Yes, resigning by email is generally considered less professional and potentially rude than an in-person or phone conversation, as it can seem impersonal; however, it's acceptable and often necessary if remote work, distance, or office dynamics (like an open-plan office) make face-to-face communication impractical, and it serves as a good formal record when followed by a verbal discussion. The ideal approach is to first tell your manager in person or via call, then follow up with a formal email or letter, but if that's not feasible, an email with a clear next step (like a meeting request) is a professional alternative, say experts on SEEK, Indeed, and Quora.
Hence, yes, you can resign via email. But we suggest having an online meeting with your supervisor beforehand to give them a heads up.
Dear [manager's name], I am writing to formally resign from my position as [your job title] at [company name], effective [date—two weeks from today]. After careful consideration, I have decided to pursue new opportunities that offer more potential for professional growth and development.
In more higher-level positions, quitting over text may not be suitable. In these cases, face-to-face conversations or resignation letters are usually more appropriate. End your resignation text with professionalism. You want to maintain your reputation, so finish on a respectful and courteous note.
What not to say in a resignation letter
The biggest signs you should quit are consistent toxic behavior, zero growth opportunities no matter what you try, work that's actively hurting your physical or mental health, situations where you're being asked to compromise your values, and pay that's way below market with no real path to fix it.
The "3-month rule" in a job refers to the common probationary period where employers assess a new hire's performance, skills, and cultural fit, while the employee learns the role and decides if the job is right for them; it's a crucial time for observation, feedback, and proving value, often with potential limitations on benefits until the period ends. It's also advice for new hires to "hang in there" for three months to get acclimated and evaluate the job before making big decisions.
It's best to avoid email in any case – even if your manager is on retreat at a remote mountain with no phone access. There should be someone else acting in their role who you can resign to face-to-face or by phone, says Elissa Henderson, Senior Business Partner Workplace Experience at Davidson.
You wouldn't think quitting a job would have much in common with a romantic breakup—it's business, not personal—but my mailbox is full of letters from people whose managers are deeply aggrieved by their resignations. Often, they respond with either fury or despair.
How to resign from a job in a professional (and mindful) way: 6 tips for a clean break
Essentially, there is no difference between resigning and quitting. Resigning is a more formal and professional way of saying "I quit." It is important to leave on good terms with a company because they could be used as a future reference.
Resigning abruptly without the appropriate notice can damage relationships and affect your reputation. Forgetting to Include a Reason (or Including Too Many Details) While you don't need to go into specifics, providing a general reason for your resignation can be helpful.
3. Short notice resignation email. If you can't provide the standard two weeks' notice, keep your email clear and apologetic but professional.
Explore this list of steps to ensure you leave your job on good terms:
Quitting a job professionally starts with sending a two weeks' notice email. This formal communication informs your employer of your intended departure date, helps begin the transition process, and preserves your professional reputation.
You don't have to give a reason for your resignation. However, if you're resigning because of something your employer did, you should say this in the letter. This will give you evidence if you decide to take legal action against them.
So, if you're leaving a job, don't make these seven mistakes:
The biggest red flags at work often center around toxic leadership, poor communication, and a high-turnover culture, signaling deep issues like micromanagement, lack of transparency, burnout, and disrespect, where problems are normalized and employee well-being is ignored in favor of short-term gains. Key indicators include managers who don't support staff, excessive gossip, broken promises, constant negativity, and environments where speaking up feels unsafe or pointless, often leading to high employee churn.
Examples of quiet firing may include:
If a face-to-face meeting isn't possible, Skype or a phone call is the next best option. Resigning by email is seen as a discourteous approach. Ask your manager when and how they'd like to communicate your news to the rest of the team. It's a professional courtesy to put them in charge of this decision.
How to resign from your job gracefully and professionally
What happens if I don't give the required notice in Australia? If you don't give your employer the required notice, they may not pay you for the full amount of work you have done. This is because, in some cases, your employer can deduct money from your final pay if you give them insufficient notice.
This is where the 70% rule comes in—a powerful job-search strategy that encourages you to apply for roles where you meet at least 70% of the listed criteria. Here's why it works: Your Skills Are More Transferable Than You Think.
If you were at the job less than 6 months, the answer is likely to be “no.” Does it fill a gap in your resume? In general, gaps shorter than 6 months aren't likely to be a big deal, but if you worked on a few short-term jobs or side gigs during a longer gap, consider bundling that experience under a single heading.
Here's our comprehensive guide to help you spot a potential bad employer before you take a job that could turn into an on-going nightmare.