Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has given notice, she's resigning at the end of the month.

The surprise announcement came at a hastily called news conference at her home in Wasilla.

Palin said she decided to leave office quickly after deciding she wouldn't seek a second term. She said she didn't want to be a conventional lame duck.

But she provided few details about her future. It's unclear if she intends a future presidential bid. She did say she has a bigger role in mind, and hopes to make a "positive change outside government."

The 2008 vice presidential nominee has been seen as a likely presidential contender in 2012. But a Vanity Fair magazine article quoted unnamed campaign aides questioning if Palin was ever really prepared for the presidency.