Writing a resignation letter for personal reasons can be tricky. While resigning for a new opportunity is typically simple and straightforward, a resignation due to something personal can be a bit harder to explain. You may be afraid of sharing too much or too little, to the point of sounding unprofessional or inconsiderate of your current employer.
Naturally you don't want to burn bridges, because you might need to ask your current employer for a reference letter or even a new job in the future. To help you out, here are a few tips on how to write a resignation letter for personal reasons—with examples.
Is it OK to resign for personal reasons?
Yes, of course it is. If you're employed at will—which is the case for most U.S. workers—you can quit at any time, for any reason. “Personal reasons are absolutely valid grounds for resignation without detailed explanation,” says Daniel Meursing, CEO and founder of event staffing agency Premier Staff.
In fact, as long as you're professional, keeping your personal issues private could be seen positively. “Our experience managing thousands of staff members has shown that maintaining privacy while being professional strengthens rather than damages relationships,” Meursing says.
Common “personal reasons” to resign
“Personal reasons” could mean different things for different people. If you're afraid your reasons aren't acceptable enough, here are some common and valid personal reasons to quit your job.
- Health issues: Any illness that requires rest or intensive treatment, or that can only get better if you leave your work environment (e.g. burnout, anxiety) is enough of a reason to resign. Especially if a medical leave is off the table or won't be enough.
- Family issues: Whether you’re taking care of an elder, a sick family member, or your own (healthy) family, know that it’s common for workers to quit their job to deal with family matters.
- Relocation: Many professionals relocate for better opportunities in a different city or state, to live closer to family, or simply to start a new life elsewhere. When moving and keeping your job is off the table, this is a valid excuse to resign.
- Pursuing education: Some professionals decide to pursue higher education for better opportunities or to jumpstart a career shift. Because some courses can be as demanding and time-consuming as a full time job, furthering your education is an acceptable reason to resign.
Note that these are examples of common personal reasons for resignation, but they’re not the only acceptable personal reasons to resign. If your reasoning doesn't fall into these categories—perhaps you're simply fed up with your job—you still can and should resign, if you choose to. Just don't say that on the resignation letter—instead, be vague and diplomatic.
How to write a resignation letter for personal reasons
Resignation letters for personal reasons can be short and sweet. Here are our in-depth tips on how to write one.
1. Choose the right letter format
Back in the day, resignation letters were written in the traditional business letter format, printed, and delivered in person. However, as emails have become the main means of communication in companies—especially with the rise of remote work—you might be fine emailing your letter. “Digital resignation letters are perfectly acceptable,” Meursing says.
When in doubt, check your company guidelines and use the adequate format. You can also send both a hard copy and an email notification, so you have physical and electronic copies of the letter.
2. State your resignation and last day of work
Get straight to the point and state your resignation and last day of employment. For instance, you could say “I am writing to inform you of my resignation from my role as [job title] at [company's name] in two weeks time.”
You could also specify the date, especially if you're leaving on short notice, to avoid confusion. For example, you could say “I am resigning from my role as [job title] at [company name]. My last day of employment will be November 10, 2024.”
3. Give a brief explanation
It's standard to provide a brief explanation for your resignation, but not mandatory. If you don't want to get into specifics, you could say “Due to health issues that need my attention, it's in my and the company's best interest that I resign.” If you want to say even less, you could write “I'm leaving due personal reasons that need my immediate attention.”
4. Express your thanks to the employer
Part of a civil resignation that keeps a door open is thanking them for the opportunity. Even if I hated the experience and wouldn't come back, a resignation letter isn't a place to vent. You could say “Thank you for the opportunity, this was a great learning experience,” or “I'm grateful for all the opportunities I've been given in the past two years,” or similar variations.
5. Offer to help with the transition
Next you should make yourself available to help with the transition process and handover of responsibilities. This is the main reason why companies ask for a two weeks notice. However, if you're leaving immediately and there would be no time for that, you can skip this step. Just express your regret about the situation.
6. Include your contact information
If you decide to print the letter and use the business letter format, your contact information is placed at the top of the page. However, in resignation letters submitted via email, you can add your details at the bottom, below your signature. Here's the difference between the two:
Business letter
Danielle Smith
555 Blue Avenue
New York, NY 12345
555-111-2222
danielle.smith@email.com
October 28, 2024
Email letter
Sincerely,
Danielle Smith
555-111-2222
danielle.smith@email.com
Resignation letter: Examples for personal reasons
Here are five examples of resignation letters for personal reasons to illustrate how our tips work in practice. Use these as a guide to write your own letter.
Example #1: Resignation due to health issues
Subject: Resignation to focus on health issues
Dear Kyle,
I am resigning from my position as customer service representative at Moon Inc. My last day of employment will be November 8, 2024. After careful consideration, I decided I need to focus on my health at the moment.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve experienced in the past three years and all I've learned. Please let me know how I can help to make this transition process as smooth as possible.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Kendall Wang
555-123-4567
kendall.wang@email.com
Example #2: Resignation due to family reasons
Subject: Resignation due to family circumstances
Dear Susan,
I am writing to inform you of my resignation from my role as software developer at Tech Group in two weeks time. While I definitely enjoyed my time in your team, unexpected family issues need my full attention right now.
I am grateful for the professional development and opportunity to work with such an amazing team and clients. I'll be happy to help with the transition process and handover of my duties.
Thank you for understanding,
Sincerely,
Janet Thomas
555-123-4567
janet.thomas@email.com
Example #3: Resignation letter due to relocation
Subject: Resignation due to relocation
Dear Jesse,
After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I'm resigning from my position as social media manager at Yellow Sky. My last day of employment will be November 14, 2024.
I have enjoyed my time with Yellow Sky's social team and appreciate all the opportunities I had so far. However, at the moment it's in my best interest to pursue opportunities in a new city.
Please let me know what I can do to make this transition as smooth as possible.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Grace Smith
555-123-4567
grace.smith@email.com
Example #4: Resignation due to non disclosed personal reason
Subject: Resignation due to personal reasons
Dear Paul,
Please accept this letter as my resignation from my position as executive assistant at Green Corporation, effective November 15, 2024. Due to personal reasons, I believe it's in my best interest to resign at this time.
I would like to thank you for the opportunity and support in the past two years. I am happy to assist during this transition period.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Ryan Scott
555-123-4567
ryan.scott@email.com
Example #5: Immediate resignation letter for personal reasons
Subject: Immediate resignation due to personal reasons
Dear Morgan,
I regret to inform you that I am resigning from my position as receptionist with Medical Solutions, effective today, October 30, 2024. Due to unforeseen personal circumstances, I'm not able to provide two weeks notice. I deeply apologize for the inconvenience.
I appreciate the opportunity and am grateful for the professional development I've experienced. Please let me know what's the best way to hand over my duties.
Sincerely,
Frank James
555-123-4567
frank.james@emil.com
Bottom line
Writing a resignation letter for personal reasons isn't a complex task. The main difference between this letter and other resignation letters is that you'll likely be more secretive about the reasons why you're leaving the company. Most employers are okay with that and won’t ask for further explanation. Just follow standard corporate etiquette and you'll be able to move on without burning any bridges.