Is it Better to Quit or Be Fired?

The signs are there: Your job may be on the line, and you’re wondering whether to walk away before you’re pushed out. Maybe your boss isn’t happy with your performance, or the working relationship just isn’t clicking. Either way, the question nags at you: Is it better to quit or be fired?

The answer depends on whether your reputation or your finances are your greatest concern. Theoretically, it’s better if you resign because it shows that the decision was yours and not your company’s. If you leave voluntarily, you may not be entitled to the type of unemployment compensation you could receive if you were fired or laid off.

Before you drive yourself crazy wondering if it’s better to quit or be fired, take a pause and do some research. In this article, we’ll help you decide if quitting when you feel like you might be fired is the best choice for your career, mental health, and finances. We’ll also break down the pros and cons of each option and outline what to do next.

7 Steps to Answering “Is It Better to Quit or Be Fired?”

To make an informed choice about whether to resign or risk being fired, it’s important to step back and assess your situation. Use the following steps to gain a clearer understanding of your priorities and the potential consequences of leaving now or waiting to see how things play out.

• 1.

  Understand the Terms

  Before you decide whether it is better to quit or be fired, it helps to understand the difference between termination and resignation, along with the variations of each, such as being fired vs laid off.

  Termination is when your employer ends your employment, which can happen for several reasons:

  • Involuntary termination (firing): Your employer ends your job due to performance issues, misconduct, or a poor fit.
  • Layoff or redundancy: Your role is eliminated for business reasons, such as restructuring or downsizing.
  • Furlough: Your employer temporarily suspends your employment, often without pay, but with the possibility of returning when conditions improve.
  • Wrongful termination: Your job ends in a way that violates the law, such as being fired due to discrimination or retaliation.

  
  Resignation is when you voluntarily decide to leave your job, which can take different forms:

  • Voluntary resignation: You choose to leave for personal and/or professional reasons.
  • Resignation instead of termination: You resign after being given the option to quit before being fired.
  • Mutual agreement: Both you and your employer decide that parting ways is the best course.
• 2.

  Assess Your Career Stage

  Your career stage can play a big role in deciding whether to quit or risk being fired.

  • Early-career workers: If you’re just starting, you may have less money saved and a stronger need for unemployment benefits. Keep in mind that these benefits are usually only available if you’re terminated (unless the firing was for serious misconduct).
  • Mid-to-senior-level employees: At higher levels, you may have leverage that younger workers don’t. Employers recognize that losing a senior employee can have broader impacts on the company, so it may be possible to negotiate your resignation in exchange for a severance package.
• 3.

  Protect Your Mental Health

  Although your situation may be challenging, remember that the decision to resign from a job is ultimately in your hands. It’s about understanding your own needs and listening to yourself, so ask yourself:

  • How much of a toll is this work situation taking on my psyche?
  • How hard is it to get out of bed in the morning?
  • Is it bearable if I stick it out, or does the mere thought of work make me miserable?

  If it’s not too bad, you may consider staying put. But if work is draining you daily, it may be time to leave and seek a more positive work environment.

  Think about how you’d feel if you decided to stay and were eventually fired. Then, take a step back and realistically assess how likely that outcome actually is.

  Keep in mind that, sometimes, anxiety fuels unfounded worries. You might feel insecure about your performance or mistakenly think that there are whisperings behind closed doors. Would reducing stress and having honest conversations with your manager reveal that your job is actually safe? Could seeing a mental health professional help you manage these fears?

  In other situations, the warning signs are real. Don’t be in denial and pretend it’s not happening. You don’t want to be blindsided when termination comes. If you decide to stay until you’re officially let go, make sure you’re emotionally prepared for that moment.

• 4.

  Know Your Employee Rights

  To understand your employee rights when deciding if it’s better to quit or be fired, take it step by step:

  • Review your employment contract. Your contract contains vital information regarding termination terms, notice periods, severance eligibility, and noncompete clauses. Familiarize yourself with these details and specific policies. Quitting might forfeit your benefits.
  • Understand legal protections. In at-will employment states, you can be fired without cause unless it violates specific laws. Contract employees may have protections stated in their contracts. Also, know your rights under discrimination laws.
  • Consult local labor laws. Each state has its own labor laws covering notice periods, termination procedures, and severance. Research your state’s employment standards.
  • Seek legal advice. If you suspect wrongful termination or discrimination, consult an employment attorney who can explain your specific rights.
• 5.

  Line Up New Job Prospects

  Employers tend to prefer hiring people who are still employed or have been out of work for six months or less. As a candidate, you’re seen as more employable (and more attractive) when currently holding down a job.

  Before you decide to leave, consider:

  • Current offers: If you have job offers on the table, evaluate them carefully. Compare the benefits, compensation, and work culture with your current position.
  • Pending applications: Check the status of applications you’ve submitted and follow up with recruiters or hiring managers. Let them know your availability might change.
  • Flexible work options: If your field allows, look into freelance, gig, or temporary jobs to maintain income while you search for a long-term fit.
  • Consulting or contract projects: These roles can provide stability and help you bridge an employment gap while keeping your skills sharp and expanding your network.
• 6.

  Consider Your Reputation

  Is it better to be fired or quit if you’re far along in your career? Essentially, resigning may be better for your image.

  As a seasoned executive, you’re expected to have a certain amount of competence, and being terminated may lead people to question your competence. Plus, industry bigwigs tend to know each other as part of an insider community, and news travels fast. Everyone will likely know the real story about why you were let go.

  No matter what level you’re at, you should always acknowledge your termination or resignation to recruiters and prospective employers. Still, you don’t need to discuss the actual circumstances behind why you’re looking for a new job.

  For example, you could say:

  I resigned from my job because I decided it was time for a change to align more closely with my career ambitions and personal growth goals. I learned a lot from my previous role, and I’m now looking forward to bringing my enhanced skills and experience into this new opportunity.

• 7.

  Have an Exit Strategy

  Timing is key when planning a departure. To minimize disruptions, build a plan that includes:

  • Financial considerations, job prospects, and seasonal hiring trends
  • A personal marketing plan that highlights your skills and value
  • An updated resume that showcases your experiences, achievements, and unique value proposition
  • Reliable references who can vouch for your skills and professionalism, contacted in advance to ensure their availability
  • Awareness of potential risks, such as an upcoming negative performance review, and a plan to resign before it happens to prevent it from appearing on your record and affecting future opportunities

Pros & Cons of Quitting vs Getting Fired

If you’re still wondering, “Is it better to quit or be fired?”, take a moment to reflect on the potential outcomes. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the good and bad sides of each.

Quitting Your Job: Pros & Cons

Choosing to quit gives you more control over your departure but may lead to challenges with benefits and job security. Consider the following pros and cons of throwing in the towel.

Pros of quitting:

Cons of quitting:

Waiting to Be Fired: Pros & Cons

Getting fired may lead to stigmatization and affect your morale, but it can often qualify you for financial benefits and legal protections. Think about the pros and cons of getting that pink slip.

Pros of getting fired:

Cons of getting fired:

How to Resign and Preserve Your Reputation

No matter how uncomfortable life is at the job you’re about to ditch, you need to be professional. These three easy tips can help you resign from a job while keeping your good reputation intact:

• 1.

  Write a Formal Letter of Resignation

  Tell your boss you’re leaving and the date of your last day at work in your resignation letter, then thank them for the opportunity to be part of the team.

• 2.

  Write Out Your Duties

  Don’t leave your employer in the lurch. List everything you do as part of your job, and explain how you do it. This will make it easier for them to fill the gap when you’re gone.

• 3.

  Offer to Train Your Replacement

  It may be a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s a testament to your character and work ethic, which will follow you when you finally leave.

Key Takeaways: Termination vs Resignation

Here are the key points to keep in mind when answering, “Is it better to quit or be fired?”

Find Your New Calling

If you’ve decided that it’s better to quit or you’ve been fired, we’ve got your back! Start searching for a new opportunity. Begin by creating a free profile and peruse our thousands of job listings. Upload your resume and we’ll connect you with recruiters looking for candidates with your skills. We also send you job alerts and expert career advice to help you find a new position that you’ll love.

Legal disclaimer: None of the information provided herein constitutes legal advice on behalf of Monster.