Submitting a resignation can feel final—but circumstances sometimes change. You may receive a better understanding of the role, resolve the issue that prompted you to leave, or reconsider an opportunity elsewhere. If you want to remain with your employer, you can ask to withdraw your resignation.
A clear, prompt, and professional request gives your employer the best chance to consider it. However, a withdrawal is generally a request—not an automatic reversal. Your employer may already have accepted your resignation or made plans to fill your position. This guide explains what to consider, how to approach the conversation, and how to write a resignation withdrawal letter, with examples you can adapt.
What Is a Resignation Withdrawal Letter?
A resignation withdrawal letter is a written request asking an employer to disregard a resignation you previously submitted. It confirms that you want to continue in your role and records the request in a professional format.
The letter is useful whether you resigned verbally, by email, or in a formal document. If you have not yet submitted your resignation, you do not need a withdrawal letter; instead, speak with your manager about your decision not to resign.
Can You Withdraw a Resignation?
Whether you can withdraw a resignation depends on your location, employment contract, workplace policies, and the circumstances surrounding the resignation. In many situations, once an employer has accepted a resignation, an employee cannot assume it can simply be canceled. The employer may agree to the withdrawal, but it may not be obligated to do so.
For example, in the United Kingdom, Acas advises that an employee who resigns and then changes their mind should speak to their employer as soon as possible. If the employer does not agree to withdraw the resignation, the employee may still leave on the original terms. Acas also notes that the circumstances surrounding a resignation can matter, including whether it was made in the heat of the moment. [1]
Employment rules differ by jurisdiction. If your situation involves a disputed resignation, a contract, a union agreement, or an unusual set of circumstances, consider consulting a qualified employment adviser or lawyer in your area.
What to Do Before Sending Your Request
Act quickly
Contact your manager or HR as soon as you decide you want to stay. The more time passes, the more likely the employer may have relied on your resignation—for example, by recruiting a replacement or reorganizing your work.
Speak to your manager first
If possible, request a brief conversation before sending a formal letter. A direct conversation can help you understand whether the employer is open to discussing your request. Follow up in writing so there is a record of what you asked and when.
Be clear about your reasons
You do not need to provide a lengthy explanation, but a brief and honest reason can help. You might explain that:
- You reconsidered after reflecting on the decision.
- A personal circumstance has changed.
- You gained new information about the role or another opportunity.
- You addressed the issue that led you to resign.
Avoid blaming colleagues, making threats, or criticizing the employer. If workplace concerns prompted your resignation, you can mention them constructively and, where appropriate, suggest a conversation about possible solutions.
Prepare for either answer
Your employer may agree, decline, or need time to decide. Be ready to discuss practical details, such as whether your original resignation date will change, whether your responsibilities have been reassigned, and whether any changes to your role or work arrangements are proposed.
Do not assume that your resignation has been withdrawn until you receive clear confirmation.
How to Write a Resignation Withdrawal Letter
Keep the letter concise and courteous. Include these elements:
-
A clear subject line
For an email, use a subject such as “Request to Withdraw My Resignation.” -
The date of your resignation
Identify when you submitted it and, if relevant, your original proposed final working day. -
A direct request
State plainly that you are asking to withdraw your resignation. -
A brief explanation
Share a concise reason if you are comfortable doing so. -
A professional tone
Thank the employer for considering your request and offer to discuss next steps. -
A request for written confirmation
Ask the employer to confirm the decision and any agreed changes.
Sample Resignation Withdrawal Letter
Subject: Request to Withdraw My Resignation
[Date]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to request the withdrawal of my resignation, which I submitted on [date]. My original proposed final working day was [date].
After further consideration, I would like to remain in my position as [job title] at [company name]. [Briefly explain your reason, if you wish—for example: “After reviewing my options, I have decided that continuing in this role is the right choice for me.”]
I understand that arrangements may have been made in response to my resignation, and I appreciate your consideration of my request. Please let me know whether withdrawing my resignation is possible and whether we can discuss any next steps.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]
Short Email Version
Subject: Request to Withdraw My Resignation
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to ask whether I can withdraw the resignation I submitted on [date]. After reconsidering, I would like to remain in my [job title] role. My original final working day was [date].
I understand that you may have already made plans based on my resignation. Could we discuss whether it is possible for me to continue in my position? I’d appreciate written confirmation of the decision and any next steps.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter When a Specific Issue Has Changed
Use this version if you resigned because of a concern that has since been resolved or may be addressed.
Subject: Request to Withdraw Resignation
[Date]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to ask whether I may withdraw my resignation, submitted on [date]. I had planned for my final working day to be [date].
Since submitting my resignation, I have had the opportunity to reconsider my decision. The concerns that contributed to it—particularly [briefly describe the concern, if appropriate]—have changed, and I would welcome a conversation about continuing in my role as [job title].
I understand that you will need to consider the request and any arrangements already made. Please let me know if we can discuss this further.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long: A delayed request may be harder to accommodate.
- Assuming the resignation is automatically canceled: Ask for explicit agreement.
- Writing an emotional or confrontational message: Keep the focus on your request and next steps.
- Overexplaining: A short, truthful explanation is usually enough.
- Making promises you cannot keep: Be realistic about what has changed and what you can commit to.
- Ignoring practical arrangements: Confirm your status, final working date, pay arrangements, and any changes to your duties in writing.
What to Do If Your Employer Says No
If your employer declines, remain professional and ask for clarification about what happens next. Confirm your original final working day and any outstanding requirements, such as returning equipment or completing handover tasks. If you believe the resignation was made under pressure or in circumstances that may have legal significance, seek local employment advice promptly.
If the employer is open to discussion but cannot keep you in the same role, you might ask whether another position or arrangement is available. Get any revised terms in writing before relying on them.
Conclusion
A resignation withdrawal letter should be prompt, direct, and respectful. Explain which resignation you want to withdraw, clearly state that you wish to remain employed, and ask the employer to confirm the outcome in writing. Because an employer may have already accepted your resignation or made plans in response, treat the letter as a request rather than a guarantee. When the situation is complicated, check your contract, workplace policies, and local employment rules before deciding what to do next.
Sources
- Acas, “If an employee wants to withdraw their resignation.”
- Acas, “Giving or getting notice.”