- The Role of a Resignation Letter in Personal Transitions
- Common Personal Reasons for Resigning
- What to Include in Your Resignation Letter (Checklist)
- How to Write a Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons
- Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons Sample
- Examples of a Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons
- Simplify Your Letter Writing with Legal Templates
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Role of a Resignation Letter in Personal Transitions
A resignation letter formally communicates your decision to leave your job and helps maintain professional relationships. Whether your departure is planned or unexpected, a well-crafted letter:
- Provides notice to help your employer prepare for your departure
- Serves as documentation of your resignation
- Offers flexibility by keeping personal details vague if needed
- Conveys professionalism and shows respect for your team
Common Personal Reasons for Resigning
Many employees leave their jobs to address personal challenges or pursue life goals. Common reasons include:
- health issues (i.e., managing ongoing health conditions that impact work)
- mental health needs (i.e., resting after burnout)
- family reasons (i.e., taking care of children or aging parents)
- relocation (i.e., moving to a different city or country)
- personal growth (i.e., pursuing creative goals or further education)
What to Include in Your Resignation Letter (Checklist)
When resigning for personal reasons, your letter should maintain a respectful and professional tone while offering enough information to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s what to include:
- Your contact information: Your name, address, and email at the top
- Employer details: Your supervisor’s name, position, and company address
- Formal greeting: Start with a respectful salutation (e.g., “Dear [Supervisor’s Last Name]”)
- Statement of resignation: Clearly state your intention to resign from your position
- Final work date: Specify your last working day
- Brief explanation (optional): You can mention personal reasons without providing too much detail
- Expression of gratitude: Acknowledge the positive aspects of your role and express appreciation
- Offer to assist: If possible, offer help during the transition period (e.g., training your replacement)
- Formal closing: End with a polite closing phrase (e.g., “Sincerely”) followed by your signature
For resignation letters addressing personal reasons, the focus is on clarity and professionalism while respecting your privacy. There’s no need to go into excessive detail—keeping it brief yet supportive helps maintain goodwill.
How to Write a Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons
Before writing your resignation letter, consider having a conversation with your employer first. Letting your boss know as early as possible will give them more time to prepare for your departure.
When you sit down to write your letter:
- Choose Your Tone: Tailor your word choice to match your specific workplace culture and relationship with your employer, all while maintaining professionalism.
- Format Your Letter: Start by writing your name and address in the top left, followed by your employer’s name and position and the company name and address underneath.
- Write the Body: Give your final working date, touch on your reasons for leaving, express gratitude, and offer to help in transitioning to your replacement if possible.
- Submit the Letter: Sign your letter, either digitally or on paper. Either email or hand in your resignation letter, depending on your company’s policies.
In a resignation letter, use a calm, professional tone, and avoid explaining more than necessary.
Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons Sample
Below, you can see a sample resignation letter for personal reasons. You can use our document editor to start customizing it to meet your needs and personal circumstances.
Examples of a Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons
Here are two examples of resignation letters for personal reasons to guide you through writing your own.
Resignation Due to Family Commitments
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Supervisor Name]
[Position]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Date]
Dear [Supervisor’s Last Name],
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my role as [Position Name] at [Company Name]. My last working day will be [Date].
After much consideration, I have decided to step away to focus on increased family responsibilities that require my full attention. This has been a difficult decision, as I have truly valued the opportunities, mentorship, and support I’ve received during my time at [Company Name].
I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition before my departure and will assist with training or documentation as needed. Please feel free to reach me at my personal email for any follow-up questions or support.
Thank you again for the opportunity to be part of this incredible team.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Typed Name]
[Personal Email Address]
Resignation Due to Relocation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Supervisor Name]
[Position]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Date]
Dear [Supervisor’s Last Name],
I am writing to formally resign from my role as [Position Name] at [Company Name]. My last day at the company will be [Date].
I have accepted an opportunity in a different location, which requires my relocation. This decision aligns with my personal goals and growth but comes with a heavy heart as I leave behind an exceptional team and a workplace that has been instrumental in my professional journey.
I am committed to making this transition as smooth as possible and am happy to assist with any handovers or tasks before my departure. Thank you for your understanding and for the trust you’ve placed in me during my time here.
Warm regards,
[Signature]
[Typed Name]
[Personal Email Address]
Simple Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Supervisor’s Name]
[Position]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Supervisor’s Last Name],
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my role as [Position] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day, typically two weeks from the date of this letter].
Due to personal reasons, I have decided to step away from my current role. This decision was not easy, as I have greatly valued my time at [Company Name].
I appreciate the support and opportunities I’ve received and am committed to making the transition as smooth as possible. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to assist before my departure.
Thank you again for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature] (if submitting a hard copy)
[Your Typed Name]
Simplify Your Letter Writing with Legal Templates
Writing a resignation letter can feel overwhelming, but Legal Templates makes it easy. Our online editor helps you format your letter quickly and ensures you include every important detail. You can easily customize your letter to fit your situation, save drafts, make edits, and download or email your finished letter.
Let us help you streamline the process so you can move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It okay to put “personal reasons” on a resignation letter?
Yes, you can list personal reasons as a formal reason for resignation. You do not need to go into detail.
How to professionally say you are resigning for personal reasons?
When formally resigning, you may choose to protect your privacy by saying you are leaving for personal reasons that you do not wish to share at this time.
We recommend keeping the reasoning in your resignation letter direct and brief. Consider listing personal causes for quitting such as health issues, relocation, further education, taking care of family, or burnout.
Do I have to explain why I’m resigning?
No, you do not have to give a description of why you are leaving a job. You can simply give a statement of resignation along with your final working date.