How to Quit a Part-Time Job (Plus Tips to Help You Resign)

Updated 8 April 2023

Part-time jobs may be temporary and you may quit when you find a new one or have a different commitment. Knowing how to quit your job properly is important for maintaining a positive relationship with your manager and colleagues. If you're thinking of leaving your part-time job, then it's beneficial to do so in a polite and respectful way. In this article, we discuss how to quit a part-time job by exploring some valid reasons, detailing steps for leaving your job and providing tips to help you leave a positive lasting impression on your employer.

Why might you quit a part-time job?

There are many valid reasons to decide to stop working a part-time job. Here are some common reasons:

Getting a full-time job: Having the opportunity of a full-time position may provide you with more stability, benefits and earning opportunities than a part-time job.
Going to school: Many students work part-time jobs during the school vacation, then leave to return to school full time after that.
Starting a business: If you're interested in running a business, working in part-time jobs can help pay your bills while you get started. Once the business stabilises, you may consider quitting the part-time jobs to focus on your business full time.
Undertaking personal obligations: You may have personal reasons such as taking care of your own physical and mental health conditions, starting a family or pursuing other interests.
Seeking greater job satisfaction: Feeling unfulfilled at your current part-time job may inspire you to look for another company that has a culture that matches your values and needs.

How to quit a part-time job

Follow these instructions to quit your part-time job in a respectful and professional way:

1. Decide what you'll be doing after quitting

Before quitting your job, think of a plan of what you want to do after that. Knowing your next steps makes it easier to explain to your manager why you wish to quit. Think about the reasons you want to leave and reflect on what you're looking forward to doing next. Focus on positive changes you want to make by leaving this part-time job.

2. Choose a last day of work

Select your ideal last day of work based on your plans. Decide if you want to move to your next opportunity immediately or if you want to take a break between your part-time job and your next role. Determine your last day to decide when to submit your notice to your current employer.

3. Provide reasonable notice

It's best practice to provide notice ahead of time to quit. Two weeks' notice is typical for resigning from a job regardless of whether it's a full-time or part-time position. Sometimes, situations may arise that don't allow for a full two weeks of notice. For example, if you get an excellent full-time job opportunity that requires you to start next week after receiving the offer, just communicate with your employer as soon as possible.

4. Write a resignation letter

It's important to write a resignation letter to give to your employer. This gives your manager an official notice that you're leaving. A resignation letter states your last day of employment and your plans for leaving. If preferred, you can also include a reason why you're quitting. When writing this letter, be respectful to maintain a positive relationship with the company. You may look online for templates or examples of resignation letters to help you craft your letter.

5. Meet with your supervisor

Once you're ready to quit, consider scheduling a meeting with your supervisor so you can discuss your decision to quit. During this meeting, tell your manager that you're quitting and give them your resignation letter. It's important to talk to them in person so they can plan for your departure. Telling your manager verbally and in writing ensures they understand that you're quitting.

6. Update your job application documents

After you've quit your part-time job, make sure you update your job application documents. This ensures that your resume and cover letter are accurate and include your most recent role. Add in the job title, dates of employment and the name of the company. Think about your job duties and any significant achievements to include them in your resume and cover letter. It's helpful to update your information while everything is still fresh in your mind.

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Tips for quitting a part-time job

Here are some tips to help you quit your part-time job even more gracefully:

Develop a financial plan

Begin saving up before you quit your job so that you have enough money to pay for your expenses between quitting your current job and starting a new one. If you're prepared to leave early, then you may have an easier time transitioning between jobs.

Be polite and respectful

In both your resignation letter and your in-person meeting with your manager, be polite and respectful. Even if you don't have a good relationship with your employer, it's helpful to be gracious when quitting. If you leave on positive terms, it's more likely your previous manager may give you a good review.

Ask for a letter of recommendation

During your meeting with your manager, ask for a letter of recommendation. This is a document that your previous employer writes to describe your qualities as an employee. You typically submit a letter of recommendation when applying for a new position. If your previous employer writes an outstanding letter, this might increase your chance of securing a new role.

Finish with motivation

Continue to stay motivated at work, even during the final days or weeks after you've tendered your resignation. It's important to stay dedicated in your final weeks to leave a lasting impression on your employer. They might notice how you're a reliable and hard-working employee, which they could mention in their letter of recommendation. This also helps you maintain positive relationships with your colleagues.

Train your replacement

When you officially tell your supervisor that you're quitting, offer to train your replacement. This is a polite practice that helps the company transition after you leave. Building a lasting relationship with your supervisor can be especially beneficial if you decide to reapply to the company or request for a referral letter.