Quitting a job can feel overwhelming, especially when you're stepping away from the familiar. But staying in a role you dislike won't lead to fulfillment. No matter your reason for leaving, it's likely better than feeling stuck.
Explaining your decision to your employer can be tricky, and finding the right words takes thought. How you present your reason in interviews matters—it should be honest without painting your previous employer in a negative light.
In this article, we’ll cover 10 of the best reasons to share with your current and future employers when leaving a job:
10 Best Reasons for Leaving a Job
1. Career Growth and Development Opportunities
Reason: Your current role doesn't offer opportunities for advancement or learning new skills. Staying in the same position has started to feel stagnant, and you seek more dynamic roles that offer continued development.
How to inform your manager:
I’ve truly enjoyed my time here and have learned so much. However, I feel that in order to grow further and expand my skills, I need to seek new opportunities that align with my long-term career goals. This has been a difficult decision, but I believe it’s the right step for my career”
2. Desire for a Change in Work Environment
Reason: You’re seeking a change in the work environment, culture, or structure. While you enjoy the work, the organizational culture or team dynamics are no longer a good fit, and you want to find a place where you feel more aligned with the company’s values or working style.
How to inform your manager:
I've learned a lot in this role and appreciate the time I've spent with the team. However, I feel that a change in the work environment would benefit my overall well-being and career satisfaction. I believe finding a different culture or dynamic is the best next step for me."
3. Better Work-Life Balance
Reason: The demands of your job are impacting your personal life, and you need a better balance between work and home. A healthier balance will enable you to focus more on your well-being, family, or personal interests.
How to inform your manager:
This was a difficult decision, but after much thought, I’ve realized that I need a role that allows me to maintain a better balance between my professional and personal life. I truly value my time here, but I need to prioritize my health and personal responsibilities moving forward.”
4.Relocation
Reason: You’re moving to a new city or country and won’t be able to continue in your current position. The logistical challenges of continuing remotely or commuting have become too difficult.
How to inform your manager:
Due to personal reasons, I’m relocating, and unfortunately, this means I won’t be able to continue in my current role. I’ve enjoyed being a part of the team, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here. I’d love to stay connected as I transition to this next phase.”
In a survey, 64% of respondents considered relocating to find better opportunities.
5. Company Culture Mismatch
Reason: You feel the company culture no longer aligns with your values or the way you work. While you respect the company, you’re seeking an environment that better matches your professional and personal values.
How to inform your manager:
I’ve greatly appreciated working here, but I’ve come to realize that my values and working style are better suited to a different type of company culture. This has been a tough decision, but I believe it’s best for my long-term happiness and career success.”
6. Pursuing a Passion
Reason: You’ve decided to leave to pursue a passion or a different career path. This is a personal decision driven by long-term goals and the desire to follow a dream you feel deeply about.
How to inform your manager:
This decision wasn’t easy, but I’ve decided to follow a passion that has been pulling at me for some time. It’s a different direction, but one I feel very committed to. I’m incredibly thankful for everything I’ve learned here and for your understanding during this transition.”
7. Health Reasons
Reason: You need to step back due to health concerns, either personal or family-related. Prioritizing your health has become necessary, and continuing in your current role may hinder recovery or self-care.
How to inform your manager:
After careful consideration, I’ve realized that for health reasons, I need to step away from my current role to focus on my well-being. I want to thank you for the support and understanding you’ve shown me, and I hope to stay in touch as I prioritize my health.”
8. Lack of Recognition or Appreciation
Reason: You feel your efforts aren’t being recognized or valued in your current role. It has impacted your motivation, and you believe a new environment would provide the appreciation you need to feel fulfilled.
How to inform your manager:
I’ve enjoyed working here and am proud of my contributions, but I believe my efforts and skills may be better appreciated in a new role where recognition is more aligned with my contributions. I’ve given this a lot of thought, and this is the best path forward for my professional growth.”
9.Toxic Work Environment
Reason: The workplace has become negative or toxic, impacting your mental health and productivity. Despite trying to make things work, the negativity has made it unsustainable for you to continue working in this environment.
How to inform your manager:
It’s with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to move on, as I’ve found the environment to be increasingly challenging and not conducive to my well-being and professional growth. I’ve truly appreciated your guidance and support, but I need to take this step for my own health and future.”
10. Desire for More Stability
Reason: The company or role is too volatile, and you seek a more stable, predictable work environment. You want a role where you can build a long-term career without the stress of constant change or uncertainty.
How to inform your manager:
I’ve enjoyed my time here, but I’m seeking a more stable work environment where I can focus on long-term growth and development. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here and hope to maintain a positive relationship as I move forward.”
How to explain your reasons for leaving a job?
When answering the question "Why are you leaving your job?" in a job interview, keep these tips in mind:
Be truthful
Always respond honestly to ensure you find the right fit for your career. Being truthful during an interview is the best way to deal with your answers.
Stay positive
Avoid negativity about your current job or employer. Instead, keep your comments neutral or tactful. Highlight a couple of positive aspects of your current role, if possible.
Focus on the future
Emphasize what you look forward to in your next role rather than dwelling on the past. Talk about the exciting opportunities and specific aspects you're eager to work on in your new position.
Point out professional growth.
Mention your desire for professional development and how the new position aligns with your career goals. This demonstrates that you're proactive and forward-thinking.
High company culture fit
Explain how you researched the company culture and values of the prospective employer and how they align better with your own. Let them know how they have a more appealing and harmonious environment for you to work in.
Do’s and Dont’s while answering, “Reason for leaving a job?”
Do's
- Be Candid but Tactful: Share genuine reasons for leaving without going into unnecessary details. You can be honest without being overly critical.
- Emphasize Learning Opportunities: Discuss your thirst for new challenges and learning experiences. Employers appreciate candidates who seek growth.
- Connect with Career Goals: Explain how the new opportunity aligns with your long-term career goals, signaling a proactive approach to your professional journey.
- Highlight Positive Aspects: If your current or previous job has positive aspects, acknowledge them. It shows you appreciate what you've gained.
- Practice Storytelling: Practice framing your reasons as a cohesive narrative. Storytelling can make your response more engaging and memorable.
Don'ts
- Avoid Blaming Others: Steer clear of blaming colleagues, supervisors, or the company for your decision. Take ownership of your choices.
- Limit Personal Details: While mentioning personal reasons is okay, avoid sharing overly personal details. Keep it professional and relevant to your career.
- Balance Critique with Positivity: If discussing challenges, balance critique with positive outcomes or lessons learned. It shows resilience and a solution-oriented mindset.
- Steer Clear of Money Talk: While finances might be a factor, don't make it the primary focus. Keep the conversation centered around your career and professional goals.
- Don't Rush the Response: Take your time to answer thoughtfully. Avoid rushing your response, as it might be insincere or unprepared.
Summing Up
At this point, you should figure out why you want to leave your job and what the best reason is suited for you. When talking to your supervisor about it, be honest, but don’t be too honest. There’s always a better way to say things. While you’re at it, start dropping your job application in various openings.
Also, keep in mind never to bad-mouth a company. Criticizing your previous company before your potential employer does not deliver a very good impression.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I leave my job politely?
Make sure not to burn any bridges while leaving your job. Go through the employee resignation policies of your company and follow the required notice period. Discuss with your boss before sending the resignation letter and offer help with the transition.
2. What should I know when I’ve decided to quit?
Once you’ve decided to quit, you should be aware of the proper notice period required by the company. You should also write a respectable resignation letter and thank your employer for the opportunities presented to you. Go through a few letters of resignation before writing one.
Some companies also offer unemployment benefits. Talk to your HR about them. Lastly, don’t forget to hand over valuable documents and assets you’ve acquired.
3. How do I answer interview questions about leaving my job?
While answering interview questions about leaving your job, ensure you are brief and honest. Do not overexplain yourself or give out additional information. You should also avoid bad-mouthing your previous employer, which could prove counterproductive.
4. What not to say while leaving a job?
While leaving your job, avoid using words like ‘quitting’ or ‘leaving,’ as that could imply that you’re putting the company at fault. Say you’ve found a better opportunity or are taking some time off. Don’t apologize or give away too much with words.
5. Should I quit my job if I’m unhappy?
If you constantly feel mentally and physically exhausted while at your job, you should consider leaving. However, having one bad day at work is not enough to quit. There could be a lot of reasons for your unhappiness, and your job might not be one of them.
This article has been written by Pansy Thakuria. She works as a Content Marketing Specialist at Vantage Lens. Her areas of interest include marketing, mental well-being, travel, and digital tech. When she’s not writing, she’s usually planning trips to remote locations and stalking animals on social media.