Is it better to resign or quit your job?

Table of Contents

Quick Answers

There are a few key differences between resigning and quitting a job:

Resigning is more professional – you give notice and leave on good terms.
Quitting is more abrupt – you leave without notice.

Resigning allows you to maintain references and your reputation.
Quitting can burn bridges and make finding a new job harder.

In most cases, it is better to resign than quit, unless there are extreme circumstances. Resigning the professional way to leave a job.

Should You Resign or Quit?

Deciding whether to resign or quit your job is an important career decision. Here are some key factors to consider:

Reasons for Leaving

Do you have a new job offer? Are you leaving due to a toxic work environment or differences with your manager? The reasons for leaving will impact the decision.

If you have a new job lined up, resigning allows a smooth transition.

If the environment is intolerable, quitting may be better for your health.
Make sure to weigh all options before quitting in anger.

Company Policies

Review your employee handbook and contract. Some companies require notice periods for resigning. Understand the consequences of quitting versus resigning.

Resigning per company policy ensures you get paid for unused vacation days.
Quitting may mean losing those final paychecks.
Make sure to follow proper protocols when leaving.

Job References

Will you need references from this employer for future job searchs? Maintaining positive relationships is key.

Resigning keeps you on good terms with managers and colleagues.
Quitting can burn bridges and ruin your reputation at the company.

Be strategic – don’t lose references by quitting angrily.

Team Impact

Consider your team and projects. A sudden departure can be disruptive. Plan ahead if possible.

Resigning allows time to transition work and train replacements.

Quitting can leave your team and projects in the lurch.
Be thoughtful about handoffs to reduce impact on colleagues.

How Much Notice Should You Give?

Providing proper notice is crucial when resigning. But how much is enough? Here are some guidelines:

2 Weeks

For most jobs, 2 weeks is the standard notice period. This gives your employer time to find a replacement.

Entry-level roles may only expect 1-2 weeks notice.
Some senior roles expect longer notice periods.

Check your contract and employee handbook.

1 Month

For professional and managerial roles, 1 month notice or 4 weeks is often expected.

Higher level positions require longer transitions.

This notice period demonstrates professionalism.
Make sure critical work is handed off.

2 Months+

For executive and leadership roles, 2 months or longer may be appropriate.

Executive transitions can take 3-6 months.
Longer notice periods show consideration for the role.
Use the time to thoroughly document and train.

When to Make an Exception

In extreme cases like toxicity or harassment, you may need to quit immediately. Your safety comes first.

If the environment is intolerable, health should be the priority.
Consult HR policies and an employment lawyer first if possible.

Having documentation will help support the decision.

How to Resign Professionally

Resigning with professionalism and grace ensures a smooth departure. Here are some tips:

Schedule a Meeting

Meet in-person with your manager to announce your decision. Don’t resign by email or text.

Schedule a private meeting to discuss your resignation.
Pick a day when your manager is in the office and has time to talk.
Resigning in person allows a thoughtful discussion.

Be Positive

Emphasize the positive reasons for your departure and avoid venting frustrations.

Frame it as an exciting career move or growth opportunity.
Avoid criticizing your manager or the company.

Stay positive – now is not the time to burn bridges.

Submit a Formal Letter

Provide a formal resignation letter in addition to meeting in person.

The letter should include the effective resignation date.

Express appreciation for opportunities you were given.
Formatting should be professional.

Offer to Help Transition

Volunteer to help train new hires or transition work where you can.

Offer to help interview and hire your replacement.
Create manuals and docs to smooth the transition.
Offer to be on call to help after departing.

Express Gratitude

Thank your manager and colleagues for the opportunities you were given.

Express gratitude directly to your manager and team.
Send a thank you email to colleagues you worked with.

Show appreciation for the experience gained.

Things to Do Before Resigning

Resigning is not just submitting a letter. Advance planning and preparation is key. Here are some things to do before resigning:

Have a New Job Lined Up

Finding a new job first provides financial security between roles.

Don’t quit until you have a signed offer letter.
A new job offers leverage in salary negotiations.
Allows smooth start at new company after resigning.

Review Finances

Understand how resigning will impact your salary, benefits, and budget.

Account for lost income from unpaid vacation days.
Factor in COBRA or medical insurance costs.

Update your monthly budget for the transition.

Check Investment Accounts

Make sure to rollover or withdraw retirement account funds that you’re entitled to.

Roll 401k funds over to an IRA account.

Withdraw or transfer any company stock options.
Don’t lose retirement funds due to quick departure.

Save Important Documents

Gather copies of company documents or emails you may need.

Make copies of NDA’s, employment contracts, awards etc.
Collect recommendations from managers.
Save work samples that show your accomplishments.

Send Thank You Notes

Show appreciation to colleagues and managers before your last day.

Send thank you emails to those you worked closely with.
Hand-written notes for mentors or supportive peers.

Share favorite memories and accomplishments.

How to Quit a Job Professionally

While it’s better to resign, sometimes quitting is the only option. Here’s how to quit professionally:

Give Notice if Possible

If circumstances allow, provide formal written notice of your departure date.

Specify your last day even if not working full notice period.
Inform manager by email if unable to meet in person.
Explain reasons without negativity if appropriate.

Be Honest About Why

If quitting due to issues, clearly communicate the reasons to your employer.

Discuss intolerable issues professionally.
Provide documentation if applicable.

Avoid hostile tone or threats.

Offer Help Transitioning

Despite frustrations, offer to help hire and train your replacement.

Offer to document work processes and tools used.

Suggest qualifications to look for in new hire.
Recommend colleagues who could take over projects.

Show Appreciation

Thank team members and colleagues who made a positive impact.

Send thank you messages to coworkers you’re close with.
Share favorite accomplishments or memories.
Keep tone positive despite decision to quit.

Don’t Burn Bridges

Avoid venting anger or negativity on the way out.

Keep emotions in check to maintain professionalism.
Refrain from social media rants about your employer.

You may need references or connections in the future.

What to Do on Your Last Day

Your last day is critical for leaving a positive final impression. Here are some tips:

Have an Exit Interview

Be candid in exit interviews about positives and negatives of your experience.

Give constructive feedback to help the company improve.
Share what worked well and provide operational insights.
Avoid only venting frustrations. Remain professional.

Introduce Replacement

Introduce new team members taking over your projects and role.

Tour replacement around office to meet colleagues.
Set up handoff meetings to transfer knowledge.

Make introductions to key cross-functional partners.

Offboard Smoothly

Complete offboarding tasks like returning equipment and files.

Return company laptop, keycards, or supplies.

Gather personal belongings from desk and office.
Double check benefits and final pay are squared away.

Say Goodbye

On the last day, say goodbye and thank you to colleagues.

Make the rounds for farewells to coworkers.
Chat about favorite memories and accomplishments.
Connect on LinkedIn to stay in touch in the future.

Celebrate the Experience

Reflect on lessons learned and relationships built.

Get coworkers together for a farewell lunch if appropriate.
Toast achievements and funny memories.

Part cheerfully on positive terms.

Common Reasons People Resign or Quit

Why do most people ultimately decide to resign or quit their jobs? Here are some of the most common factors:

Reason	Description
Career Growth	Pursuing new challenges or skills advancement elsewhere.
Relocation	Moving to a new city or state.
Family	Changes in family situation like marriage or children.
Commute	Seeking shorter commute or remote work options.
Pay & Benefits	Dissatisfied with compensation or benefits package.
Work Environment	Seeking company culture that’s a better fit.
Manager Conflicts	Personality clashes or micromanagement issues.
Career Change	Desire to switch into a new industry or role.
Burnout	Feeling overworked, stressed and emotionally exhausted.

As the table shows, there are a wide variety of motivations for resigning or quitting. Improving work-life balance, career advancement, and compensation are common themes. Dysfunctional work cultures or manager relationships also play a major role in resignation decisions. Employers should proactively gather exit interview data to understand why employees leave organizations.

Key Takeaways

Deciding whether to resign or quit a job is a big career decision. Here are some key takeaways:

Resigning is more professional and maintains relationships.
Quitting abruptly can damage your reputation and burn bridges.

Always resign directly in person along with a formal letter.
Provide sufficient notice based on your seniority and role.
Offboarding with care and expressing gratitude leaves a positive impression.

Before resigning, line up a new job and get your finances in order.
Even when quitting, remain graceful and offer to help with the transition.

Resigning gracefully maximizes your chances for positive references and advancement. While quitting is sometimes necessary, do so strategically and professionally. Plan ahead and be thoughtful about your departure, no matter the circumstances. How you leave is just as important as the impact you made while employed.