When it comes to ending a job, there are two commonly used terms – quitting and resigning. While they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences between them. Knowing the difference can make a big impact on your career trajectory, so let’s delve deeper into what they mean.
Quitting: The act of quitting refers to leaving a job, whether it is voluntarily or involuntarily. Quitting is often associated with leaving a job out of frustration, anger, or dissatisfaction. It can also refer to being fired or laid off.
Resigning: On the other hand, resigning refers to leaving a job voluntarily with a formal notice. It typically involves providing your employer with a written notice, stating your intent to leave the job within a specified period, known as a notice period.
Now that we understand the basic differences between quitting and resigning, let’s explore them in more detail.
Quitting a Job:
Quitting a job is typically an impulsive decision made without much thought or planning. It could be due to several reasons, such as a hostile work environment, poor relationships with co-workers or bosses, low pay, or lack of growth opportunities. Quitting could also take place if an employee finds a better job opportunity elsewhere.
However, quitting unexpectedly can leave your employer in a lurch, scrambling to find a replacement in a hurry. Employers also tend to hesitate from hiring professionals who have a history of quitting jobs frequently, as it can signal a negative work ethic.
When quitting a job, employees do not have to give any notice period, although it is still advisable to do so. Quitting without giving notice could burn bridges with your employer and damage your professional reputation. Moreover, it is also unethical to leave your employer in trouble due to your immediate departure without a replacement plan in place.
Resigning from a Job:
Resigning refers to the voluntary departure of an employee after providing formal notice to their employer. A resignation letter is used to communicate this intent and should include details such as the reason for leaving and the last day of work.
Resigning provides ample time for both the employer and the employee to plan out the transition period. Employees should ideally provide at least two weeks’ notice, although the standard notice period could differ depending on the company policy.
Resigning from a job is generally seen as a positive move that demonstrates professionalism and responsibility. By providing sufficient notice, you can maintain a cordial relationship with your employer even after leaving. Moreover, it also gives your employer time to find a suitable replacement, so the company can continue to operate smoothly.
Summarising:
To summarise the difference between quitting and resigning, quitting refers to leaving a job involuntarily, while resigning means leaving a job voluntarily with formal notice. Quitting is often seen as a negative move and can burn bridges with employers, whereas resigning is typically viewed positively and indicates professionalism.
If an employee wants to be seen as reliable, committed to their profession, and wants to maintain a good relationship with their employers – then resigning is the best option to move forward with. On the other hand, if an employee wants to leave a job without notice and with a little consideration for the employer, then quitting would be a more appropriate choice.
Key Points to Consider:
● Quitting is leaving a job without notice or warning, while resigning is giving formal notice to an employer beforehand.
● Quitting is perceived as a negative move and can burn bridges with employers.
● Resigning is perceived as a responsible, professional move that often results in a positive reference from the employer.
● It is recommended to provide at least two weeks’ notice, as it helps maintain a good working relationship with employers.
● Quitting frequently without giving proper notice can damage a person’s reputation, so it is advisable to resign when leaving a job.
In conclusion, it is better to resign from a job than quit. It is a responsible and professional move that shows a commitment to your work and can leave behind a positive impression on your employer. On the other hand, quitting unexpectedly can harm your professional reputation and damage relationships with your employer.