Before you resign: a few things to think about

If you’ve been thinking about quitting but are still on the fence, it can help to pause and check in with what’s going on for you before taking the next step.

Sometimes the things that make a job feel difficult can be improved with the right support, a conversation, or a bit more time.  

Reflecting on these questions may help you identify what’s not working and what you might need going forward: 

• What has been feeling difficult or frustrating about this job?
• Is this something that has been building over time, or is it linked to a recent situation?
• Has your experience been influenced by bullying, discrimination or harassment?
• Is there anything happening outside of work that might be making this job feel harder or less enjoyable right now?
• Have you had a chance to talk to your manager about what's not working for you? Were your concerns taken seriously?
• Are there any changes to your job that could help, like different tasks, hours, training or support?
• Are there any parts of this job that you do enjoy or want to keep building on? 

If you feel comfortable, it might also help to talk things through with family or someone else you trust. Getting another perspective can make it easier to sort through your thoughts and explore what your options might be.

Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between a job that isn’t the right fit and feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. Learning more about work burnout and how it can show up might help you work out whether it could be playing a part in how you are feeling about your job.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure about your decision, or just need someone to talk things through with, you can reach out to a headspace centre or connect with eheadspace for support.

Even if you do decide to leave, reflecting on your experiences can be valuable learning and help you identify what to look for in your next role. 

How much notice do you need to give?

It’s generally a good idea to let your employer know you’re leaving as early as possible so they can plan for your replacement. Depending on what kind of job you have (casual, part-time or, full-time) you may be required to give a minimum amount of notice of your intention to leave. If you don’t, it could affect your final pay or entitlements (like annual leave payouts). 

The first thing you should do is check your employment contract as notice periods are often set out in this document.

If you can’t find this information in your employment contract, or you weren't given one, you can use the Fair Work Notice and Redundancy Calculator to give you an idea of how much notice you may need to give.

It’s also important to know that your required notice period may be determined by how long you’ve been employed there, and also that an employer can choose to reduce or remove your notice period completely. If you feel comfortable, consider speaking to your employer about what notice period would suit both you and them.

What to do after you’ve resigned

During your final weeks or days at your current job, there are a few things you can do to support the transition and wrap things up smoothly:

• Support your replacement. You could help with the recruitment or training of your replacement, if that feels appropriate.
• Hand over your work. Hand over any work that is in progress and offer to document your current responsibilities.
• Ask for a reference. Ask your manager if they'd be willing to be a referee for future jobs. If your relationship wasn’t positive, you might choose another supervisor, team leader or colleague who knows your work well. It’s worth noting that many employers have a policy of only confirming basic details, like your role and the dates you worked there, rather than providing detailed opinions.
• Check your contract. Check what you are entitled to in your final pay. Your employer may need to pay you for unused annual leave, long service leave or payment in lieu of notice (if they waived your notice period). For more information on what you should be paid, visit the Fair Work website.
• Reflect on your experience. You could journal or chat with family or someone you trust. If you have mental health supports, you may want to discuss it with them, particularly if the experience was negative. Reflecting can help you identify what you do or don't want in a future job.
• Prepare for the next step. If you don’t have another job lined up, you could use your notice period to start exploring your options (in your own time). It’s also a good time to review your resume and start job searching. 

How to talk about why you left your job

Try speaking respectfully about your previous workplace, whether at your new job or online. You never know who knows who.

It can help to think about how you’ll respond if a potential employer asks you why you left. Aim to be honest while remaining professional. It’s okay to acknowledge that the role wasn’t the right fit or that there were challenges but try to focus on what you learned and what you're looking for next, rather than criticising your previous employer. 

You could say something like:

• “The role helped me realise I’m looking for a workplace with more opportunities for training and development” or
• “I learnt a lot in that position, but I realised I work best in a more collaborative environment.” 

A thoughtful response can show what you’ve learned from previous roles and that you approach your work and employers with respect. 

The headspace Clinical Reference Group oversee and approve clinical resources made available on this website. 

Last reviewed August 2026.