Resign For Family or Personal Reasons • Letter Templates and Guides
How to write this letter:
1 | Make a clear and direct statement that you are resigning. Identify by title the position you are leaving, and give an effective date. |
2 | Give more information on your plans and comment on the difficulty of the decision, if you can do so honestly. |
3 | Express appreciation and gratitude for training, experience, or relationships. |
4 | Solicit a letter of recommendation, if appropriate |
5 | If you think there is a possibility of regaining your position, or if such a possibility has been suggested to you, say something about it. |
Guides
There are several reasons associated with family which may compel your resignation. Your spouse may be transferred or offered a job in another city. The birth of a child or illness of a family member may require your presence at home, or you may just want to move to be closer to family or children. It is appropriate to mention such reasons. If your reasons are of a personal or private nature (drug abuse, divorce, emotional problems, criminal indictment, etc.) you need not discuss them.
Example Letter #1
I regretfully submit my resignation from my position as personnel director, effective two weeks from today. Although I love my job, my first priority is my family, and I have decided to stay home with my newborn child. When I first learned that I was pregnant, resignation was the last thing on my mind. But, now that she is born, I find I lack the courage to leave her in the care of a stranger.
Your confidence in my abilities and genuine concern for my professional growth make this decision especially difficult. I will be forever grateful for the invaluable expertise I acquired while under your guidance. Also, the friendships I have developed here have helped make my years with the company successful and productive. My co-workers have been among the finest people I have ever known.
I highly regard your offer to reinstate me to my former position once I decide to reenter the job market; indeed, I can think of no company for which I would rather work.
Example Letter #2
After much reflection and soul searching, I have decided that I must resign from my position as Department Head. To facilitate a smooth transition, I plan to stay until the end of the month to complete my projects and help train my replacement.
My reasons for leaving are of a deeply personal nature, but rest assured they are not related to dissatisfaction with my job, the company, or my co-workers. On the contrary, I have experienced immense personal satisfaction, both from my job assignments and from the close friendships I have established with my co-workers. I regret that my current situation requires that I make this difficult decision now.
I hope you will provide me with a favorable recommendation when I return to the job market. Also, if you feel there are any unresolved problems, I would appreciate discussing these problems with you so we can reach an amicable understanding before I leave.
Example Letter #3
Please accept my resignation as chief accountant, effective May 31, 2019. Because I desire to grow both professionally and financially, I have reevaluated my career goals and decided to return to college to complete my degree.
I have enjoyed my time at Doe's, and I appreciate the many friendships I have developed here. The experience and knowledge gained during my affiliation with this firm are invaluable. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity I have had to work here.
Thank you for generously offering a letter of recommendation on my behalf. Would it be possible to carry your letter with me when I leave? Please inform me if this is not convenient.
Example Letter #4
I regret to inform you that I am resigning as editor on January 15, 2019. This past eight months has been incredibly difficult as Jane and I have decided to end our marriage. I will have custody of the children and I cannot juggle the demands of this job and of my children full-time. I also need to be there for them to help them cope with the emotional difficulties they face.
Thank you for the terrific experience of being an editor for this paper. It's been educational, enraging, entertaining, etc. Perhaps my mastery of alliteration will help me in finding a part-time position. More likely, a strong recommendation from Doe would be of more help. Would you mind writing me a letter of recommendation? Should any part-time editorial or writing positions become available, I would greatly appreciate being considered for the job. Again, thank you for everything.
Write Your Letter Step-by-Step
1
Make a clear and direct statement that you are resigning. Identify by title the position you are leaving, and give an effective date.
Example Sentences for Step 1
Example Phrases for Step 1
2
Give more information on your plans and comment on the difficulty of the decision, if you can do so honestly.
Example Sentences for Step 2
Example Phrases for Step 2
3
Express appreciation and gratitude for training, experience, or relationships.
Example Sentences for Step 3
Example Phrases for Step 3
4
Solicit a letter of recommendation, if appropriate
Example Sentences for Step 4
Example Phrases for Step 4
5
If you think there is a possibility of regaining your position, or if such a possibility has been suggested to you, say something about it.