Resigning from a job for personal reasons is a significant decision that often involves careful thought and planning. Whether it’s due to health, family obligations, or pursuing personal growth, writing a clear and respectful resignation letter can help maintain professional relationships and ensure a smooth transition.
A well-written resignation letter serves as your formal notice, allowing you to communicate your departure with professionalism and gratitude.
This article provides 15+ resignation letter samples designed for a variety of personal situations. Each template is crafted to help you express your reasons for leaving while keeping the tone positive and professional.
Whether you need a brief resignation letter for health reasons or a more detailed one for family obligations, you’ll find a template here that meets your needs.
Tips for Writing a Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons
Resigning due to personal reasons can be challenging, especially when it’s necessary to communicate your decision while maintaining a professional tone. Here are some essential tips to help you write a resignation letter that expresses your reasons respectfully, keeps the tone positive, and leaves a lasting impression.
1. Be Direct but Diplomatic
When it comes to explaining your departure, it’s best to keep it straightforward. There’s no need to go into too much detail—phrases like “due to personal reasons” or “for personal circumstances” are generally enough to convey your message.
This keeps the focus on your decision to resign rather than the specifics behind it, maintaining privacy and professionalism.
Example:
“After careful consideration, I am resigning from my position due to personal reasons.”
2. Express Appreciation
A positive tone is key, especially if you’d like to maintain a good relationship with your employer. Expressing gratitude for the time, support, or skills you gained during your role shows that you value the experience, even if circumstances have changed.
Briefly mention specific opportunities, projects, or experiences that you found meaningful.
Example:
“I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at [Company Name], especially working alongside a supportive team and learning from excellent leadership. These experiences have contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth.”
3. Offer a Transition Plan
If you’re able, include a willingness to assist with the transition to minimize any disruption. Offering to help train a replacement, document processes, or finish important projects demonstrates commitment and leaves a strong final impression. However, be mindful of your own limits—offer what you can reasonably manage.
Example:
“To help ensure a smooth transition, I am committed to finishing my current projects and would be glad to assist with training a replacement, if needed. Please let me know if there are additional ways I can support the team during this transition.”
4. Keep it Brief and Positive
A resignation letter doesn’t need to be lengthy. A few well-chosen sentences are enough to communicate your decision, express gratitude, and offer a transition plan.
By keeping it brief, you maintain a professional tone and avoid the risk of oversharing. Remember that leaving a positive final impression can benefit you later on, whether for references or future networking.
Example:
“Thank you again for the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]. I look forward to staying connected and hope to cross paths again in the future.”
5. Ensure Proper Timing and Notice
Whenever possible, provide the standard notice period, usually two weeks, to give the company time to prepare for your departure. This shows respect for your employer’s needs and allows for a smoother transition.
If personal reasons require immediate resignation, however, acknowledge the short notice and thank the employer for their understanding.
Example:
“Due to personal circumstances, I am unable to provide the usual two-week notice. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.”
16 Sample Resignation Letters for Personal Reasons
These resignation letter samples cover a variety of personal situations, offering examples that range from simple and straightforward to more detailed explanations, depending on the circumstances.
Each example includes an opening, a brief explanation of resignation, a message of appreciation, and an offer to assist with the transition if possible.
Sample 1–4: General Resignation Letters for Personal Reasons
Example 1: Basic Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons (No Details)
“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to formally resign from my position at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day, e.g., two weeks from today]. Due to personal reasons, I have decided that stepping away is the best choice for me at this time.
I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here, especially working with such a supportive team. Thank you for the experiences and guidance I’ve gained during my time at [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]”
Example 2: Resignation Letter Expressing Gratitude
“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
Please accept my resignation from [Position] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. I am leaving due to personal reasons that require my full attention.
I want to express my sincere appreciation for the support, mentorship, and encouragement I’ve received during my time here. Working at [Company Name] has been incredibly fulfilling, and I am grateful for the relationships I’ve built and the professional growth I’ve experienced.
Thank you again, and I hope to stay in touch.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]”
Example 3: Resignation Letter Offering Assistance with Transition
“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to formally resign from my position at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. Due to personal reasons, I am unable to continue in my role at this time.
To help ensure a smooth transition, I am committed to completing all pending tasks and am available to assist in training my replacement. Please let me know if there’s anything further I can do to make this change as seamless as possible.
Thank you for the opportunities and support I’ve received here—I am truly grateful.
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]”
Example 4: Brief Resignation Letter for Immediate Departure
“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to inform you of my resignation from [Position] at [Company Name], effective immediately. Unfortunately, personal reasons require me to step down from my role sooner than anticipated.
I apologize for any inconvenience my immediate departure may cause and appreciate your understanding. Thank you for the support and opportunities I’ve had during my time at [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]”
Read: Why is a Cover Letter Important?
Sample 5–8: Resignation Letters Due to Family Obligations
Example 5: Resignation Due to Caregiving Responsibilities
“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am submitting my resignation from [Position] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. Family obligations have made it necessary for me to step into a caregiving role, which will require my full attention moving forward.
I am incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement I have received during my time at [Company Name]. It has been a pleasure working with such a dedicated team, and I look forward to staying in touch.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Best,
[Your Full Name]”
Example 6: Resignation Due to a Family Member’s Illness
“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
With mixed emotions, I am resigning from my position at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. A family member’s illness requires my full attention, and I must prioritize my family during this time.
I deeply appreciate the understanding and support from [Company Name] throughout my tenure here. The experiences I’ve had and the connections I’ve made will remain meaningful to me, and I hope to stay in touch.
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]”
Example 7: Resignation Due to Relocation for Family Reasons
“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to formally announce my resignation from [Position] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. My family and I have made the decision to relocate, and this change makes it necessary for me to leave my current role.
I want to thank you for the wonderful experiences I’ve had at [Company Name]. The knowledge I’ve gained here has been invaluable, and I am grateful for your support.
Please feel free to reach out if there’s anything I can assist with to make this transition smoother.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]”
Example 8: Resignation Due to Managing Family Business
“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
Please accept my resignation from [Position] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. Due to personal reasons, I must assume a more active role in managing my family’s business, which will require my full attention.
I am thankful for the many opportunities I’ve had to grow here, and I appreciate the support and guidance from the team. I look forward to keeping in touch, and I hope our paths cross again in the future.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]”
Read: 35+ Funny Catchy Opening Lines for Cover Letter
Sample 9–12: Resignation Letters Due to Health or Wellness Concerns
Example 9: Resignation Due to Health Issues (Unspecified)
“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
After much consideration, I am resigning from my position at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. This decision comes after careful reflection, as my current health situation requires that I focus on recovery and prioritize my well-being. While this choice was not easy, I believe it is necessary to ensure I can give my best to both my health and my career.
Working at [Company Name] has been a rewarding experience, and I am incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from you and the entire team. From meaningful projects to the collaboration with talented colleagues, my time here has been invaluable. I appreciate the opportunities to grow professionally and personally during my tenure.
I am committed to making this transition as seamless as possible. Over the coming weeks, I will complete my remaining projects and document my work for my successor. Additionally, I am available to provide training or guidance to the team as needed. Please let me know if there is anything specific you would like me to address before my departure.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time. I hope to stay in touch and reconnect in the future once I am in a better position health-wise.
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]”
Example 10: Resignation Due to Recovery or Mental Health Needs
“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to formally announce my resignation from [Position] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. This decision is a deeply personal one, made to allow me to focus on my mental health and work towards a full recovery.
My time at [Company Name] has been genuinely fulfilling, and I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to learn, grow, and contribute to the team’s success. Working alongside such dedicated individuals has been a highlight of my career, and I value each of these experiences. However, after much thought, I recognize that stepping back is necessary to prioritize my health and ensure my long-term well-being.
To ensure a smooth transition, I am committed to wrapping up my current projects and assisting with the onboarding of a new team member if needed. I will also prepare comprehensive notes and documentation to ensure my tasks are up-to-date and easily accessible for the team.
Thank you for your understanding and compassion during this time. I am hopeful that, after taking the necessary time to focus on my recovery, I can reenter the workforce with renewed energy and focus. I look forward to staying connected and am optimistic about our paths crossing again in the future.
With sincere gratitude,
[Your Full Name]”
Example 11: Resignation Due to Chronic Illness
“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation from [Position] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. Due to a chronic illness that requires more extensive management and care, I find it necessary to step down from my role to focus on my health.
This decision was not an easy one, as my time at [Company Name] has been incredibly rewarding. I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from you and my colleagues throughout my journey here. The opportunity to work on impactful projects and collaborate with such a talented team has been an honor.
To ensure a smooth transition, I am dedicated to completing all current tasks and projects over the coming weeks. I am also available to help train my replacement and provide documentation that outlines my responsibilities and ongoing initiatives. It is important to me that I leave my role in a manner that reflects my dedication to the team and the company.
Thank you for the understanding and kindness you have shown me as I navigate this personal journey. I look forward to staying in touch and hope to reconnect in the future when my health permits.
With heartfelt appreciation,
[Your Full Name]”
Example 12: Resignation for Stress Management and Work-Life Balance
“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
After considerable reflection, I have decided to resign from my position at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. This decision is driven by a need to refocus on my mental and physical well-being, as I’ve found it increasingly difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the growth opportunities I’ve experienced during my time here. Working at [Company Name] has allowed me to collaborate with inspiring colleagues and take on projects that have enriched my career and skillset. However, I realize that, at this time, prioritizing my health is essential for my long-term success and happiness.
In preparation for my departure, I am committed to finalizing my responsibilities and ensuring a smooth handover. I am more than willing to assist in training my replacement and documenting any ongoing tasks to facilitate a seamless transition.
Thank you for your understanding and support. I genuinely hope to keep in touch and look forward to a time when I can contribute again to [Company Name] in the future, under different circumstances.
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]”
Sample 13–16: Resignation Letters for Personal Development or Life Changes
Example 13: Resignation Due to Pursuing Further Education or Training
“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to formally announce my resignation from [Position] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. This decision comes after careful consideration, as I have chosen to pursue further education that will enable me to grow within my field and reach new career goals.
Working at [Company Name] has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to learn, contribute, and grow alongside such a supportive team. The experiences here have inspired me to expand my knowledge and skills, which I believe will serve me well as I continue my professional journey.
To ensure a smooth transition, I am committed to completing my current projects and preparing detailed documentation for my successor. If there’s anything more I can do to assist during this time, please let me know. I look forward to staying connected and hope to bring my new knowledge back to [Company Name] in some capacity in the future.
Thank you for your understanding and support as I take this step forward in my career.
Warmest regards,
[Your Full Name]”
Example 14: Resignation for Career Change or Personal Growth
“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
Please accept my resignation from [Position] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. After much thought, I have decided to explore a new career path that aligns closely with my personal goals and aspirations. This decision was not an easy one, as I have greatly enjoyed working here and being part of such a dedicated team.
During my time at [Company Name], I’ve had the privilege of working with talented individuals and gaining skills that have shaped me both professionally and personally. I am immensely grateful for these experiences and the support I’ve received throughout my journey here.
In preparation for my departure, I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition. I will complete my current projects, provide documentation, and offer my assistance in training my replacement if needed. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to make this transition seamless for the team.
Thank you for the opportunities I’ve been given, and I look forward to staying in touch. I am hopeful that our paths may cross again in the future.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]”
Example 15: Resignation Due to Relocating to a New City or Country for Personal Reasons
“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
It is with mixed emotions that I submit my resignation from [Position] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. My family and I have made the decision to relocate to [City/Country], and unfortunately, this move means I must step down from my role.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had at [Company Name]. Being part of this team has been an incredible experience, and I am genuinely thankful for the mentorship, encouragement, and growth I have found here. The decision to leave was a difficult one, and I will truly miss working with such dedicated and inspiring colleagues.
As I prepare for my departure, I am committed to completing all current tasks and will provide thorough documentation for my successor. Additionally, I am available to offer support and training to ensure a seamless transition. Please feel free to reach out if there are any specific areas where my help would be valuable.
Thank you once again for everything. I hope to keep in touch and look forward to staying connected in the future.
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]”
Example 16: Resignation Due to Volunteering or Humanitarian Work
“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from [Position] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. I have recently committed to a volunteering opportunity that will allow me to contribute to humanitarian efforts, a personal calling I have felt strongly about for many years.
This decision was not made lightly, as my time at [Company Name] has been incredibly fulfilling. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in an environment that values teamwork, growth, and innovation. The support and encouragement I’ve received have been invaluable, and I am honored to have been part of such an exceptional team.
To ensure a smooth handover, I will work to complete my current responsibilities and prepare thorough documentation for the team. If there are additional ways I can assist during this transition, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Thank you once again for the experiences, connections, and support. I look forward to staying in touch, and I hope our paths cross again in the future.
With sincere appreciation,
[Your Full Name]”
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Conclusions
Selecting the right resignation letter template is essential to ensure your departure is communicated with professionalism, gratitude, and respect. While each of the 16 templates provided here is tailored to different personal reasons, it’s crucial to customize your letter to reflect your specific situation and personality.
Think about what you want to emphasize in your letter, whether it’s the gratitude you feel toward your colleagues, a willingness to assist with the transition, or simply a brief but polite notice of departure. Customizing your resignation letter allows you to strike the right tone, helping to leave a lasting, positive impression.
Remember, this letter is not just a formality—it’s an opportunity to maintain a positive connection with your employer and colleagues, which can benefit your future career. Best of luck as you take this next step, and remember that a thoughtful resignation letter can make a big difference in ensuring your transition is smooth and professional.
