Want to withdraw your resignation? Here’s how

Well, you did it. After much thought, you decided to quit your job and handed in your two week’s notice. But since then, things have changed. Maybe you received an attractive counter-offer and decided to stay at your current place of work. Or you simply have doubts about the changes in your professional life. Whatever the reason, you want to withdraw your resignation letter.

Can you actually do that? And if so, how can you let your employer know about your change of heart?

Tips to withdraw your resignation

Despite the many hours of soul searching before you decided to quit, you have doubts about resigning. If quitting is simply an idea you are floating around, this is completely ok. No one has to know unless you wish to address your manager about any job concerns that make you unhappy.

But it gets more tricky if you had let your employer know that you plan to resign. Here are some ways to help you retract your resignation letter without damaging your reputation or professional relationships.

Talk to your manager

Depending on your employer, they would be more than happy to retain a valuable employee. While admitting that you had a lapse in judgement is not fun, simply speaking to your manager can often help you to cancel your resignation. Let your supervisor know that you are happy to discuss different options if it means you can stay at your current place of employment. They may need some time to deliberate or discuss the situation with their colleagues. Respect the need for time, but ask about the latest time when you can expect to receive a decision.

Submit a letter retracting the resignation

You need to formally retract your resignation via a letter. However, at the end of the day, it is simply a request and not a demand to have your old job back. Be gracious in your wording and address it to your boss or the HR department. Clearly state that you wish to withdraw your resignation and be honest. However, at the end of the day, it is their decision. They may not accept your request. In which case, be polite and tactful about handling the decision.

Be ready to supply evidence to back your request

Let’s say your decision to resign is the result of things outside your control. For instance, you have to take care of a sick family member. Or you have to relocate to another country for personal reasons. But then, your sick relative recovered, or your plans to move fell through. In situations like this, an employer might be more open to keeping you on the team and letting you cancel your resignation. After all, these are extreme situations and you are not a disgruntled employee who is at risk of quitting again.

Continue to perform well at the job

While your employer doesn’t have to let you withdraw your resignation, they may do so if you are good at your job. After all, an employee who’s already familiar with the company processes and good at the job is better than going through a hiring process to find a new employee they might have to train. So if you are waiting to hear the management’s decision about your retraction of resignation, don’t slack off. Perform as well (if not better) as you always have. Try to show through your work, your commitment to the company, your sense of responsibility, and your professionalism.

Accept that the management might turn you down

They may accept your request to withdraw your resignation. But there is also the chance that they will turn you down. Be prepared for either outcome. You might have to start hunting for a new job, in which case it is better to make sure your resume is up to date.