In the professional world, it is not uncommon to find yourself in a situation where you feel compelled to leave a job due to the hours demanded of you. Whether the long hours disrupted your work-life balance, personal commitments, or simply took a toll on your well-being, it’s essential to communicate your decision effectively and tactfully. This guide will provide you with tips and examples on how to convey your reasons for leaving a job because of hours, both formally and informally, while maintaining a warm and respectful tone.
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Formal Language:
When addressing the matter formally, such as in a resignation letter, during an exit interview, or in a professional conversation, it’s crucial to use clear and diplomatic language. Here are a few approaches:
- Focus on Work-Life Balance: Emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, indicating that the demanding hours prevented you from engaging in other essential aspects of your life. For example, you could say:
“While I appreciate the opportunities for growth at this company, the long hours required have made it increasingly difficult for me to maintain a healthy work-life balance. As a result, I have decided to explore other opportunities that align better with my personal and professional priorities.”
Highlight Performance Impact: Discuss how the long hours affected your productivity and overall performance. However, be cautious not to sound like you are blaming the company. Here’s an example:
“During my tenure in this role, I have consistently put in long hours to meet the demanding workload. Regrettably, I have observed a decline in my productivity and feel that I am no longer able to perform at my best. Therefore, I have made the difficult decision to seek alternative employment where I can optimize my skills and contribute effectively.”
Address Health and Well-being: If the demanding hours took a toll on your physical or mental health, it’s important to communicate this while being sensitive. Use a tone that conveys your personal struggle and commitment to self-care. For instance:
“Over time, the prolonged work hours have severely impacted my physical and mental well-being. I have come to realize that prioritizing my health is crucial for my long-term success and happiness. Therefore, I have decided to explore opportunities that offer a healthier and more sustainable work schedule.”
Informal Language:
In a more casual setting, such as during informal conversations, coffee breaks, or networking events, you have the flexibility to use a less formal tone while still expressing your reasons for leaving a job because of hours. Here are a few examples:
- Emphasize Work-Life Balance: Reiterate the importance of achieving a work-life balance and share how the long hours hindered that goal:
“The crazy hours at my previous job were seriously compromising my ability to have any kind of personal life. It was challenging to juggle time for family, friends, and personal interests, so I decided it was time for a change that would better align with my priorities.”
“I realized that my last job was eating up all my time, and I barely had a moment to invest in myself or my relationships. I needed a change that would allow me to have a healthier equilibrium between work and personal commitments.”
Discuss Impact on Well-being: Share how the long hours affected your well-being, albeit in a more relaxed tone:
“I was burning the candle at both ends in my old job, and it really took a toll on my physical and mental health. You know, the classic recipe for burnout. So, I decided it was time to prioritize self-care and find a job that respects my well-being.”
“The excessive hours at my previous job were driving me absolutely bonkers. I mean, my stress levels were through the roof, and it was not sustainable. I figured it was high time to find a gig that allowed me to breathe a bit more.”
Mention Impact on Productivity: Talk about how the demanding hours negatively impacted your ability to perform at your best:
“I was giving my all to my previous role, but the non-stop grind was making me less productive. I reached a point where I felt like I was just going through the motions instead of truly excelling. So, I knew it was time to find an opportunity that would let me thrive.”
“The relentless hours at my last job were seriously draining. I mean, there’s only so much energy one can give before it starts taking away from their performance. It was clear to me that a change was required to reignite my motivation and drive.”
Remember, it’s important to adapt the language and tone to the specific circumstances and the relationship you have with the person you are addressing. Now that you have some examples and tips, you can confidently express why you left a job due to demanding hours while maintaining professionalism and a warm tone.
