How to quit a part-time job: 5 tips to leave on good terms

Leaving a job isn't easy, even if you're ready to move on. 

Learning how to quit a part-time job takes thought, integrity, and confidence. The good news is that you're far from being the only person in this position.

As of 2020, about 17% of the U.S. workforce worked part-time, with 63% of part-time workers being women. And the number one reason people choose to work part-time is to attend school or training programs simultaneousy. But what happens when you finish school and want to start your career or find full-time hours? 

Once limiting factors like health conditions, education, and family obligations disappear, it’s time to learn how to quit your part-time job and move into full-time work. Let’s go over how to quit your job peacefully, including writing the perfect resignation letter. 

How to quit a part-time job

Quitting your job isn't as simple as saying, "I'm leaving, goodbye" to your current employer. Putting in the time and energy to do this right will help you find closure, leave on good terms, and smoothly transition into your next job. 

Here are five tips to help you quit your part-time job:

1. Think about your reason for leaving

Give yourself time to reflect on your reason for leaving the job. Knowing your "why" will help when telling your boss or during the exit interview. Will leave benefit your professional development, or did you receive a full-time job offer?

You could be quitting because you've had enough of the toxic work environment and are prioritizing your mental health. Or it might be time to switch to an industry you’re passionate about. 

2. Develop a plan for after you quit

OK, so you'll quit your job, but what's going to happen after? You might want to go back to school, take time off to travel, or move to another city. Having a plan will help you feel more organized. You won't feel confused or overwhelmed since you know the direction you're headed in. 

Try talking to loved ones or people in your professional network. They could provide life and career advice that might guide you in a direction you feel excited about.

3. Tell your boss about your decision

Knowing how to tell your boss you're quitting is a valuable skill that'll serve you well. The initial talk might make you nervous, but make sure to tell your employer face-to-face and strive to give at least two weeks' notice. It's a way to show respect, even though you're leaving. Remember to be straightforward, focused, and detailed.

4. Create a backup plan

You don't like to dwell on the worst-case scenario, but having a backup plan is helpful just in case. Plans change, and being able to adapt is better than fighting it. When giving your employer your notice, they might fire you on the spot. Prepare for the worst by considering things like your savings and potentially needing a new position earlier than expected. 

5. Update your information

After quitting your job, it's time to move on. You could be starting your job search now or already have a new job lined up. Take the time to update your resume to reflect your intentions, experiences, and goals.

The work you've done will still be fresh in your mind, and you'll feel more organized once it’s updated. You won’t feel overwhelmed or underprepared when starting your job search. Don't forget to update your LinkedIn profile and share any words about your departure or new job there.

What your resignation letter should include

If you're unsure how to tell your boss you're quitting, writing a resignation letter will lend a helping hand. This is the formal way of putting in two weeks’ notice, so give concrete details like when your last day will be and what you’ll accomplish before leaving. 

Your letter could be a physical piece of paper, or it could be sent via email. If the latter’s the case, remember to write a subject line indicating it's your letter of resignation.

While a simple letter outlining the details of your departure will suffice, a good resignation letter has been found to make a significant positive impact on your work relationships and impression on others. Taking the time to write a thoughtful letter of resignation shows that you value and respect your time at the company, and wish to make a respectful exit.

If you're wondering what to say when giving two weeks' notice, here are the details to include:

• A clear indication that it’s a letter of resignation and you intend to leave your job
• When your last day will be
• A brief overview of your reason for leaving
• Gratitude to your boss for the opportunity to work there

Remember to leave out any information you don't feel comfortable sharing. Your boss doesn't need to know every detail about your decision. Keep things professional and to the point.

Part-time job quitting mistakes

There isn't one best way to quit a job, but you can do things to avoid leaving your job in the worst way. You might become nervous about quitting and want to take the easy way out. But the easy way doesn’t always show the most respect and gratitude.

So long as you give your boss adequate notice, you’re allowed to move on to a new opportunity. If you want to change jobs or industries, quitting your part-time job might make the most sense for your future. 

Here are five mistakes to avoid when quitting your job:

1. Flaking on your responsibilities: You still work at the company until your final day. If you told your boss you'd finish your assignments before leaving, ensure you complete them and don’t neglect your responsibilities.
2. Forgetting your manners: Once you hand in your letter of resignation, you shouldn't adopt the "I don't care" attitude. Remember to be polite and respectful to your coworkers. Don't boast about how amazing your new job will be.
3. Quitting without notice: This one's tough. Some circumstances force you to quit without notice, but if you're able to avoid it, give two weeks' notice. It offers your employer more time to plan for when you're gone, and it's more professional.
4. Bashing your former employer: News spreads fast. Saying negative things about your employer in your next job interview might get recruiters talking. And there's no reason for you to hop on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media platform and speak poorly about your former work environment.
   
   It's rude, and future employers might see it and think twice about hiring you.
5. Being unclear in your resignation letter: Your boss should know that your resignation letter is a resignation letter. You want to convey clear intentions, not confuse people.

Finding new opportunities

Learning how to quit a part-time job sets you apart. You can’t know what to expect when you give your two weeks' notice, but you can do your best to leave on good terms.

Take a moment to pat yourself on the back for letting your boss know ahead of time and striving to be professional during this process. Not everyone does that. You've learned which mistakes to avoid and how to write a meaningful letter of resignation — that thoughtfulness is valuable to both your current employer and your new one.