Giving notice through email

[jorahmormont]

I need to quit my job, as student finance have messed us about for OH's third year at university, and we will be totally unable to afford childcare. I was planning on leaving in a year anyway, to do my PGCE (I was taking a year out to work, as I graduate this year), he is in his third year and plans to do his PGCE next year also.

The only solutions to this issue were either for him to give up uni, or me to quit work, so we decided that I should quit work. I now need to give notice to work (only one week's notice required as I'm still in probationary period), but there's the additional issue that I've been off sick since Thursday, and no idea when I'll get back in, as I've been backwards and forwards to GP and hospital with suspected appendicitis). I can't work beyond next week, as then OH's uni starts, so I need to email my letter of resignation.

Can anyone advise on whether a company is likely to accept that? I can't just pop in and hand in my letter, and I have no idea if I'll be able to work my notice or I'll still be off sick. I know it doesn't make a great impression but I am seriously stuck right now.

[tribpot]

I emailed my letter of resignation last year, as my boss and I were at opposite ends of the country. I think I might have put a paper copy in the post afterwards, I don't think I did though. I did a proper PDF letter with a scan of my signature to make it look all official.

I think all you can do in the letter is stress this is a decision made purely because of a student finance problem outside your control and you apologise for the circumstances.

[Ellypoo]

I would phone them first to tell them, and then email your letter to back it up afterwards, as well as putting it in the post. I think that if you can't get in to tell them in person, telling them by phone is the next best thing.

[PeterParkerSays]

Bear in mind that at some point in the future you will probably need a reference from this job, so keep it as professional as possible - give them a call so they know to expect a letter and why you're going. If you're still on probation they may not be thrilled that you're leaving but at least a call will give you chance to explain so it doesn't look like you're a fly-by-night who's gone to a better job.

[FiveGoMadInDorset]

I emailed my resignation in August, I made the decision to leave while on annual leave. They were happy with that.

[jorahmormont]

I wasn't able to call, but I emailed an explanation along with the formal letter. It's been accepted and my notice begins today. Hopefully I can get in to work the last few days but as I'm now back in hospital it's dubious, but I explained this to them and they were fine.

Thanks for the advice.