Writing a Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons
In the tumultuous job market of 2023, dubbed the “Great Reshuffle,” employees are seeking to reorient their work-life balance more than ever. And surprisingly, the DACH region, renowned for its tireless, never-give-up workforce, is also embracing life — and quitting — with grace.
Specific surveys from official sources imply it is now pretty common to resign from a job for personal reasons, even in those countries; in any case, leaving a professional impression is paramount when you do so. One critical step in this process is crafting a resignation letter. In this article, we will explore the significance of resignation letters, guide their structure, and offer sample letters tailored to the DACH region and the current job market trends.
The Power of a Resignation Letter
A resignation letter is more than just a formality. It serves as a tool to maintain positive and professional relationships with your soon-to-be-former employer, paving the way for potential references and future employment. Whether you’re leaving due to personal reasons, health concerns, or relocation, a well-crafted resignation letter communicates your intentions, facilitates a smooth transition, and leaves a lasting impression.
2019: 15%
2021: 31%
According to Gallup’s annual workplace study, a record-high 31% of employees in Germany were contacted by recruiters in 2021, up from 15% in 2019. The field is broader than ever — 14% of German workers are actively looking for a new job, and it’s taking recruiters an average of 122 days to fill a vacancy with a qualified employee, according to the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Germany’s federal job agency). Meanwhile, a staggering 39% of German employees express a desire to stop working entirely if they could afford it, which is up from the 25% found in 2016 — shocking, considering Germany’s work-ethic culture.
2016: 25%
2021: 39%
Globally, millions of people have left their jobs searching for more fulfilling roles with greater flexibility — it’s been called the Great Reshuffle. The ability to work remotely is highly valued among employees, many of whom would like to retain that flexibility once the pandemic ends.
Crafting Your Resignation Letter
The structure of a resignation letter typically includes:
- A declaration of intent to resign
- The final day of employment
- Gratitude towards the employer
- An offer of transition assistance
- Your contact information
When resigning due to personal reasons, the level of detail you choose to disclose depends on your comfort level. Ultimately, your goal is to ensure a graceful exit while maintaining the professional relationships you’ve cultivated over time.
Sample Resignation Letters for Personal Reasons:
Let’s explore a few examples of resignation letters tailored to the DACH region, considering the current trends of the Great Reshuffle in 2023. You are welcome to customise these templates to suit your specific situation and needs.
Example 1: Standard Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons (Germany)
Your resignation letter should be straightforward and clear in Germany, where formality and precision are highly regarded. This approach aligns with the country’s work culture, emphasising professionalism and respect for the organisation you are leaving. Adhering to these principles ensures a smooth transition while maintaining a positive relationship with your colleagues and employer.
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to formally resign from my position at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day, typically two weeks from the date of the letter]. Due to personal reasons, which I prefer not to detail, I have made the difficult decision to step down from my role.
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities I have been given during my tenure at [Company Name]. It has been a rewarding experience, and I have gained valuable skills and knowledge that will undoubtedly benefit me in my future endeavours.
I want to assure you that I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition. Please let me know how I can be of assistance during this period. Whether it’s training a successor, documenting processes, or any other tasks, I am more than willing to contribute to the seamless handover of my responsibilities.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you and the entire team for your support and guidance throughout my time here. Working with such dedicated professionals has been a privilege, and I will cherish the relationships I have built.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration. Wishing you and the team continued success in the future.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons with Offer to Help (Austria)
Austrians value politeness and diplomacy, so incorporating these qualities into your resignation letter is essential. By doing so, you demonstrate respect for the organisation and your colleagues, reflecting the cultural norms of Austria. In addition, highlighting your willingness to assist in the transition process showcases your professionalism and contributes to maintaining a positive and collaborative work environment even as you prepare to depart.
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you of my resignation from my position at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day]. This decision has been prompted by personal reasons that demand my immediate attention and require me to make this difficult choice.
As I prepare to transition out of my role, I want to assure you of my commitment to facilitating a seamless handover process. During my remaining time, I would like to offer my assistance in training a successor or transferring my responsibilities to ensure a smooth continuation of the work I have been involved in. Please let me know how best I can support the team during this transition.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities I have been given to grow both personally and professionally within your esteemed organisation. The knowledge and experience I have gained during my time here have been invaluable, and I am grateful for the trust and support you and the entire team provided.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration. Should there be any specific procedures or guidelines I need to follow in the resignation process, please do not hesitate to inform me. I am committed to fulfilling any necessary obligations to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
Wishing you and the team continued success and prosperity in the future.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Short Notice Resignation for Personal Reasons (Switzerland)
Switzerland appreciates precision and directness in communication, so when resigning with short notice due to personal reasons, it is crucial to be forthright and concise in your resignation letter. Along with apologising for the shorter notice period, it is essential to emphasise your commitment to supporting the transition process, demonstrating your professionalism and dedication to ensuring a smooth handover. By adhering to these principles, you can maintain a positive relationship with your employer and colleagues despite unexpected circumstances.
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you of my resignation from [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day, within a week’s notice or less]. Unexpected personal circumstances have arisen that necessitate this decision.
I want to express my sincerest apologies for the shorter notice period. I understand the challenges this may pose and the inconvenience it may cause. However, please be assured that I am fully committed to supporting the transition process during this limited time. I am ready and willing to assist in any way possible to ensure a smooth handover of my responsibilities and minimise any disruption to the team.
I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for the enriching experience I have had with [Company Name]. I am grateful for the opportunities for growth and learning that I have received during my time here. Working alongside such talented professionals has been a privilege, and I value the relationships I have formed.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this challenging period. Please let me know if there are any specific procedures or guidelines I need to follow in the resignation process, and I will ensure their timely completion.
Wishing you and the team continued success and prosperity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Summary
Today, it is common for people to leave their job for personal reasons. You can ensure a graceful exit while maintaining professional networks by crafting a well-written resignation letter that aligns with local etiquette and work culture. Regardless of your reasons for leaving, whether personal or mostly related to burnout and dissatisfaction, the goal is to leave a positive and lasting impression. So, embrace the Great Reshuffle, put pen to paper, and confidently embark on your next professional adventure.
