The negative feelings the brain can cycle through after quitting can be significant, with shame, guilt, fear and a sense of failure all common reactions. Two common responses are spiralling anxiety over whether quitting is the right decision, or freezing with fear at the thought of moving forward into an unknown future ...
Concerns About Leaving
For most people, change and the unknown are scary concepts, which may make them stay in that comfortable job. When someone is thinking, “I want to leave my job but I'm scared,” the prospect of a different and unpredictable future is often a significant source of that fear.
Will quitting your job help your anxiety? Maybe. If you work in a high-stress job and have a lot of anxiety, there's no doubt that taking some time off or changing to a less stressful career will help your anxiety.
Assuming you manage your departure gracefully, you absolutely shouldn't feel guilty. But guilt is a natural feeling that many people have when leaving an employer, especially if the company's been great to you. And even though you shouldn't feel bad, our brains are great at coming up with reasons that you should.
"Don't use words like quitting or leaving when you tell your boss you're resigning, because they could make your boss feel like it's their fault you're vacating your position. Similarly, avoid phrases like “I've found a better opportunity” or “I've outgrown my position." Instead, let them down easy."
Depending on their emotional state at the time of your conversation, your manager may become immediately upset, or even furious that you are resigning. They may feel a sense of betrayal, as well as anxiety about how they will manage the workload without you.
Quiet quitting refers to doing the minimum requirements of one's job and putting in no more time, effort, or enthusiasm than absolutely necessary. As such, it is something of a misnomer, since the worker doesn't actually leave their position and continues to collect a salary.
People tend to adapt back. Quitting your job might make you happy — at first. But that feeling may not last long, says Sonja Lyubomirsky, distinguished professor of psychology and vice chair at the University of California, Riverside. Lyubomirsky has been studying happiness for more than 30 years.
That's totally normal, and everyone processes career transitions differently. Some people might not be fazed when they leave behind a role they considered profound. Others might feel sadness or a sense of loss they don't understand. Anger, frustration and anxiety can also crop up from time to time.
The best-case scenario—and honestly, the most common reaction—is that your boss will accept your resignation with understanding and sincere congratulations. Your manager will be happy to see that you're advancing your career and moving on to something bigger and better.
But, don't be fool yourself into thinking that quitting a job you hate means you're weak. Although many internet memes will tell you that you should never quit, mentally strong people know when to walk away. They recognize when a situation isn't productive and they're willing to move on.
If you're wondering whether you can be fired for adopting a “quietly quitting” mindset on the job, the short answer is yes, you probably can. Employers still have a great deal of latitude when it comes to dismissing workers for not pulling their weight on the job.
Feeling disrespected
According to the Pew study, 57% of Americans quit their jobs in 2021 because they felt disrespected at work. And 35% of those surveyed highlighted this as a major reason for quitting.
To have the most privacy and allow you to quickly leave the office if things get contentious, emotional, or awkward, time your resignation for 5:00 or whenever your workday ends. Resigning on a Friday lets the dust settle and gives your boss time to think about a replacement plan.
The advantages of quitting instead of being fired include the possibility of negotiating severance and a positive recommendation. Disadvantages of quitting include forfeiting the right to claim unemployment. Any time you think your job is in danger, it's a good idea to start looking for a new job just in case.
Transitioning to a new position more easily: Resigning at the end of the day may give you some time to decompress afterward, which may be especially helpful if you have to finish tasks during another shift before officially leaving a position.
Outline the reasons why you're leaving
Once you've said, “I quit,” it's time to tell them why. It's best to really cleanly list out your decision for leaving. It could also be a good time for constructive feedback, especially if your manager asks for any feedback in the conversation.
Regular folks simply resign when they're ready to go. In those cases, resign is a nicer way of saying quit.
Let me be clear: No, it is NOT selfish to quit your job for any reason. You are a free agent. You get to make the decisions that make the most sense for your career and your life, regardless of how that impacts others.
Gen Zers, working parents and employees who have been with their company for less than five years are the most likely to switch jobs in early 2023, the report found. But which jobs will see the highest quit rates this year?
In summary, your employer cannot refuse your resignation unless you haven't provided the right amount of notice that is detailed in your employment contract. Even then, if you have a good relationship with your manager, a negotiation is possible about your final date.