When it comes to leaving a job, many people find themselves puzzled by the terms quit and resign. Are they just different words for the same thing, or do they carry distinct meanings and implications?
If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between resigning and quitting, you’re not alone. This article breaks down the difference between quitting and resigning so you can understand when to use each and how they affect your professional image and etiquette.
Difference Between “Quit” and “Resign”
At first glance, quit vs resign might seem like a simple case of synonyms, but there’s more beneath the surface. The difference between “quit” and “resign” lies in formality, intent, and context.
- Quit tends to be informal, often implying an abrupt decision or sudden exit.
- Resign carries a formal tone, associated with a deliberate, planned departure following workplace protocols.
In simple terms, if you quit a job, you usually leave immediately or without much notice. If you resign from a position, you typically submit a resignation letter and respect a notice period, making your exit more professional and polite.
Formality vs Informality in Job Departure
To get a better grip on these nuances, think of formal resignation as the courteous way to leave your job. It’s about showing respect to your employer and colleagues through the proper channels. On the other hand, informal quitting may happen during casual conversations or sudden decisions without paperwork.
For example, suppose Sarah, a marketing manager, wants to leave her job:
- She might resign as manager by writing a formal email stating her last day and reasons, ensuring a smooth professional departure.
- Alternatively, she could simply say, “I’m quitting,” during a chat with her supervisor, implying an abrupt decision without official notice.
Here’s a sample of a formal resignation letter Sarah might send:
Subject: Resignation from Marketing Manager Position
Dear Mr. Johnson,
Please accept this email as my formal resignation from the position of Marketing Manager at XYZ Corp, effective two weeks from today, July 17th. I appreciate the opportunities I have had here and will do my best to ensure a smooth transition.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Sarah Williams
In contrast, a quit email might read like this:
Subject: Leaving Immediately
Hey Mike,
I’ve decided to quit effective today. I won’t be coming back. Thanks for everything.
Best,
Sarah
See the tone difference? The first is polite and professional, while the second sounds informal and leaves little room for goodwill.
Employment Termination: Who’s in Charge?
It’s essential to understand that employment termination can be voluntary or involuntary. When you resign, you initiate the departure. If you quit, you might leave suddenly, sometimes without warning.
Employers prefer when employees submit resignation letters. This reflects a polite departure and respects workplace protocol. Quitting, especially without notice, may harm your reputation or future job prospects.
Notice Period / Resignation Letter: The Professional Protocol
Most companies expect a notice period—commonly two weeks—before you officially leave. This time allows employers to find a replacement or hand off your duties smoothly.
When you resign, you usually write a resignation letter detailing your intent and last working day. This formal document is your official notice and can protect your interests later.
Skipping this step and quitting immediately can cause disruption and signal unprofessional behavior.
Verb/Adjective Usage of “Quit” and “Resign”
Both words function differently in grammar:
- Quit is an irregular verb (quit, quit, quitting).
- Resign is a regular verb (resign, resigned, resigning).
Interestingly, quit can also be an archaic adjective meaning free or clear of obligation (e.g., “I’m quit of my duties”). Meanwhile, resigned as an adjective reflects an emotional acceptance or submission to an unpleasant reality. For example, “She felt resigned to the decision,” shows acceptance rather than action.
Common Mistakes in Usage
People often mix these terms up or use them interchangeably, which can lead to misunderstandings.
- Saying “I’m going to resign immediately” sounds odd because resigning implies a process, not an instant action.
- Saying “I submitted my quit” is incorrect; it should be “I quit the job” or “I submitted my resignation.”
Using the right term improves clarity and shows awareness of employment vocabulary and professional image.
Synonyms and Etymology of “Quit” and “Resign”
Understanding the roots of these words can clarify their nuances.
- Quit comes from the Old French quiter, meaning to free, release, or leave.
- Resign derives from Latin resignare, meaning to unseal, cancel, or give up.
Synonyms for quit include stop, cease, abandon, or leave. For resign, think of submit resignation, vacate, or retire.
The phrase “resign oneself to” means to accept something reluctantly, reflecting the emotional side of resignation rather than the act of leaving a job.
Emotional Acceptance (Resigned) vs Immediate Action (Quit)
You might hear someone say they feel resigned after bad news—that’s a state of acceptance. But if someone quits smoking, they take immediate action to stop or cease that habit.
Similarly, when it comes to work:
- Resigning involves submission to a decision after careful thought.
- Quitting can be impulsive, sometimes leaving your employer surprised or even frustrated.
Professional Image and Etiquette: Why It Matters
Maintaining your professional image means handling your departure with care. Resignation etiquette includes:
- Giving proper notice
- Writing a clear resignation letter
- Offering to help with transitions
In contrast, sudden departure or informal quitting might burn bridges. For high-profile roles, like a CEO, a voluntary resignation signals leadership and respect, while abrupt quitting can damage reputation.
Real-Life Scenarios
Scenario 1: Formal Resignation Email
Subject: Formal Resignation – John Smith
Dear Ms. Reynolds,
I am writing to formally resign from my position as Software Engineer at ABC Tech, effective August 1, 2025. I appreciate the growth opportunities and support during my tenure.
I will do my best to complete ongoing projects and assist during the notice period.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
John Smith
This example reflects formal procedure and a polite process, keeping John’s professional image intact.
Scenario 2: Informal Quit Message
To: HR Department
Subject: Leaving Today
Hey team,
I’m done. I quit today. Thanks for everything.
Lara
Such a message reflects an abrupt decision and informal quitting, which could hurt Lara’s reputation or future references.
Quit vs Resign: Summary of Key Differences
| Aspect | Quit | Resign |
|---|---|---|
| Formality | Informal | Formal |
| Notice | Usually immediate or short notice | Usually with notice period |
| Action type | Abrupt or sudden exit | Deliberate, planned departure |
| Professionalism | Often seen as unprofessional | Reflects workplace protocol |
| Usage | Casual, everyday conversation | Workplace, official contexts |
| Verb form | Irregular (quit, quit, quitting) | Regular (resign, resigned, resigning) |
| Emotional aspect | Action-focused | Can imply acceptance or submission |
| Examples | “I quit smoking” or “I quit my job” | “I resign from my role” or “I submitted my resignation” |
Quitting Habits Beyond Work
It’s worth noting that quit applies beyond jobs. For example, when you quit smoking, you stop a habit. The phrase “quit it” means to stop doing something annoying. Meanwhile, “quit on someone” means to abandon or fail them unexpectedly.
Polite Departure: Why It’s Worth the Effort
Even if you feel like walking out the door, handling your job termination with grace protects your future. Writing a resignation letter and honoring your notice period can leave doors open.
Remember, people often talk, and a professional departure boosts your reputation far more than a sudden exit.
Final Thoughts: Is Resigning the Same as Quitting?
So, is resigning the same as quitting? The short answer is no. They share a core idea—leaving a job but their implications, tone, and consequences differ widely.
By choosing to resign, you engage in a formal procedure that respects workplace rules and preserves your image. When you quit, you might express frustration, take immediate action, or leave informally.
Both have their place, but knowing the difference between resigning and quitting will help you navigate your career with confidence and professionalism.
