When to use this letter
- A health issue or family emergency means you can't keep working.
- Staying would put your safety or well-being at risk.
- You and your employer have agreed that you'll leave right away.
Before you send it: Before you resign without notice, check your contract and handbook. Leaving without the notice your employer asks for can affect things like vacation payout or whether you're eligible to be rehired. If you're leaving because of harassment, unsafe conditions or unpaid wages, you may want to talk to an employment attorney or your state labor department first.
Effective immediately, with an apology
Acknowledges the short notice and offers what help you can.
Version 1 of 3
[Your Name]
[Email] · [Phone]
[Month Day, Year]
[Manager's Name][Manager's Title], [Company Name]
Dear [Manager's Name],
Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name], effective immediately.
I'm sorry for the short notice. Circumstances make it impossible for me to continue, and I didn't make this decision lightly.
I'd like to make the transition as easy as I can. I'll send notes on my open work by [day], and I'm happy to answer questions by email for the next [few days].
Thank you for the opportunities I've had here.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Effective immediately, for health or family reasons
Gives a reason without sharing private details.
Version 2 of 3
[Your Name]
[Email] · [Phone]
[Month Day, Year]
[Manager's Name][Manager's Title], [Company Name]
Dear [Manager's Name],
Due to [a health matter / a family emergency], I need to resign from my position as [Job Title], effective [today, Month Day, Year].
I regret that I can't give the usual notice, and I appreciate your understanding. Please let me know what you need from me to complete the handover and any paperwork.
Thank you for your support during my time at [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Brief immediate resignation email
When a short, neutral record is all you can manage.
Version 3 of 3
Subject: Resignation effective immediately — [Your Name]
Dear [Manager's Name],
I'm resigning from my position as [Job Title], effective immediately. I'm sorry I'm unable to give more notice.
Please let me know how to return [company equipment] and where to send any final paperwork.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips
- Say "effective immediately" or give the date. There should be no doubt about when you've stopped working.
- Keep the reason short and private. "A family emergency" is enough; you don't owe details.
- Arrange to return equipment — laptop, badge, keys — and ask where to send it.
- Ask HR in writing about your final paycheck, unused vacation and benefits. Final pay deadlines vary by state.
- Stay neutral. Even if you're leaving a bad situation, a calm letter protects you.
Notice and the law
In most US jobs two weeks' notice is a custom rather than a legal requirement, but a contract, union agreement, company policy or state law can set different rules — for notice, for final pay and for unused vacation. The resignation letter guide explains US notice norms, with sources.
Not legal advice. This page is general information for US employees, not legal advice. Notice rules can come from your contract, a union agreement, company policy or state law — if you're unsure, check those or ask an employment attorney.