Writing a Resignation Letter When Unhappy with Management

If you're feeling unhappy with the management at your workplace and no longer want to work for the organisation, you may require a resignation letter. A resignation letter is a clear, polite and professional document that outlines your intention to resign from your workplace. Knowing how to write a resignation letter when you're unhappy with management can help you express in a professional manner your feelings and reasons for leaving. In this article, we explain what a resignation letter is, outline what to include in one, provide a template you can use as a guide and offer examples for inspiration.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

What is a resignation letter when unhappy with management?

You may write a resignation letter when unhappy with management if you're struggling at work and the leadership is the main reason for your troubles. This is a professional document that displays your gratitude to the organisation while stating that you can no longer work for them and are resigning.

Typically, you submit this formal document after having an informal conversation about your intent to resign with management, human resources (HR) or the business owner. Communicating clearly with the senior management of the organisation is a professional courtesy, as it allows them to respond effectively to the transition. You can send your resignation letter by email or present a physical copy to management or HR.

Related: How to Write a Forced Resignation Letter (With Examples)

How to write a resignation letter when you feel unhappy with management

Writing a resignation letter is usually a straightforward process, as it's a short, single-page passage that outlines clearly and concisely everything you have to say. The organisation you work for may have a process for transitioning an employee out of its payroll system, so make sure you discuss the resignation procedure when you have the initial informal conversation with management. The organisation may also require you to submit documentation to different departments, such as HR or accounting.

You may highlight the reasons why you've decided to leave and directly cite management as the main factor, or you may choose not to mention it at all. Either option is fine, as long as your letter is polite and professional. Here's a look at what to include in a strong resignation letter:

1. Include the time and date that you submit the letter

At the top of the page, record the time and date that you write your letter of resignation. Typically, this is the same time and date that you submit it to management. This allows you to track your remaining days of employment with the company. If you're sending your resignation letter by email, this information is automatically included.

Related: How to Quit a Job the Right Way

2. Introduce the letter with a line of address

Make sure to write an introduction to the person you're writing the letter to. Include an introductory greeting like Dear, followed by the person's title, such as Ms or Mr and their surname. If you work in an informal environment where you collaborate closely with the owner or manager, you may consider addressing them by their first name.

Related: How Long of a Notice Period Should You Give

3. Clearly state your intent to resign

Ensure that the opening passage of your resignation letter clearly outlines that you've made the decision to resign from the organisation. Leave no doubt in the mind of your employer or manager that resignation is your intention. You can lead into this sentence with a heartfelt introduction, such as It's with great regret… or I'm sorry to announce….

Related: How to Write a Letter of Intent (With Examples and Writing Tips)

4. Clearly highlight your final day of working for the organisation

Ensure that you specify your last intended day of work for the organisation. You can determine this date after having an initial conversation with management about the process of resigning. This is typically two weeks from the date of submission.

Related: How to Give Your Notice at Work (With Helpful Examples)

5. Mention how grateful you are

Stating the reasons why you're grateful for the time you've spent working for the organisation can be a great way to maintain a positive relationship. This is important if you intend to ask your employer for a reference when applying for a new job. You may state how you've grown with the organisation or learned new skills that you're going to have for the rest of your life.

Related: How to Write a Resignation Announcement (With Examples)

6. State your reasons for leaving (optional)

You may or may not decide to state the reasons you're choosing to resign from the organisation. If your reason for leaving is due to issues with management, it can be challenging to outline this professionally. Informing the organisation about your issues with management can be helpful because it gives them insight into areas that may require improvement. This is a personal choice and you may wish to simply depart without mentioning your problems.

Related: How to Write a Strong Letter of Resignation as a Teacher

7. Include a statement of farewell

After writing your resignation letter, sign off with a brief statement of farewell, such as I wish you all the best or Sincerely. Follow this with your full name. You can also include your signature if you're printing a physical copy of the letter.

Resignation letter template

Here's a template of a resignation letter you can use to help you write your own:

[Time and date]

Dear [Title and name of recipient],

I regret to inform you that this is my formal letter of resignation from [organisation name]. My final day of work is [day and date], [number of weeks] from the date of this letter. I'm grateful for everything [organisation name] has done for me over the years, but I have decided the time has come for me to move on.

(Optional)

While it has been a pleasure to work with this team, the recent changes in the practices of management have become an issue due to [specific details].

Please inform me if there's anything I can do to facilitate the smooth transition of my resignation.

Thank you for everything.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

[Signature]

Related: Resignation Letters: Tips, Templates and Examples

Examples of resignation letters

Here are two examples of resignation letters that state unhappiness with management:

Example 1

Here's an example of a formal resignation letter:

11/5/2022

Dear Ms Foley,

I regret to inform you that I am handing in this letter of resignation today, Thursday the 11th of May, with my final day of work to be on the 23rd of May. While I have enjoyed personal and professional growth at Brandwood Publishing, I have found it increasingly difficult to satisfy the needs of the heads of publishing. Their demand for longer pieces of work with shorter due dates is causing me stress and I feel unable to maintain the workload.

I am grateful for everything the company has done for my development over the last five years, but I believe it is time for me to move on. I wish you all the best with your future endeavours.

Sincerely,

Amanda Brooks

Related: Resignation Letter Due to Health and Stress: With Examples

Example 2

Here's an example of an informal resignation letter:

2/2/2021

Dear Angela,

As much as it pains me, this is my letter of resignation from Baxter's Bar. My final day will be two weeks from now on the 14th of February. As much as I've loved working with you and the rest of the staff and am grateful for all the love you've shown me over the years, I enjoyed the job because of the live music, pool tables and local clientele. With the recent renovations and removal of the band room and pool tables, I no longer feel the business is the right fit for me.

I wish you success with the direction you take Baxter's Bar.

Kindest regards,

Oliver Moore