Quitting Your Job

You may want to quit your job for several reasons. You may want a better job or dislike your current one. If you quit your job, it is a good idea to get a new one first. It is easier to look for a job when you are currently employed. If you feel you have no other choice and must quit your job, you should take steps to keep your job, such as talking to your employer about your problem with the job. If you take steps to keep your job, you may be able to get Unemployment Insurance (UI). 

Before you quit your job

• consider looking for a new job first
• talk to your employer and see if your problems at work can be solved
• make sure you are able to handle the loss of wages  
• make sure you leave in a polite way 

When should I get my last paycheck?

If you quit your job, your employer does not have to pay you on your last day. Instead, you should be paid at your regular pay period. In this paycheck, you should also receive payment for any unused vacation or sick time. 

When can I quit my job? Do I have to give notice?

You can leave your job whenever you want. However, it is much better to leave work on good terms with your employer and coworkers. One day, you may need a job recommendation from your current employer. If you leave suddenly or in negative way, your employer could tell other companies about it.

It is usually considered appropriate to give an employer "two weeks notice" that you want to leave. By telling your employer two weeks before you want to leave your job, you are giving him or her time to fill your position. 

If I quit my job, can I get UI benefits?

Maybe. If you left your job because you felt you had no other choice and you tried to keep your job before you quit, you may be able to get UI. For more information on unemployment insurance benefits, look at unemployment insurance.