How to retraction your resignation

          Making the decision to resign is definitely one of the hardest things to do.  It takes a lot of thinking, planning, and weighing of all the options available.  With all the efforts you have put into making the best decision, there will be instances when you’d feel like resigning is not the answer.  How do you retract your resignation without straining your professional relationship in the office?  More importantly, is it all right to rescind something as crucial as a resignation notice?

          While this is a rather awkward stage, not all is lost.  The best thing to do is to own up to your lapse in judgment, face the situation, and accept the consequences of your decision.  You have 50/50 chances of getting your job back and if you’re lucky, the offer previously made may still stand.

First Action

          Your first course of action is to draft a retraction letter and to speak to your manager/immediate superior immediately.  Use the retraction letter to express your decision to rescind your intent to resign and communicate your desire to continue working with the company. It’s important that the letter be written precisely, professionally and with attention to detail. It should clearly include the reasons for your change of heart and your intention to stay while ensuring that the letter end on a positive note. 

Draft Your Retraction Letter

          Not sure about how or what to write in your retraction letter?  Use the following example as a guide:

Dear [manager’s name],

I am writing to express my desire to cancel my resignation sent <insert date the resignation letter was sent> and due on <last date on resignation letter>.

If you decided to stay because of the new contract terms: 

Following the discussion we had on <insert date of when you discussed your new contract and the new contract details>, I’m happy to accept the new terms of employment we discussed.

If you’re staying because you’ve changed your mind:

I would like to continue my stay in <insert name of company> and my position as <current job position> due to the following reasons: <insert your reason for retracting your resignation>.

I understand that this situation can be awkward but I do hope to continue my stay in the company. Rest assured that I make improving my performance at work my utmost priority in hopes of becoming a more valuable asset to the company. I look forward to your favorable response.

Yours sincerely

<Your signature>

<Your name>

Important Notes:

How to start the first paragraph?

          The first paragraph of your retraction letter should clearly indicate that you are rescinding the resignation letter that you previously submitted.  Include the dates on when you sent the letter out and the date of your last day at work, this will make it easy for your boss to reconcile the dates without having to dig through his or her files.

Put Details in the second paragraph

          The second paragraph is where you go into the details of your retraction letter.  If it’s because you’re accepting an offer made to you about a pay increase, an additional benefit, or a promotion, make sure to include the agreed upon terms.

          If you’re rescinding your resignation notice because you’ve changed your mind, make sure to talk about that in great lengths while adding a great pitch about why you decided to stay.  A good example would be about how you plan to continue contributing to the success of the organization.  Talk about your work performance (only if you’ve been exceptionally good) and point out that keeping you would cost the company less than hiring a replacement as they won’t have to spend time training a new employee. 

Express how thankful you are

           The last paragraph should express how thankful you are for your employer to want you to stay and how appreciative you are about the opportunity given to you.  You can also talk about your plans for the future and how you look forward to becoming a valuable asset to the company’s success. Ending the letter on a positive note is a great way to hammer your intention to continue working for the company.   

 If Bad luck

           Depending on the legal circumstances and your existing company policy, your employer may not accept your retraction letter.  If this happens, take it like a pro and continue to work your notice until the end.  Show people at work that there are no hard feelings and that you are moving on with valuable lessons from the experience.