Resignation vs. Quitting: Professional vs. Unprofessional Exit

Imagine you’re standing at a crossroads in your work life. You’re unhappy. You want to leave. You might ask: should I resign or quit? Both mean you’re leaving, but the path you choose matters. That path shapes your next steps and how others see you.

Quitting and resigning can mean the same thing but resignation is more formal, like “wearing a bowtie,” while quitting is more casual and blunt. One simple way to think of it: quitting is raw emotion, an impulse. Resigning is a well‑planned exit, keeping your future in mind.

Let me guide you through resignation vs. quitting.

View resignation letter examples for different occasions.

What happens when you resign?

When you choose to resign, you usually give notice, write a resignation letter, and follow your company’s HR process. You’re showing respect, and leaving the door open. Resignation often means a smoother exit, probably with an exit interview and a chance to return someday.

Here’s how it often unfolds:

• Give your employer a heads‑up, often two weeks or whatever your contract says.
• Write a clear, polite resignation letter with your last day.
• Offer to wrap up projects or help train your replacement.
• Ask thoughtful questions: What about final benefits and pay? Can I have a reference?
• Send a friendly goodbye message so your colleagues stay connected.

Resigning this way shows maturity and care. It protects your reputation.

What happens when you quit?

Quitting often implies abruptly walking away with little or no notice. Quitting skips the HR steps and usually doesn’t involve an exit interview.

Reasons people quit might range from reaching a breaking point to facing a toxic or unsafe situation. It can feel freeing, but leaving so fast makes things messy for your team and for your own future.

Many sources warn this can hurt your chances of a good reference or even the chance to work there again. Some people compare it to fleeing a sinking ship.

Breaking it down: resignation vs. quitting

Here’s a simple side‑by‑side view:

But I want to go further, adding real‑world wisdom from writer communities.

On Reddit someone put it this way:

“Resigning usually has plenty of notice to help coordinate your replacement. Quitting is for getting out of a place you really want to leave.”

A user on English StackExchange says:

“Resign tends to convey a more subtle and amicable separation… whereas quit has a more negative connotation.”

These viewpoints match what we’re seeing. Resignation is deliberate. Quitting is reactive.

When you need to look at the dos and don’ts

Let’s get to the heart of the topic: what should you do and what should you avoid when you’re deciding to resign or quit? We’ll break it into two parts, based on each choice.

For resigning

Do:

• Give proper notice, often two weeks, or more if agreed.
• Write a respectful resignation letter stating your last day.
• Offer help with the transition or training your replacement.
• Ask about benefits, unpaid leave, health insurance, or final pay.
• Keep your tone steady and professional even if you’re leaving in frustration.

Don’t:

• Leave without notice or going AWOL.
• Vent frustrations at your boss or coworkers.
• Boast about your next opportunity before you leave.
• Leave your desk or digital workspace messy.

For quitting

Sometimes quitting may feel urgent. If so, here’s how you can still leave with care.

Do:

• If you must leave fast, still give whatever notice you can.
• Keep your departure respectful even if sudden.
• Avoid burning your bridges.
• Review any contract terms or seek advice if needed.

Don’t:

• Walk out mid‑shift without notice or explanation.
• Leave projects unfinished.
• Trash talk your workplace on the way out.
• Ignore legal or contractual obligations.

Beyond words: impact on your career

Choosing to resign often gives you breathing room. You keep your reputation, references, and may even secure benefits or severance. Resigning gives you more control when explaining the departure unlike quitting, which could raise doubts.

If quitting feels skewed by circumstances beyond your control like harassment or unsafe conditions, you might consider legal advice. In forced cases, you may be able to claim constructive discharge (as if you were fired), which can affect benefits or claims eligibility.

Final thoughts

Leaving a job marks a change in your life. You can choose how that change looks and what follows. If you choose to resign, you step away on your terms. You write a letter. You say a proper farewell. Your path stays open.

If you quit, make sure you’re sure. If it’s sudden, try to leave respectfully, if you can.

When thinking resignation vs. quitting, ask yourself: do I want to leave well with dignity and bridges intact or do I just want to get out? If your answer is the first, resign. If the second, try to soften the blow of quitting, and leave responsibly.

Your next job may look back at this moment. Make sure it remembers you well.

Sara Duerr

Sara has been in the career development field for over 10 years and has a wealth of knowledge to share. She covers topics such as resume writing, job search strategies, interview techniques, career planning, and more. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Medium. She has curated our free downloadable resume templates for Word and resume templates for Google Docs.