The Professional Dilemma: Resign Gracefully vs. Facing Termination

Maintaining professional conduct and clear communication is essential, regardless of the decision to resign or wait for termination. Some experts have an empathetic view when it comes to such issues. 

Many career advisors and seasoned HR professionals agree that the best route is to give an employee the opportunity to resign before being fired. In general, when an employee is offered the choice to resign or be terminated oftentimes because of poor fit with the organization or marginal performance, it's best to maintain professional conduct and leave on good terms. As one HR expert puts it bluntly, ‘when looking for new employment, it's easier to explain why one decided to leave an organization than to explain why one was fired’. Unarguable! 

Scenarios Where Termination Might Be Preferable 

Some respected experts do think that being fired is better in certain scenarios. Professionals can explain their termination was due to a poor fit with the company's culture, mission, or personal values, or because they were being considered for another role. Even if the separation is due to performance and the employee has not received any advance notice of poor performance, they may also request some remuneration through a mutual agreement to separate and agreeing not to sue the organization for wrongful termination; this is particularly crucial for employees aged 40 or older. 

Under the Indian law, if employment has been terminated by the management, an employee has rights over certain payments at the time of termination. Employees can reap the benefits of any severance pay. It includes payment of salary in lieu of notice, unpaid salary for days worked, encashment of unused paid leave, gratuity, etc. However, experts warn that while blue collar employees are in a better position given their termination is governed by strict statutes, white collar employees can largely feel like they have been left to fend for themselves.

The Consensus: Resignation as a Positive Choice 

So, the consensus seems to indicate that resignation is a more positive choice. It helps maintain cordial relationships with past employers and colleagues, which can be beneficial down the line. Employees shouldn't be bogged down by their mistakes but should recognize and rectify their position while seeking organizations that better match their cultural values. Exceptions do exist, but majorly it may be better to resign or quit, then wait to be fired. When faced with a choice, one is going to make the right one for themselves.