Quitting vs Resigning: What is the Difference?
Making the decision to leave your job is never easy. It can be an emotional experience filled with anxiety, self-doubt, and uncertainty. But before you pack up your desk and say your goodbyes, it’s important to understand the difference between quitting and resigning. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of each term and the implications of your decision.
Quitting
Quitting is an informal way of leaving your job without notice. It is often seen as an impulsive or emotional decision made in a moment of frustration, anger, or resentment. When you quit, you simply leave your job without considering the consequences or informing your employer beforehand. In some cases, quitting can result in serious repercussions, such as burning bridges with your employer, damaging your professional reputation, and forfeiting any entitlements, such as pay or benefits.
Resigning
Resigning, on the other hand, is a formal way of leaving your job with notice. When you resign, you give your employer a written notice of your intention to leave and the date of your departure. This notice period is usually specified in your employment contract, and it can range from two weeks to several months, depending on your position and industry. Resigning is a professional and courteous way of parting ways with your employer, and it can help you maintain a positive relationship with them in the future.
Reasons for Quitting
There are several reasons why people choose to quit their jobs. Some of the most common reasons include:
1. Personal Reasons- such as relocation or family issues
2. Work/Life Balance- when work or job is taking too much time and you need time for other important activities
3. Salary/Compensation- when the salary is too low, or employees feel undervalued or overworked
4. Lack of Job Satisfaction- employees may feel unchallenged or unhappy with their job
5. Work Environment – when the work environment is toxic or lacks team bonding
While quitting can be tempting in the short term, it is important to consider the long-term implications of your decision. Quitting can result in a gap in your resume, making it difficult to find another job in the future, and it may not be the best choice for your career development.
Reasons for Resigning
Resigning, on the other hand, is a more thoughtful and strategic decision. It is often the result of a period of reflection and consideration, and it can be driven by several factors, such as:
1. Career Advancement- when an employee finds a better job with better benefits, salary, or career growth opportunities.
2. Change in Personal Circumstances- such as starting a family, return to school or taking on new challenges in personal life
3. Compatibility Issues- when there is a mismatch between you and your employer’s values, goals, or expectations
4. Work/Life Balance- when an employee is struggling to maintain a balance between work and life.
5. Professional Development- when employees want to gain new skills or work in a new industry.
Resigning is a mature decision that allows you to maintain your professional reputation and uphold your commitments to your employer. It also gives you time to plan your future career moves and to ensure a smooth transition for your colleagues and replacement.
Optimizing your Resume and Job Search
Whether you are quitting or resigning, it is important to consider how your decision will affect your future job prospects. A gap in your resume can make it difficult to find a job, and a negative reference from a previous employer can harm your professional reputation.
When updating your resume and job search, ensure you use appropriate language to describe your reasons for leaving and your previous job responsibilities. Mention your successes and any accomplishments in your current job that are relevant to your future job goals. Also, ensure you use relevant job search keywords from your industry in your resume and job search keywords optimization tools to increase your chances of getting a job/interview.
Conclusion
In summary, quitting and resigning are two very different ways of leaving your job. Quitting is impulsive, informal, and can have negative consequences, while resigning is a thoughtful, formal, and professional way to end your employment. When deciding whether to quit or resign, ensure you consider the long-term consequences and strive to make a decision that is in your best interests, preserving strong professional relationships and also maintaining your professional reputation.