I left my post without approval and have now been brought back. I understand this is a serious breach. The resignation letter was not accepted, and leaving without a completed handover was irresponsible. For clarity, I was not trying to abandon them. I was concerned that remaining in close service while having personal feelings might compromise my judgement. My principal asked whether I 'really wanted to go that badly'. I answered poorly. I should have apologised first. In this situation, how detailed should a written apology be? Would requesting a demotion be the appropriate professional step, or would that create further disruption?