Resignation and quitting, though related, are two different employment concepts. If you’re thinking about leaving your current job, it’s essential to understand the difference between the two.
Quitting refers to the sudden end of employment, typically initiated by the employee. Resignation, on the other hand, is a formal way to end an employment relationship by the employee. Let’s dive deeper into each concept and explore the differences between the two.
What is quitting?
Quitting refers to the voluntary and sudden end of employment relationship by an employee without giving the employer any notice. In short, quitting is an abrupt way of ending your employment relationship.
What is resignation?
Resignation, on the other hand, is a formal way of ending your employment relationship with your employer. It is your choice to leave a job that you no longer see as a good fit for you. However, there are standard notice periods and expectations that come with resignation.
The difference between quitting and resigning
Quitting is sudden and does not require any notice period. Resignation, on the other hand, is a formal way of ending an employment relationship, which usually requires a notice period. Also, quitting is often seen as an impulsive decision, while resignation follows the established protocol.
When an employee decides to quit, they might leave their employer with little to no notice, which could impact the organization’s operation, especially if they played a crucial role within the organization. In contrast, an employee who resigns typically provides formal notice to their employer, allowing organizations to make necessary adjustments and to plan a replacement search.
Resignation might be challenging to deal with, as no organization wants its employees to leave, but they understand the importance of being transparent and respecting the employee’s choice. The resignation process aims to ensure the employer and the employee part on good terms, even if the employee is leaving for greener pastures.
Importance of notice periods in resignation
Notice periods are essential when resigning because they ensure there is proper and seamless transitioning of roles. The length of the notice period varies from company to company, but in most cases, they range from two weeks to months. Preparing for resignation during your notice period helps your employer and your replacement transition into their new role.
During the notice period, you should communicate your resignation to your team members and clients, complete any projects that are yet to be done, and assist with the transition of your tasks to someone else. This ensures a smooth transition and reduces the impact felt by clients and colleagues.
Is resignation good?
Resignation can be good or bad, depending on the situation. It can be a positive outcome for people who feel that their jobs are holding them back in their careers or personal development. This could be because of various factors such as lack of job satisfaction, insufficient compensation, unpleasant work environment, or lack of challenging roles.
Resignation is a way for you to take control of your career and pursue other opportunities that you believe will offer better prospects, more growth, or an improved work-life balance. It can be a way to progress your career by finding a better place of work that matches your career goals and helps you grow in the industry.
However, resignation can also be devastating, especially when you don’t have a job lined up, are leaving great colleagues, or are financially strained. Even though it might be necessary to pursue better career growth, you should evaluate carefully before deciding to resign to avoid future financial and career problems.
Key takeaways
The choice to resign or quit is always a personal and significant decision, no matter the reason behind it. However, if you’re thinking about leaving your current job, it’s essential to understand the difference between the two.
Quitting is sudden and initiative by the employee without any notice given to the employer. Resignation, on the other hand, is formal and requires a notice period of a minimum of two weeks to months. Therefore, if you decide to quit or resign, plan ahead, communicate transparently, and ensure a smooth transition.