I have to quit my job without 2 weeks notice. What do I do?!

Question

I've been working at a Jungle themed restaurant for about a month now.

But I've been working 50 hour weeks and I'm only 16, and I'm physically exhausted, and I can't get time off.

I want to quit, that is my final decision, but I don't know how to write a resignation letter or how to go about quitting.

I was thinking about writing a letter, picking up my pay, and bringing in my letter and uniform today.

I am scheduled to work every day this week, but I can't do it.

Please help!!!

All help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

The only time you really have to worry about putting your two - weeks notice in, is when you want to use that job as a reference for future jobs. If you've only worked there a month, I'd not sweat it. Just write a letter saying that this job is not a good match for you, and that you resign as of today's date (whatever date that might be) Bring in the letter with your uniform (well before the shift begins) and turn it all in. It's possible that you'll have to wait for your last paycheck for the pay period to end - they don't have to give you your check right away if you quit. if they were to fire you, they usually have the check ready to go. You may have to pick up the check in a few weeks, or they'll mail it to you. Good luck to you.  

Answer 2

As the other answerer Scottie said, just type a letter.  The example is right on.  Although I'd leave out the email address and just hand it into your boss/manager.

You are 16 and still in high school and all you need to say is that its just too many hours and your parents want you to quit.  End of subject.

Just end it Thank you for the opportunity of working there I/ve learned a lot.  

My daughter did this and I agreed it was too many hours.  Good Luck!

Answer 3

That's really rough.  When I was 16, I worked 40 hours a week in a warehouse.  I found that hard but I stuck through it.  The worst part was the commute on the bus.  That said, I had it a lot easier than you -- dealing with the public as directly as wait staff would have to, 50 hours a week, is mind-blowing for 16!  I was hidden behind the scenes-- no irritable customers!!

Give yourself a pat on the back for sticking through this long as long as you have, though.

But it sounds like the problem isn't so much the job, but the hours?  Why not give your boss a last chance.  Could you offer to work part-time?  If they're scheduling you that frequently, they're clearly understaffed and desperate for people.  It's to their advantage to accommodate you and keep an extra person on hand.

*Don't present it as an ultimatum*, but present it as you're willing to work part time and you need to do fewer shifts.  Try to think of words your boss would like to hear--- remember, they're under stress too to keep their schedule filled, make sure standards are kept up, etc.

And if they don't do what you want, thank them warmly for the opportunity over the past month and walk!!  But just don't get snippy, even if they do.  No sense leaving burnt bridges.

Anyway, just some suggestions.  Do what you want!  Your life is stretched out in front of you.  The rest of the summer at the beach would be fun too ;)

Edit -- and whatever you decide, own it!!  No parents as excuses!  (Though I can appreciate the parent's perspective as posted above.)

Answer 4

It seems that nowadays the "2 weeks notice" is not often respected. That shows a lot of maturity that you wish to do so. See if you can discreetly find out if the company has a written policy stating that you must give 2 weeks notice. If they do, I would suck it up and put your notice in right away. You can write a letter to your manager, or ask to speak with him/her. Explain exactly what you said--that you're 16 and 50 hours a week is too much.

If there is no policy, either write the letter or speak to your manager ASAP. Chances are they may not want you to come back for your 2 weeks...

Also, I'm not sure, but is it even legal for a 16 year old to work 50 hours per week? I strongly suggest you look into your state's employment policy for minors. It doesn't sound right to me...

Answer 5

Nobody is required to give a two week notice.  It is just sort of an act of decency in order to end a job without any hostility.  If you don't want to work there anymore just bring in your uniform and tell your boss that you can't do it anymore.  They can't force you to work.

Answer 6

Here is a "Resignation Letter Sample - No Notice"

Your Name

Your Address

Your City, State, Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

Title

Organization

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

Please accept this letter as notification that I am resigning from my position with ABCD Company on September 15. I apologize for not being able to provide two weeks notice. However, I regret that, due to circumstances beyond my control, I need to resign immediately.

Please forward my last paycheck to my home address.

Thank you for the opportunity and valuable work experience that you have provided me during my time with your company.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

Note:  You sound pretty desperate and I feel your pain - I've been there when I was your age and that sounds like a brutal schedule.  As far as the sample letter goes, and this sentence in particular: "However, I regret that, due to circumstances beyond my control, I need to resign immediately." -  I will leave it up to you whether or not you want to keep it in the letter.  I suggest that you do; it is better that you express some regret and offer an apology for not being able to give appropriate notice.  If your boss happens to inquire about the circumstances, just reply that it is a private matter and leave it at that - you boss has no right to inquire further.  And in a way it is true; we are talking about your mental, emotional and physical health and the toll this job is taking on you.

Best of Luck!!