afford to be unemployed for a while as you search for your next role: Even if you don't have another opportunity lined up, a robust emergency fund can free you up to look for a new job that fits your needs better. You understand your financial situation better than anyone, so assess whether you can afford a period of unemployment.
The job description does not match what was indicated to you during the hiring process: If you're struggling with a role that doesn't match the job description and you're truly unable to meet the responsibilities of the role, it may be worth it to seek a new role that better matches your career.
You feel unsafe: If you're feeling unsafe at work, protecting your mental or physical health is priority number one. You may have resources besides quitting, including Title VII protections or OSHA regulations. But, unfortunately, exercising these rights and protections can take time and may be difficult if your employer is uncooperative. Do not stay in an unsafe situation. You can always seek legal advice after moving on from the role.

There's nothing wrong with quitting a job just because you plain don't like it. Don't force yourself to stay somewhere that makes you unhappy. But if these unhappy feelings are coming up in the first few days of the role, you should give yourself time to get used to your new routine before jumping the gun.

If nothing else, you can use this time to make a plan of action for when you do eventually quit. See if you can learn any new skills from the role while you're at it. Then you can leave a stronger candidate!

Tips for Adjusting to a New Job

If you're considering quitting your new job, but you're not sure if you've given it enough of a chance, follow this advice to adjust to your new routine and give your job a chance:

Show up: Sometimes the only way out is through. Give your new job time and focus on being present and keeping up a learning mindset, rather than placing pressure on yourself to achieve.
Seek mentorship at work: Building relationships with your coworkers is valuable, but seeking out an experienced coworker who can mentor you through this transition can be especially valuable. In fact, even if you do eventually quit, relationships like these can help you find new opportunities in the future.
Set boundaries: A strong work-life balance can be critical to your mental health. Set boundaries at work around your hours, flexibility, and responsibilities. Some employers will be more receptive to healthy boundaries than others, but starting this relationship with boundaries in place can help build a strong foundation.
Be kind to yourself: A new job transition can be a challenging time. It's not just you. Make time for the things that make you happy and bring you peace. Rely on your support network and try not to be too hard on yourself for struggling during this time.

How to Quit a Job You Just Started

Now that you've officially decided to quit, how do you do it? Do you walk right out and never return? Do you send a snarky email letting your boss know exactly what you think of the position, or set yourself away every day on Microsoft Teams and hope they get the message?

No. While it may be tempting, it's in your best interest to remain professional. Your professional courtesy is the backbone of your reputation, and you'll never be able to predict how the contacts you've made in this role may come up again later.

When quitting a job you just started, you should submit a resignation letter thanking the employer for the opportunity and naming the last day that you'll be available to work. You should give the employer two weeks' notice, even if you haven't been there that long.

Here are the steps to quit a job you've just started:

Make sure that you're certain about quitting.
Write a polite and professional resignation letter that clearly states your final day of availability.
Continue to work throughout your notice period and maintain professionalism at your job—it's important not to burn professional bridges.

The following example resignation letter can help you find the right words to quit your new job.

Sample resignation letter for a job you just started:

Dear Mr. Coleman,

I am writing to inform you that the graphic designer position has not been as good a fit for me as you and I had hoped. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet your team and learn about your processes, but I am regretfully unable to continue in this position. Please consider this letter my two-weeks' notice. The last day that I am available to work will be July 9, 2025.

Thank you again for the opportunity,

Marcella Abbott

Pro tip

Quitting a job you just started might feel awkward, but don't over-apologize. You're making a career decision in your best interests, which is something every worker must do. An overly poetic goodbye is both unnecessary and inappropriate under the circumstances.

How to Address a Short-Term Job With Future Employers

Working somewhere for a week or two isn't enough time to gain substantial work experience. But does that mean that you shouldn't include a job that you quit after a week on your resume? Correct.

Your resume is for showing employers the experience and skills that make you a great fit for the opportunity they're offering. A job that you've worked at for a week or two doesn't contribute to your resume, so you can leave it out of your experience section.

For longer stints at a job that didn't work out, it's up to you whether to include them. A job that you worked at for just two or three months can contribute to your resume, but be prepared to have to answer questions in the interview about why your stay was so brief.

When talking about your short-term job, be honest yet professional. That means not complaining to new employers about how difficult your former boss or coworkers were, even if it was true. Instead, address their concern and shift your focus back to how this new job you're applying for is a better fit.

Here's an example answer for an interview question asking about your short-term role:

My time at [Company Name] was brief because I quickly realized that the work wasn't the right fit for me. Not only were my best skills going unused, but the work culture was at odds with my values. I'm eager to find a position where I can apply my skills in [one or two relevant skills] and contribute to a team [mention a characteristic of the new job/company that you like, such as, "with a strong collaborative culture" or "who value flexibility and accountability"]. This opportunity aligns much more closely with the work and environment I thrive in.

Key Takeaways

Don't quit on a whim.
Examine whether your desire to quit is a legitimate career move. Don't force yourself to stay somewhere you hate, but give yourself time to decide if you really do hate it, assuming that your safety is not in question.
Take care of yourself as you give the new job time.
Setting healthy boundaries at work, relying on your support network, working on self-care, and establishing mentorship relationships with coworkers can help make this transition time easier. Go easy on yourself and try to treat this time as a learning opportunity.
Give a two-weeks' notice.
Quitting a brand-new job is already an awkward situation. Make it less awkward by remaining professional on your exit. Accomplish this by giving your employer appropriate notice.
Write a resignation letter.
Submit your two weeks' notice with a polite and appropriate letter of resignation. Don't over-apologize or make any complaints. Simply state your intentions to quit and name your final day of work.
Consider whether to include it on your resume.
If you worked the job for less than a month, it's bets to leave it off your resume. If you worked for a few months and can explain your reasons for leaving so quickly in future interviews, consider leaving it in.