Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about quitting a job for medical reasons:
- Give adequate notice – Provide your employer with as much notice as possible, ideally 2 weeks or more.
- Understand your rights – Employees may be eligible for FMLA, ADA accommodations, short-term disability etc.
- Get documentation – Have doctors’ notes outlining your condition and any work limitations.
- Communicate with HR – Discuss the situation confidentially with an HR rep or supervisor.
- Review company policies – Check handbooks/policies for protocols on extended leave or resigning.
- File for unemployment – You may be eligible for unemployment benefits if you had to quit for health reasons.
- Consider alternatives – Explore options like telecommuting, part-time hours, job reassignment etc. before resigning.
- Get help from support groups – Connect with others dealing with similar health struggles and career changes.
When Should I Resign Due to Illness or Disability?
Quitting a job for medical reasons is a very personal decision that depends on your unique situation. Here are some common times when health conditions may force you to resign:
- If your illness makes it impossible to perform the essential duties of your current role even with reasonable accommodations.
- When you need to take an extended medical leave of absence and cannot commit to a definitive return date.
- If treatments like dialysis, chemotherapy etc. prevent you from maintaining regular attendance and workload.
- When your medical condition poses a safety risk to yourself or others at the workplace.
- If medications cause side effects like drowsiness or dizziness that disrupt your work performance.
- When workplace stress aggravated by a health issue causes you to be on frequent sick leave.
- If assistive devices or facilities you need are not available at your office location.
- When you need to relocate to get treatment or live with family caregivers.
The decision depends on whether your disability or illness prevents you from continuing to work at your present employer in any capacity. Leaving should be a last resort after exploring all options to remain employed.
Seeking Reasonable Accommodations
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employees with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations that allow them to perform essential job functions. Accommodations could include:
- Modified or flexible work schedules
- Permission to work from home
- Reassignment to an open position
- Altering the work environment
- Providing assistive equipment
- Granting periodic rest breaks
Ask your employer to accommodate your disability before considering resignation. Perhaps a new role or arrangement could allow you to balance work and treatment demands.
How Much Notice Should I Give?
Giving sufficient notice before resigning due to illness shows professionalism and allows your employer to prepare for your departure. Consider these tips:
- Review your employment contract and employee handbook for policies on resignation notice.
- The standard notice period is 2-4 weeks but more time is better if possible.
- Account for the complexity of your role – higher level positions may need more transition time.
- Time your notice to complete important projects, transition your workload and train replacements.
- Give notice as soon as you finalize your decision to resign to prevent short-notice stress.
A medical reason for resigning does not exempt you from giving adequate notice. However, extenuating circumstances like sudden disability from an accident may make standard notice difficult.
Communicate frequently with your manager and HR during the notice period to ensure a smooth exit even if illness prevents you from being at work.
Paid vs. Unpaid Notice
Some key differences between paid and unpaid resignation notice include:
| Paid Notice | Unpaid Notice |
|---|---|
| You remain employed and receive regular pay and benefits | You technically resign employment immediately |
| You must work or use paid time off on scheduled days | You stop coming to work but give a courteous heads-up |
| Lets you transition work and train replacements | Usually doesn’t allow for work transition |
| Fulfills contractual notice obligations | May violate contract requirements |
Paid notice is ideal if your health permits. Unpaid notice works if you cannot work during the notice period.
Do I Need to Provide Medical Documentation?
When resigning due to health reasons, providing medical documentation is recommended for several reasons:
- Supports that your resignation is necessary for medical versus personal or other reasons.
- Helps determine eligibility for disability leave, benefits, unemployment etc.
- Substantiates requests for reasonable accommodations.
- Prevents questions about the validity of your stated medical condition.
- Protects against assumption that illness may be related to misconduct, performance or other issues.
Ask your healthcare provider for a note, treatment summary or other records that:
- Confirms your diagnosis and prognosis
- Outlines functional limitations and duration
- Recommends medically necessary work leave or resignation
- Omits private health details unrelated to work capacity
Your employer must keep medical information confidential according to ADA and HIPAA regulations.
Sample Resignation Letter for Medical Reasons
Here is a sample resignation letter for leaving a job due to health problems:
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Please accept this letter as my formal notice of resignation from my position as [position name] at [Company name], effective [date.]
As we have previously discussed, I have been struggling with some ongoing medical issues that have made it very difficult for me to continue fulfilling all of my job duties. After consulting my healthcare provider, I believe the best course of action for my health is to resign my position so I can focus fully on treatment and recovery.
I want to assure you that I did not make this decision lightly. I have enjoyed working here and appreciate the opportunities I have been given over the past [duration of employment]. Unfortunately, I feel I am no longer able to perform to the standards I have set for myself or that [Company name] expects due to my present health challenges.
Over the next [notice period], I will do my best to wrap up outstanding work and help transition my projects and responsibilities to others on the team. I am also happy to assist with training my replacement in any way I can.
I sincerely appreciate the professional courtesies you have extended during my employment. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide, and I will make myself available even after my departure. I wish you and the entire team all the best.
Regards,
[Your name]
[Enclosed: Medical documentation]
Speaking to Your Manager and HR
Set up meetings with your direct supervisor and an HR representative to personally announce your resignation. This allows you to:
- Explain your circumstances and need to resign
- Express appreciation for opportunities you’ve been given
- Discuss transition plans for work projects and clients
- Get information about benefits, 401(k) plans, COBRA, etc.
- Inquire about potential for future re-employment if health improves
- Ask for an employment reference letter
Stay positive about your employer during these discussions – do not criticize management or air grievances. Focus on matters that allow a smooth departure.
Talking to Co-Workers
You may want to inform close colleagues about your resignation due to health issues by:
- Sending a group email announcing your resignation and departure date
- Having lunch, coffee or virtual goodbye meetings with co-workers
- Sharing health challenges only if you feel comfortable doing so
- Offering contact information to keep in touch
- Expressing how much you enjoyed working with them
This gives co-workers closure and a chance to celebrate your contributions. But keep the conversations positive – do not vent frustrations.
What Happens to My Benefits After Resigning?
The impact on your employee benefits after resigning depends on your company’s policies and insurance plans. Some general guidelines:
- Health Insurance – Will terminate at the end of month of your resignation or last day worked in most cases. You may qualify for COBRA.
- Life Insurance – Any employer-paid coverage will end on last day. You can convert to an individual policy.
- Disability Insurance – Terminates on resignation. Any claim filed earlier continues subject to terms.
- 401(k) Plan – You are 100% vested in your contributions. Company matches may vest over time.
- Stock Options/RSUs – Vested options may be exercised per grant terms. Unvested options and RSUs are usually forfeited.
To continue benefits like health and life insurance, you can utilize COBRA or similar state programs for a limited duration. Read all notices from your employer concerning benefits termination and conversions carefully.
Claiming Unemployment
You may be eligible for unemployment benefits if you had to leave your job for a compelling medical reason. Requirements vary by state but usually involve:
- Submitting doctors’ notes and medical records
- Demonstrating the illness made continuing your job duties impossible
- Providing proof you exhausted all alternatives prior to resigning
- Meeting state earnings thresholds from past employment
- Being available and able to work if health improves
Applying for unemployment is worthwhile if your medical condition is expected to improve enough to reenter the workforce. Hiring an unemployment lawyer can help navigate the process.
How Do I Explain My Resignation to Future Employers?
When interviewing for new jobs after leaving for health reasons, prepare responses to questions about why you resigned your prior position. A few tips:
- Keep details brief – mention “health reasons” but avoid specifics about your condition.
- Focus on what you can do versus limitations – highlight your abilities and experience.
- Emphasize eagerness to work and passion for the role at the new employer.
- Discuss any reasonable accommodations that allow you to operate at full capacity.
- Share how you’ve maintained industry knowledge and skills during your absence.
Be positive – do not complain about past employers not accommodating your disability. Frame your responses to highlight why you are still an excellent candidate despite your gap in employment.
Seeking Legal Counsel
Consult an employment lawyer if you feel your past employer:
- Denied reasonable accommodations or violated ADA regulations
- Discriminated against you due to your disability
- Refused appropriate medical leave time
- Retaliated against you for resigning
- Contested your unemployment benefits unfairly
The lawyer can assess whether you have grounds for legal action. Many employment attorneys offer free initial consultations.
How Can I Cope with Job Loss Grief or Stress?
Resigning a job you love due to health problems can cause grief, anxiety, depression and financial stress. Some tips to cope positively include:
- Give yourself time to mourn the loss before jumping into job searching.
- Access mental health services like counseling or support groups.
- Use stress management techniques like meditation, exercise, journaling.
- Maintain a schedule and engage in hobbies you enjoy.
- Communicate openly with loved ones to process your feelings.
- Focus on the positive – you can now devote energy fully to your health.
- Understand that you are more than your career – you still have inherent value.
Be patient and kind to yourself during this challenging transition. With time, most people are able to rediscover personal and professional fulfillment, even if illness truncated one career path.
Conclusion
Quitting a job for medical reasons is difficult but sometimes necessary to prioritize your health and wellbeing. With adequate planning, honest communication and resilience, you can make the transition in a way that honors your contributions to the employer and sets you up for future success after recovery. Maintain optimism – while one door closes, others will open in time.
