A graceful way to um....un-quit a job?

Honesty is the best policy. Simply walk into your manager's office and talk to him. Explain your reasons for your "impulsive" action. Your employer is HUMAN, they understand that LIFE HAPPENS, that sometimes, people get overwhelmed and need a breather, a little space, a little time. If you were as good an employee as you claim, I can assure you, your employer does NOT want to lose you,or have to pay to train another! Just consider: the employer CARED enough to e-mail you to find out what's wrong. If he didn't care, you'd have never heard from him.

Your actions are not really that uncommon: as a Personnel/HR Manager, I've "talked people off the ledge" quite a few times. What I discovered? LIFE HAPPENS! They just needed some time and space. They needed help. And you would be surprised how hard it is for people to ask for that help! And the other thing that surprises me? How so many employees don't KNOW that their employers WILL help! (Not mine, of course! They know I'll help them when and how I can.)

Good Luck!

I've been in similar situations. It is awkward, but like someone else said, don't make up an excuse, just say it was a bad decison. But I would also consider why you quit in the first place. Was it with a situation with another employee? Are you too over-scheduled? If it is a situation or circumstance that is not going to improve anytime soon, maybe quitting was the best thing. You don't want to ask for your job back and then decide to quit again two weeks later. I'm assuming you need the extra money that comes from this job. So, whatever your decision, be sure to keep things on good terms with your boss because you never know when you will need to go back. Good luck.

If the reasons were personal, meaning you needed time at home on a weekend, or something like that, explain that to the boss and see if you can arrange for an occasional weekday assignment.

If the reasons were you let your temper get the best of you, tell the boss that too. A simple, "I let my emotions and my temper get the best of me and I blew up. I realize it was stupid, and I apologize." That alone will go a long way.

If the reasons were a problem with a difficult co-worker that has been ongoing, explain that to the boss as well, telling the story as impersonal as possible. For example, "So-and-so brings me the ______ and always makes a rude comment in passing, and I'm tired of it." By being honest, you let the boss know you are not shutting him out of knowing about a potential problem that could get worse.

If it's because you 'danced the funky dance' with a co-worker or someone close to the boss, hmm, can't help you get out of that one.

As long as you didn't say anything really nasty in the message you left it should be fairly easy to undo. Judging by your boss's response to your message s/he doesn't want you to quit and values you as an employee. Just be confident and mostly honest. Explain that you've been doing a lot of "searching" lately but that you now realize that you were behaving impulsively, that you do enjoy your job and that you are good at it. Basically, be honest, or at least as honest as you can be. Confidence is the key though, know that you are the best employee that they have and that they need you to work for them. Don't be cocky though, you'll be fine.

I sort of did this once although in the end I learned it would have been easier on me if I had quit earlier (the place ended up going under after we got new management). I spoke of money (which WAS part of the problem)..said I found something else...then I got a raise...& more responsabilities. But it worked, I got my job back.

GOOD LUCK

DON'T MAKE UP AN EXCUSE!! Just tell the truth and say it was a bad decision and you wish you hadn't quit. Ask if it is possibble for you to return.

If the boss pushes for reasons you can say they were personal.

I suggest you address the problem that made you quit in the first place. Then, sort out the pros and cons for staying with the job. If you want to stay, be honest. example " Well sir/madam I would like to keep my job, but this or that needs to be addressed first"...hope that helps.