How to Quit Your Job Like Sherwood Anderson: The Best Resignation Letter Ever Written

The page presents Sherwood Anderson as a writer who began in advertising before becoming a novelist at 41. It says that in 1918, when he wanted to leave corporate work for his craft, he wrote what is described as the best resignation letter ever written.

Reading notes

#

• Anderson started in advertising as a solicitor, then worked as an ad salesman and copywriter before becoming a successful novelist at 41.
• The page describes him as a writer of deep insight about creative life and as someone with masterful humor and wit.
• The resignation letter is framed as if it were written by his employer, Barton, about Anderson.
• The letter says Anderson should be fired because his heart is not in his work.
• It also says Anderson has been an ornament to the organization, with his long, messy hair giving an artistic look that impresses visitors.
• The letter concludes that Anderson is not productive and should be asked to sever his connections with the company on the first of next week.
• The closing line keeps the tone light by saying he is a nice fellow and should be let down easy before being fired.
• The page identifies the letter as coming from Funny Letters from Famous People, edited by Charles Osgood.