Resign or wait to be Fired

When I was a junior, it was always thought that when the current job is not working out, resigning was a much better option than getting fired. I am seeing a lot of real estate shops go through downsizing, but an increasing amount are giving people the option to resign. My thoughts on the subject seem to be quite contrarian so thought I would see what others think. Whether its performance based or otherwise, do you think resigning is better than waiting to get fired?

Why? 

Resign or wait to be Fired

Resign
32% (43 votes)
Get Fired
68% (93 votes)
Total votes: 136
31 Comments
 

Why would it be better to resign than be let go? 

More paychecks > fewer paychecks if you're heading into a period of unemployment. 

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

resign WITH good reference. idk why people fret over six months of ~$500 unemployment checks..... you should have money saved to where you can quit your job TODAY if you felt like it.

 

How is that calculated? Some formula based on COL and T12 earnings?

Like Avon barksdale once said “I don’t know shit about jail, I don’t plan to know shit about jail”
That’s my mentality about unemployment but now I’m curious. Good for you for maximizing that unfortunate period

 
Most Helpful

I genuinely don't know why it would come up unless you were fired for something comical and dramatic worth gossiping about. You don't have to lie - just do get into the messy details. 

"Why did you leave your previous job?" 

"It didn't work out."

Beyond that, getting laid off isn't exactly a scarlet letter. When I was an associate, my VP was "asked to move on" because he and one of the principals didn't get along. So embarrassing right? Not really. Everyone in the company knew the VP was in the right. Most people in the market who knew the two personalities involved thought the VP was incredibly well respected and the principal was a lunatic. That VP is now totally fine. 

Shit, I've been fired twice. I told the brokerage firm I worked for I didn't want to go on a draw (because I knew I was leaving) and I was almost immediately let go as a result and I gave another company 4 months notice that I was going to grad school in the fall so they would have time to backfill me and they fired me a week later out of spite. Neither of those have ever negatively impacted me. Sometimes, shit just doesn't work out. 

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

Yeah maybe HR won't, but who knows if references will or looks weird if you were there for less than an year etc.

I think they actually can disclose you were fired - know someone who lied on their pre screening application that they were NOT fired from a role when they were and they were let go a few months into the new role after it was discovered.

Would recommend waiting to be fired - because you literally have no idea if they will do it. What you're going to walk into your bosses office on Monday and say hey I'm resigning all because you're paranoid they may let you go...

Just wait and if you're fired you are, look for a new job and when it comes up give them the best story you can about why it happened. Show you are smart and know technicals and it wasn't due to something with you.

And knew another VP that didn't get along with principals, they literally told the people they were interviewing with they are unsure of their employment and that's why they are leaving. So just be honest, in reality anything you say face to face with someone is just between you and they understand. After they may say to HR/internally smart guy let's move him forward and won't even mention the story you said or why.

 
brosephstalin

How about just asking them to have HR confirm it was a resignation if you're that concerned about it. If your work is trash and its a performance situation obviously different story. 

I don’t think it matters if your work is trash vs a layoff, in the context in which I believe op is asking, there is no upside in resigning other than a potential refrence. I’ve personally seen employees get pushed out due to internal politics but the company spun it as “for cause” or due to “performance”. 

 

I've been laid off, went to HR and said hey can you a) say my end date was (3 mos after actual firing) and b) tell anyone that asks I resigned instead of layoff - their response - all good no problem. My point is if you have a good relationship with the co on the way out these are all reasonable low hanging fruit for them to throw your way. 

 

Me reading into this poll: Hey, I've quiet fired someone, but they haven't gotten the message and resigned. What should I do? LOL.

Asking people to resign to preserve their reputation is a trick. It's along the same lines of lie as your high school principal trying to get you to confess to something by promising no to light punishment. Why would you make it easy on them? Also, is the individual in question actually on a PIP? Junior analysts aren't mind readers, unless you've clearly communicated to them they might not even know they are underperforming. Never underestimate an poor performer's ability to be oblivious and delusional.

 

If a company fires you, why are you trying to go back? 
 

Have some self respect. 

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

As long as you're not fired for cause, you're fine. You can do the "silent quitting" thing—just collect your paycheck and use the resources available to you. CRE software and accounts, like CoStar, Green Street, or Argus, aren't cheap, so while you're there, you can use them to explore your own projects or prepare for your next move. If you're interviewing somewhere and need to complete a test or answer questions, these tools can help. Resigning is often about ego—what matters more is what's actually beneficial to you.

 

Exactly if you leave you're doing the company trying to screw you a favor. They're already trying to derail your career and you could see a 6-12 month break if you just decide to resign so wait it out and look for a new role - for your sake. And if you're fired then collect unemployment - again for your sake, no one else if paying your bills and you'll likely never see these guys again.

 

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