Saying “I found another job” at work
Why it can fall flat
“I found another job”
Your manager may hear “I found another job” as a casual aside or as a sign you're turning away from the team, since no dates or next steps are given. Sharing the news clearly, respectfully, and with a plan avoids that.
Say this instead
- 01
Hi Rebecca, I'm writing to give formal notice. I've accepted a new position elsewhere, and my last working day will be [date]. I'd like to plan the handover with you.
Boss · Email
Formal resignation to your boss, since it states the decision, the last day and a constructive next step.
- 02
Hi Rebecca, I've accepted an offer elsewhere. Could we find 15 minutes today to talk it through before I send my formal resignation?
Boss · Chat
A direct message to your boss helps when you can't get a face-to-face meeting quickly, and it should not go in a team channel.
- 03
Quick heads-up before it's public: I've got a new job and I'll be leaving at the end of next month. Please keep it to yourself until I've told the wider team.
Coworker · Chat
Trusted colleagues can hear it this way after your manager knows, and the message asks for discretion until the news is shared.
- 04
Some news: I've got a new job and I'm leaving in a few weeks. I'm telling the wider team on Monday, so please keep it quiet until then.
Coworker · SMS
Close colleagues you'd normally text will appreciate this, because it sets a clear point when the news becomes open.
- 05
I wanted to share some news: I'm moving to a new role, and my last day will be [date]. Let's go through your priorities and who to go to while I wrap up.
Someone you manage · Email
Once your own manager knows, this gives your report the news directly and tells them what happens next.
- 06
Dear Mr. Rao, I'm writing to let you know I'll be leaving my current role on [date]. I'll introduce you to [colleague], who will look after your account from [date].
Client · Email
After your manager agrees the message, send this to a client, since it names who takes over and from when.
- 07
Thank you for your time so far. I've accepted another offer and would like to withdraw from your process. I appreciated learning about the role and wish the team well.
Recruiter / HR · Email
Recruiters get a polite, prompt close to the search when you've already accepted a job elsewhere.
Examples
Hi Meera, I'm writing to let you know that I've accepted a new role and will be leaving on March 28. I've valued working on this team and want the handover to go smoothly. Could we meet this week to plan what needs covering before I go? Best regards, Arjun
Hi Harper, I've accepted a new role and would like to talk it through with you before I send my formal resignation. Do you have 15 minutes this afternoon?
What to avoid
- Telling colleagues or clients before your manager knows is the quickest way to damage trust.
- Complaints about pay, the team or the company have no place in the announcement.
- Hinting at it or dropping it in as an aside leaves people confused, so say it clearly and give a date.
- Promising availability or work beyond your notice period sets expectations you can't meet.