I Resigned This Week (With a Job Lined Up and a Week Off). Here’s What I Learned.
This week, I officially resigned from my job—and before anyone clutches their pearls, let me be very clear: I had another offer in hand. No dramatic walk-outs. No manifesting into the void. Just a calm, adult resignation… with benefits. And yes, I even managed to line it up so I get a whole week off between jobs. Highly recommend. 10/10. No notes.
Since resigning can feel intimidating even when you know you’re doing the right thing, here are some helpful (and slightly humorous) lessons from the other side.
1. Having an offer in hand changes EVERYTHING
Resigning when you already have a signed offer is a completely different experience.
Instead of:
“What if I regret this?”
“What if they say no?”
“What if I end up living off iced coffee and vibes?”
It’s more like:
“Thank you so much for the opportunity.”
deep calm breath
“My last day will be X.”
Confidence hits different when your next step is already secured.
2. Write the resignation letter like Future You will reread it
Your resignation letter should be:
Short
Polite
Emotionally neutral
This is not the time to:
Air grievances
Provide unsolicited feedback
Write the workplace version of a memoir
Mine was basically: gratitude, notice period, willingness to transition. That’s it. Simple. Clean. Unproblematic.
3. Say it out loud before you send the email
If you can, resign to a human first—then follow up in writing.
Yes, it’s awkward.
Yes, your voice might shake for half a second.
No, you do not need a PowerPoint to justify your decision.
A calm “I’ve accepted another opportunity and wanted to let you know directly” goes a long way.
4. Decide ahead of time what you will not negotiate
When you resign with an offer in hand, people may suddenly realize how valuable you are. Shocking, truly.
Before that moment comes, decide:
Would a counteroffer change anything?
Are you emotionally done even if the money improves?
What boundaries matter most?
Knowing your answer ahead of time keeps you from spiraling mid-conversation.
5. Leave like the professional you are
Just because you’re leaving doesn’t mean you disappear into the night.
Before your last day:
Organize your files
Write clear transition notes
Be helpful (but not a martyr)
Future-you will thank you. So will your reputation.
6. A week off between jobs is elite behavior
Let me say this louder for the people in the back: If you can take time off between jobs—do it.
That week isn’t “doing nothing.” It’s:
Letting your nervous system unclench
Sleeping without Sunday Scaries
Remembering who you are outside of meetings
Rest is not a reward for burnout. It’s part of sustainability.
7. You can feel excited and sentimental
Even when you’re happy about what’s next, leaving can stir up feelings.
You might miss:
Certain coworkers
Familiar routines
The version of you that grew there
That doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice. It just means the chapter mattered.
Resigning doesn’t have to be dramatic or scary. Sometimes it’s just a well-timed, well-planned decision—made with clarity, confidence, and a countdown to a week off. If you’re considering a move and waiting for permission: this is it. Be professional. Be prepared. And if possible, line it up so you get a little breathing room on the way out.
Next up: the new chapter