Funny resignation letters that will not burn any bridges
You got the new job. Congratulations. Now comes the letter. A resignation letter is a formal document, but it does not have to be joyless. The trick is to keep every required part (your last day, a thank you, an offer to help with the handover) and put the humor around it.
Rule of thumb: if you would not want the letter read aloud at your farewell lunch, cut that line.
What every resignation letter needs
- The date and who it is addressed to, usually your direct manager.
- A clear statement that you are resigning, and your last working day.
- A short thank you.
- An offer to help with the transition.
- Nothing you would regret. HR keeps these.
Template: lightly funny, fully professional
Dear [Manager], Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my role as [title]. My last day will be [date]. Thank you for the opportunities, the support and the unreasonably good snacks. I have learned a lot here, including how to say "let us take this offline" with a straight face. Over the next two weeks I will do everything I can to hand over my work smoothly. My out of office reply is already drafted and it is my best work yet. With thanks, [Your name]
Template: after a long job search
Dear [Manager], I am writing to resign from my position as [title], effective [date]. After a job search that included more rounds of interviews than I can count, I have accepted a new role. Leaving was not an easy decision, and I am grateful for everything I have learned on this team. I am happy to help train my replacement, document my projects and answer questions after I leave. Per my last email, I will also return the stapler. Best regards, [Your name]
Funny lines you can drop in
- I am leaving the team, but I am taking the Wi Fi password with me in my heart.
- Please consider this my official out of office reply, permanently.
- I will miss our meetings that could have been emails.
- It has been a pleasure. My calendar will finally recover.
- Thank you for being like a family. I will still pick up on Sundays, just not for work.
Lines to avoid
- Anything about a specific coworker.
- Complaints about pay, management or workload. Save them for the exit survey, if you share them at all.
- Jokes about the new company being better.
Saying goodbye to a coworker instead?
If someone else is the one leaving, our funny going away gifts for coworkers make a good send off, from an Out of Office mug to a desk mat for the new job.
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to put a joke in a resignation letter?
A light one, yes, if your workplace is relaxed. Keep the required details clear and avoid jokes about people or the company.
How much notice should I give?
Two weeks is the common standard in the US, but check your contract. Some roles and countries require longer notice.
Should I resign by email or in person?
Tell your manager in person or on a call first if you can, then send the letter by email the same day so there is a written record.
