Whether you felt it was time to pursue a new career, retire, or you were just plain tired of your job, regretting resignation is normal. Resigning is a huge decision. It’s helpful to give it lots of time and consideration before you resign. However, if the deed is done and you’re regretting the decision, there are some things you can do to help ease your anxiety.

The first step? To determine whether it was the right decision, even if you regret it. To immediately backtrack into a job that you disliked, made you unhappy, or you found unfulfilling will just further complicate things for you. So, it's wise to stop and think about why you decided to quit in the first place.

Consider the following ideas to help:

What to Do If You Regret Resigning

Regret is a normal human emotion. Identifying the root of your regret can be helpful in navigating how to relieve it. Consider these options:

Talk to the company

It never hurts to humbly ask to return. The company you resigned from may still have the position open if your resignation was recent. Remember, the people you worked with are adults and humans. As much tumult we've lived through in recent times, your boss may understand that we all make mistakes and sometimes make decisions we regret.

If your exact position is unavailable, they might have something else for you. It’s helpful to explain, transparently, the reason you resigned. Was your workload was too much? Did you dislike working with customers? Whatever your rationale, an employer may place you in a position you’re more likely to appreciate.

Explore a new interest or career

Post-resignation is a great time to explore careers that better suit your interests. Take personality tests and aptitude tests to find a job that will mesh with your personality. You can push regret aside by building excitement about a new opportunity.

If you’ve decided to retire, plan trips, philanthropies, or projects you’ve been putting off. You can also use this interim time to explore new hobbies. If you’ve been procrastinating a garden or picking up a new craft, now is a great time to start!

Forgive yourself

Again, we are human, and humans are fallible creatures. It’s okay to feel regret and it’s okay to make mistakes. Thus, it’s possible that you’ve gotten yourself into some hot water with your resignation. Know that this is temporary. It will pass and you can turn things around with some dedication, hard work, and guidance.

Consider why you feel regretful. Is it because you feel you’ve let someone down? Or maybe let yourself down? Whatever your reasons are, they are valid. Knowing why you feel regret in this situation can help you avoid making knee-jerk reactions in the future.

Then, deny shame and reach out for non-judgmental comfort and support.

Ask a friend

Ask a trusted friend or family member to talk with you about your decision. They can help remind you why you quit. They can also support you if the possibility of getting your job back is no longer an option.

It’s important to stay positive and seek out new options for yourself. Your friends can help you with that too. Maybe they know someone who is hiring for a position you might be interested in or maybe they can give you the hug you need until you find something new.

Talk to a therapist

If the path ahead inspires more fear than forward movement, it can be helpful to speak with a therapist. Regret can quickly escalate into anxiety and depression without objective support and productive problem-solving. If you feel like you’re backed into a corner, reach out for help.

A certified therapist can help you talk through your emotions and set goals. When you’re ready, allow us to assist and motivate you as you find work. You don’t have to do this alone.

Learn more about our Anxiety Treatment counseling services and contact us to determine how we can help you.

Work Woes: What to Do If You Regret Your Resignation