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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to resign by email?

27 replies

paranoidmother · 13/10/2014 06:58

I was going to take my letter into work today but my DD has been up all night being sick so she's going to be at home today and tomorrow as 24hr quarantine from school.
Can I email it into the Head (I'm a TA) and say that I'll be in on Wednesday to discuss it further and see him in person. Many apologies for sending it by email etc, not what I wanted to do etc...

Do you think this is ok?

OP posts:
JeanSeberg · 13/10/2014 06:59

No, it should be done in person.

lougle · 13/10/2014 07:00

Is there a reason that two days will make a difference? Could it wait until Wednesday?

Original poster
paranoidmother · 13/10/2014 07:00

I'm glad it's not just me I don't like the idea of doing it via email. I suppose in the long run an extra day of not knowing isn't going to make a big difference.
thank you

OP posts:
Original poster
paranoidmother · 13/10/2014 07:03

I can't leave it later than wednesday due to starting a new job etc and days but on the other hand it'll take probably more than a month to get a replacement.

OP posts:
Original poster
paranoidmother · 13/10/2014 07:06

oh the other thing is they might get an email asking for references

OP posts:
nocoolnamesleft · 13/10/2014 07:08

I would usually say to do it in person. But if
1)you're definitely going
2)you have a role that means you will need replacing (which as a TA seems likely)
3)you have a fairly short notice period
4)and it is likely to take longer to replace you than the notice period

then I'm afraid I might actually change my mind and say email them, so that they can start the process of trying to find a way to cover you as soon as possible.

If 1-4 don't apply, then definitely do it in person.

youbethemummylion · 13/10/2014 07:09

You could ring, explain the reason you are ringing is to give them as much notice as possible as you appreciate it will take them time to recruit a replacement.

Original poster
paranoidmother · 13/10/2014 07:13

I think I will email so that they have more notice rather than leaving it until Wednesday. I'll apologise as much as possible and if I get it in before 8am they might be able to do something about it today rather than end of the week.
Thank you for your advice.

OP posts:
Sirzy · 13/10/2014 07:16

Why not phone up? Email seems wrong

Boysandme · 13/10/2014 07:20

I agree, just email is wrong and seems somewhat cowardly. Ring and explain that you're sorry not to be there in person etc but you're resigning Zmd due to understanding the timescale of things you'll be drmding an email shortly to confirm in writing.

LittlePeaPod · 13/10/2014 07:28

Hi Op. I have received a resignation via email before however I was already aware that the person in question was not returning following ML. They did inform me via telephone prior about the resignation, then emailed me and sent a formal letter as well.

I didn't mind but I did know because we had spoken so I was expecting it.

If your manager is not expecting the resignation then I would advise you wait a few day and do it in person or at least call the before you send the email.

Congratulations on your new role and best of luck. Thanks

WilburIsSomePig · 13/10/2014 07:28

No absolutely do not email. If you can't do it in person today you sholldsholld at least phone and speak to the head. Emailing just sounds like yyou're too scared to tell them face to face.

WilburIsSomePig · 13/10/2014 07:29

I have no idea what the hell just happened. Obv I mean *should!

RabbitOfNegativeEuphoria · 13/10/2014 07:35

Email is absolutely fine, it's neither 'wrong' nor cowardly.

Carriemoo · 13/10/2014 07:36

I emailed my resignation to my boss then when he was in the office we had a chat. If you/your boss isn't there I'd say email is fine.

Original poster
paranoidmother · 13/10/2014 07:37

Ok I'll hold onto it in that case and see if I can make it into school tomorrow and leave my DD with my mother for an hour if she's not been sick again.

I don't like the idea of not doing it in person.

I'm assuming if the new job is asking for references that they'll send out letters today, so they won't arrive before tomorrow.

Thank you

OP posts:
CleanLinesSharpEdges · 13/10/2014 07:40

I think email is fine, especially under the circumstances you've described.

It's perfectly acceptable where I work. My line manager can often be off site for 2/3 days at a time, I wouldn't hang on until I could get an audience with her.

Muskey · 13/10/2014 07:43

I have resigned twice by email. As long as your respectful it does not make the slightest difference it is in writing after all which is the requirement

LittlePeaPod · 13/10/2014 07:55

OP why don't you call them this morning. Explain that you would have like to have resigned in person but because of the circumstances you are unable to etc. Then send the email. As long as you are professional about how its done, I am sure no one will mind.

RabbitOfNegativeEuphoria · 13/10/2014 08:02

It would be far worse for them to get a reference request today (by email? Or phone call?) without you having formally resigned than for you to send an email explaining the circumstances with the formal letter attached. Seriously.

whois · 13/10/2014 08:34

Email is fine if you can't be there in person today. I would explain that you didn't want to wait until Wednesday to give them max time to find someone else.

bette06 · 13/10/2014 08:48

Is your employer aware that you went for an interview recently? If not, I think it would be worse if they got a reference request (especially one that makes it clear that you have already been offered the job) before you've had chance to tell them. Alternatively, if you resign later in the week and the reference request comes through later could they think that you've pulled a sickie today to go for the interview?

lilachickory · 13/10/2014 20:51

Email them saying you are doing it that way to give them as much notice as you can, but you will give them a paper copy on your return to work. It is perfectly acceptable nowadays, just be absolutely sure you mean it!

citruslemon · 13/10/2014 21:27

Phonecall followed up by email.

Original poster
paranoidmother · 18/10/2014 20:24

Hi
Thanks for your advice. I decided to call before school started and apologised for calling and doing this by phone. Headteacher was surprised but grateful I called then rather than leaving it until two days later. I did then confirm to him that I would email my resignation in as well to him.

Thank you

OP posts: