Better ways to say “it is not working out”

Say this instead

1. 01

   Hi Fatima, I've decided to resign and would like to talk about how to hand over my work properly. Could we find time tomorrow or Thursday?

   Boss · Email

   Final decisions fit here, since the message is direct and polite and moves the talk toward a smooth handover.

   Use for my message
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2. 02

   Hi Kieran, thank you for your time on this. After thinking it over, this role isn't what I'm looking for, so I'm withdrawing from the process. I'd be glad to hear about other openings in future.

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Withdrawing from a hiring process stays clear and courteous, and it leaves the door open for other roles.

   Use for my message
   Copy
3. 03

   Hi Sam, can we find 30 minutes this week to talk about how the role is going? I'd like to go through it properly on a call or in person.

   Someone you manage · Chat

   Inviting someone to talk keeps detailed performance feedback for a live conversation instead of a message.

   Use for my message
   Copy
4. 04

   This split of tasks is slowing us both down. Can we sort out who owns what before Friday?

   Coworker · Chat

   Friction over a shared arrangement gets a fix here, with no finger pointed at anyone.

   Use for my message
   Copy
5. 05

   Hi Ms. Mwangi, we've reviewed the project so far, and the current approach isn't getting us the results we wanted. Could we have a call to agree changes before we continue?

   Client · Email

   A project that is off track can be reset this way while the client relationship stays intact.

   Use for my message
   Copy
6. 06

   Hi Nandini, this schedule is becoming hard for me to keep up. Could we talk tomorrow about changing it? I'd like to find something sustainable.

   Boss · SMS

   Schedule trouble gets a short heads-up by text before the proper discussion about hours or shifts.

   Use for my message
   Copy
7. 07

   Hi Sean, I'm going to step back from the weekly summary we've been sharing. I can't give it the time it needs, so let's agree who takes it over.

   Coworker · Email

   Handing back a shared task honestly works here, and it makes sure the work still gets done.

   Use for my message
   Copy

Examples

What to avoid

• Leaving the phrase vague helps no one, so say exactly what is changing: the role, the hours, the plan or the arrangement.
• Blaming a person or team in writing backfires, so stick to your decision or the situation.
• Resigning or giving performance feedback by chat or text comes across as cold, so ask for a meeting or call instead.
• Promises to stay in touch or consider other roles should only go in if you mean them.
• Venting about pay, managers or colleagues is risky in any message that can be forwarded.

Related phrases

• How to say “I'm looking for a job” professionally→
• How to say “any update after my interview” professionally→
• What to say instead of “any update on my application”→
• Better ways to say “Any update on the job?”→
• Better ways to say “I accepted another offer”→
• Better ways to say “Do you have any work for me?”→