How to Resign During Your Probation Period | Steps, What to Say & Impact on Future Job Searches
"I'm still in my probation period, but I want to quit..." "Is it okay to resign right after joining?" Many people face these concerns.
A probation period is a time for both the company and employee to assess compatibility. It's only natural to feel that the job wasn't what you expected or that the workplace culture doesn't suit you. The bottom line is: yes, you can resign during your probation period.
This article thoroughly covers the legal rules around resigning during probation, the specific steps to follow, how to tell your supervisor, the impact on future job searches, and tips for a smooth departure.
A probation period is a trial period that companies establish to assess the aptitude and abilities of newly hired employees. It's commonly set for 1 to 6 months after joining, with 3 months being the most typical.
The important point is that an employment contract is in effect even during the probation period. Being on probation doesn't mean you're not a regular employee—protections under the Labor Standards Act and social insurance apply the same as after full hire. Naturally, the right to resign is also recognized.
The answer is: resigning during probation is completely legal. Under Article 627 of Japan's Civil Code, in an employment contract without a fixed term, an employee can express their intention to resign at any time, and the contract terminates in principle 2 weeks after notification.
This applies equally during probation. Even if company rules state you cannot resign during probation, the Civil Code takes precedence, protecting the employee's freedom to resign. A company cannot legally refuse your resignation.
Article 21 of the Labor Standards Act allows employers to dismiss employees without advance notice within 14 days of hiring. However, this provision applies only to employer-initiated dismissals. Different rules apply to employee-initiated resignations—regardless of how many days you've been employed, in principle a 2-week advance notice is required.
People who consider resigning during probation share several common reasons. Let's look at the most typical ones.
This occurs when the actual workplace atmosphere differs significantly from pre-hiring expectations. Beyond clear cases of harassment or bullying, situations like extremely limited communication or a toxic team dynamic can make it difficult to continue.
When actual job responsibilities differ significantly from what was described during interviews or in job postings. For example, joining as a planning role only to find yourself primarily doing sales work. This is a perfectly valid reason for resignation.
When salary, working hours, holidays, or benefits differ from pre-hire descriptions. Cases like being told there's almost no overtime but working until the last train every day, or excessive overtime beyond fixed overtime pay being routine, may even involve employment contract violations, making early resignation understandable.
Stress and pressure from a new environment can take a toll on your health. Rather than pushing through and worsening your condition, making an early decision to resign is also a valid option. Health should always come first.
Sometimes you only realize after starting work that the job doesn't align with your career goals. Since the probation period exists precisely for such assessments, it's wise to start thinking about your next step early if you feel it's not the right fit.
During probation, you may temporarily feel negative simply because you haven't adjusted to the new environment. To make a calm judgment, write down the causes of your dissatisfaction and assess whether they can be improved. However, if there are clear issues like harassment or false working conditions, you don't need to force yourself to stay.
Once you've made up your mind, first tell your direct supervisor verbally. Rather than suddenly submitting a resignation letter, proper etiquette is to request a meeting by saying "I have something I'd like to discuss." Details on how to communicate this are covered below.
After agreeing on a departure date with your supervisor, formally submit your resignation letter. It's standard to write "for personal reasons" as the reason. If your company has a designated format, follow that.
Even during probation, conduct a thorough handover of your responsibilities. Even after a short tenure, creating handover documents and briefing your successor contributes to a smooth departure. Last impressions matter.
Upon departure, return all company-issued items (uniform, employee ID, health insurance card, security pass, PC, etc.). Also make sure to collect documents needed for your next employer or Hello Work, including your separation certificate, withholding tax statement, and employment insurance certificate.
The basic rule is to communicate your intention to resign at least 2 weeks before your desired departure date. If company rules require 1 month's notice, try to comply for a smoother exit. Choose a quiet time when work is calm and arrange a one-on-one meeting.
Be honest but diplomatic when explaining your reason. Rather than directly criticizing the company or supervisor, frame it as your own reason: "I felt a mismatch with my career direction" or "I realized a compatibility gap."
Here are some sample phrases for speaking with your supervisor:
"I'm sorry to bother you while you're busy. Could I have a moment of your time to discuss something? After reflecting on the job duties and my own aptitude since joining, I've decided that I would like to resign. I deeply apologize for this being such a short tenure."
"I've given this a lot of thought since joining, and I feel there's a gap between my career goals and the work here. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, but could we discuss the possibility of my resignation?"
The key is to express gratitude and apology first, then clearly state your intention to resign. Avoid ambiguous language like "I'm still thinking about it"—convey your firm decision politely.
Your supervisor may try to persuade you to stay, but resignation is your legal right. Politely respond: "I appreciate your concern, but my decision hasn't changed." If your resignation still isn't accepted, you can send your resignation letter via certified mail. Legally, the employment contract terminates after 2 weeks.
In principle, employees cannot unilaterally resign effective immediately. The Civil Code requires 2 weeks' notice.
However, immediate resignation may be permitted in certain circumstances.
First, if there is mutual agreement between the employee and company, you can resign immediately without waiting 2 weeks.
Second, Article 628 of the Civil Code allows immediate contract termination when there are "unavoidable circumstances"—such as harassment, unpaid wages, or significant discrepancies in working conditions.
Third, if health issues make it difficult to work, you may request immediate resignation by presenting a medical certificate. In all cases, it's advisable to first discuss with the company and seek mutual agreement.
The basic format for a resignation letter during probation is the same as a regular resignation. Include the following: title the document "Resignation Notice" (taishouku todoke), include the date, your department, and name, state the reason as "for personal reasons," clearly specify your desired last day, address it to the company representative (president), and submit it to your direct supervisor or HR department.
Note the distinction between a "resignation request" (taishouku negai), which requires company approval, and a "resignation notice" (taishouku todoke), which takes effect upon submission. For a definitive resignation, submit a resignation notice.
As a general rule, even short tenures during probation should be listed on your resume. Social insurance enrollment records or employment insurance history could reveal the previous position, and omissions could be viewed as resume fraud, which can lead to disciplinary termination. Be honest.
If asked about your probation resignation in interviews, explain it positively. Responses like "I recognized a gap in job duties after joining and made an early decision" or "Based on that experience, I've been more careful in selecting companies" effectively show that you learned from the experience.
Honestly, a short tenure rarely works in your favor. However, a single short stint won't be fatal as long as the reason is clear and makes sense. The real problem arises when short tenures become a pattern. For your next job change, thorough company research before joining is crucial to prevent mismatches.
Even during probation, you must be paid in full for all work performed. Check for any unpaid overtime as well. If there are outstanding payments, raise the issue with the company before leaving or consult your Labor Standards Inspection Office.
Paid leave is generally granted after 6 months of employment. Therefore, if you resign during probation (within 6 months), paid leave has typically not yet accrued. However, if your company grants it earlier under its own policies, you may consider using it before departure.
After resignation, you'll need to switch your health insurance and pension. If you haven't secured your next position, consider switching to National Health Insurance or the voluntary continuation insurance system. Also note that a short employment insurance enrollment period may not meet the qualification requirements for unemployment benefits.
Some companies threaten damage claims if you resign, but as long as you follow proper procedures, there is generally no obligation to pay damages. If you observe the 2-week notice period and conduct a proper handover, it's extremely unlikely a company would pursue legal action. If threatened, consult your Labor Standards Inspection Office or an attorney.
Even with a short tenure, leaving on good terms is entirely possible. Here are the key points.
First, don't forget to express gratitude. Even for a brief period, the company invested time and resources in your hiring and training. Conveying appreciation makes a significant difference in how you're remembered.
Second, conduct a thorough handover. Even after a short period, organizing your task status and creating handover materials demonstrates professionalism.
Third, work diligently until your last day. Rather than slacking off because you're leaving, maintaining responsibility through the end leaves a positive impression. You may cross paths with these colleagues again in the same industry, so value these relationships.
No, it's not inappropriate. The probation period exists for both parties to assess compatibility, and deciding to leave when it's not the right fit is natural. In fact, forcing yourself to stay in a poor-fit environment can produce worse outcomes for both you and the company. What matters is following proper procedures and handling the departure respectfully.
While not legally required, it's recommended as professional courtesy. For short tenures, the handover content will be minimal, so even a brief summary is sufficient. A thoughtful handover contributes to an amicable departure.
To receive unemployment benefits, you generally need at least 12 months of employment insurance enrollment within the 2 years before separation. Short-tenure probation resignations often don't meet this requirement, so eligibility is unlikely. However, enrollment periods from previous employers may be combined, so it's worth checking with Hello Work.
Using a resignation agency service is legal. It's a viable option when you absolutely cannot tell your supervisor directly or are dealing with harassment or aggressive retention tactics. However, costs vary and service quality differs, so check reviews and track records carefully. Services operated with attorney involvement are the safest choice.
Resigning during probation is neither rare nor wrong—it's a fully recognized legal right. What matters is following the proper steps and handling the departure with care.
To summarize the key points: resignation during probation is legally permitted, requiring in principle 2 weeks' advance notice. Communicate your intention clearly with gratitude and an apology, handle handovers and returns thoroughly, list the experience honestly on your resume, and explain it positively in interviews to minimize the impact on your job search.
If you're thinking "I don't want to make the same mistake in my next job," trial career change services are recommended. They let you experience working at a company before officially joining, dramatically reducing post-hire mismatches. Use your probation resignation experience to make your next move even better.
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