Writing a resignation letter when going back to school can be a challenging task. It is important to convey gratitude for the opportunity and professionalism while explaining the reason for leaving. In this article, we provide examples, tips, and frequently asked questions to help you write a resignation letter going back to school.
Examples
Example 1: Pursuing Higher Education
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing this letter to inform you that I have decided to pursue higher education and will be resigning from my position as [Position] effective [Date]. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained while working at [Company Name], and I have learned a lot during my time here.
My decision to go back to school is not an easy one, but I believe it will help me achieve my long-term goals. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I will gain from my studies will benefit me in my future career. I will be happy to assist in the transition and ensure that my work is completed before my departure.
Thank you for understanding my decision and your support throughout my time here.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Returning to School Full-Time
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning from my position as [Position] at [Company Name] effective [Date]. It is with mixed emotions that I have decided to return to school full-time to pursue my academic goals.
I want to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunities I have had while working at [Company Name]. It has been a pleasure working with the team, and I have learned a lot from my colleagues. I will ensure that my work is completed before my departure and will be happy to assist with the transition to my successor.
Thank you for your support and understanding during this transitional period.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Continuing Education
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing this letter to inform you that I will be resigning from my position as [Position] at [Company Name] effective [Date]. I have decided to pursue continuing education in my field of interest, and I believe it will help me achieve my long-term career goals.
I am thankful for the opportunities I have had while working at [Company Name]. I have learned a lot from my colleagues and have gained valuable experience during my time here. I will ensure that my work is completed before my departure and will be happy to assist with the transition to my successor.
Thank you for your support and understanding during this transitional period.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Furthering Education Abroad
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to inform you that I have decided to resign from my position as [Position] at [Company Name] effective [Date]. I have been accepted into a study abroad program and will be pursuing my academic goals overseas.
I am grateful for the opportunities I have had while working at [Company Name]. I have learned a lot from my colleagues and have enjoyed being part of the team. I will ensure that my work is completed before my departure and will assist in the transition as much as possible.
Thank you for your support and understanding during this transitional period.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Starting a New Degree
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning from my position as [Position] at [Company Name] effective [Date]. I have decided to start a new degree in [Field of Study] and feel that it is necessary for me to devote my time and effort to my studies.
I want to express my deepest appreciation for the opportunities and experiences I have had while working at [Company Name]. I have learned a lot from my colleagues and have enjoyed working with the team. I will ensure that my work is completed before my departure and will assist in the transition as much as possible.
Thank you for your support and understanding during this transitional period.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Continuing Education Part-Time
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing this letter to inform you that I will be resigning from my position as [Position] at [Company Name] effective [Date]. I have decided to continue my education part-time to gain additional skills and knowledge, which I believe will benefit me in my career.
I want to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunities I have had while working at [Company Name]. It has been a pleasure working with the team, and I have learned a lot from my colleagues. I will ensure that my work is completed before my departure and will be happy to assist in the transition to my successor.
Thank you for your support and understanding during this transitional period.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips
Writing the Resignation Letter
When writing a resignation letter going back to school, it is important to keep it professional and concise. Here are a few tips to consider:
- State the reason for leaving but keep it positive.
- Express gratitude for the opportunities and experiences gained while working at the company.
- Offer assistance with the transition process.
- Keep the letter brief and to the point.
- Proofread the letter before sending it.
Timing
It is important to give your employer ample notice before leaving, especially if you have an important role in the company. Two to four weeks’ notice is usually sufficient for most positions. This will give your employer enough time to find a replacement or delegate your responsibilities to another employee.
Exit Interview
Some employers may request an exit interview when an employee resigns. During this interview, you may be asked questions about your experience working at the company and the reason for leaving. It is important to be honest but professional during the interview.
Networking
Resigning from a job does not mean cutting off all ties with the company. It is important to maintain professional relationships with colleagues, as they may be valuable contacts in the future. Consider connecting with them on LinkedIn or attending company events if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I inform my employer that I am leaving to go back to school?
A: You should inform your employer in person or in writing that you will be resigning from your position to pursue further education. Keep the tone professional and positive, and express gratitude for the opportunities gained while working at the company.
Q: How much notice should I give my employer before leaving to go back to school?
A: It is usually recommended to give two to four weeks’ notice before leaving. This will give your employer enough time to find a replacement or delegate your responsibilities to another employee.
Q: Should I mention my plans to go back to school in my resignation letter?
A: Yes, you should mention your plans to go back to school in your resignation letter. This will help your employer understand your reason for leaving and show that you are leaving on good terms.
Q: Should I offer to assist with the transition process?
A: Yes, it is important to offer to assist with the transition process. This will show that you are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and that you care about the company’s success.
Q: Can I use my employer as a reference after I leave to go back to school?
A: Yes, you can use your employer as a reference after you leave to go back to school. However, it is important to maintain a positive relationship with your employer and colleagues to ensure a good reference.
Q: Should I attend the company’s exit interview when I resign?
A: Yes, you should attend the company’s exit interview when you resign if requested. This will give you the opportunity to provide feedback on your experience working at the company and show that you value the employer’s input.
Conclusion
Writing a resignation letter when going back to school can be challenging, but with the right approach, it is possible to maintain a positive relationship with your employer. It is important to keep the tone professional, express gratitude for the opportunities gained, and offer to assist with the transition process. Use the examples, tips, and frequently asked questions in this article to help you write a successful resignation letter going back to school.