You feel the tension building at work—perhaps your manager is more critical, or projects are being reassigned. The question starts to surface: “Am I about to get fired?” And if so, should you quit before that happens, or wait it out? The decision is tough, and it can have a lasting impact on your career and personal life.
There are ways to recognize the warning signs that you might be on the chopping block, and potentially turn the situation around. If not, we have advice on what you should do. In this article we weigh the pros and cons of both quitting and being fired, helping you make the best decision based on your circumstances.
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Are you really about to be fired? 5 signs to watch for
The first step in deciding whether to quit or wait to be fired is to assess whether your job is truly at risk. Here are some common signs that may indicate you're on thin ice at work:
1. Negative feedback and frequent criticism
If your manager is constantly finding fault with your work, it might be a sign that they're building a case for termination. Occasional feedback is normal, but if you’re suddenly under intense scrutiny, it’s worth paying attention.
2. Reduced responsibilities or exclusion from projects
Have you noticed that your workload has lightened without explanation? Or perhaps you’re being left out of important meetings and decision-making? This could be a sign that your role is being minimized ahead of termination.
3. Written warnings or performance improvement plans (PIPs)
If you've received a formal warning or been put on a performance improvement plan (PIP), it's a strong indicator that your job is in jeopardy. These documents often serve as a final warning before termination.
A PIP is a formal document that outlines areas where an employee's work performance is lacking and sets clear, measurable goals for improvement. The purpose of a PIP is to give the employee an opportunity to improve their performance to meet company standards before more serious consequences, such as termination, are considered.
4. A shift in workplace relationships
If your coworkers or managers are behaving differently toward you—whether it's avoidance, awkwardness, or a lack of communication—it may be a sign they know something you don’t (or suspect the same thing you do).
5. Talks of restructuring or layoffs
If your company is undergoing restructuring, layoffs, or budget cuts, your job might be in danger. Pay close attention to any changes in the company’s direction or priorities.
“Watch for warning signs like reduced hours, criticism, or being left out of key decisions,” says M. Denzell Moton, a business lawyer with Monton Legal Group. “This likely means termination is coming. In this case, I would advise starting a job search immediately.”
Can you turn things around?
Once you recognize the signs that you might be fired, your next step is to determine whether you can salvage the situation. Sometimes, there are ways to improve your standing at work and avoid termination.
- Have an honest conversation with your manager: If you’ve noticed signs of trouble, don’t wait for things to get worse. Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your performance. Express your willingness to improve and ask for constructive feedback. This conversation may help you get a clearer picture of what’s going on.
- Step up your performance: If feedback suggests your performance has been lacking, take immediate action to improve. Whether by meeting deadlines, enhancing your skills, or being more proactive, if you show improvement you may be able to turn things around.
- Seek internal opportunities: In some cases, your current role may no longer be a good fit, but that doesn’t mean the company wants to lose you. If possible, explore whether there are other internal opportunities you could transition into.
- Be realistic: While taking steps to improve your situation is always worth trying, be realistic. If the signs point toward an inevitable firing, you may want to prepare for the worst.
The dilemma of quitting before being fired: Pros and cons
If you've concluded that your employment is is likely coming to an end, it's time to decide whether you should quit or wait to be fired.
Can you resign before getting fired? Yes, you can. Many people choose this option to maintain control over their departure and avoid the stigma of being fired. However, resigning before getting fired may not be the right move for everyone.
The pros of quitting before getting fired:
- You control the narrative: Quitting allows you to leave on your terms, giving you more control over how you explain your departure to future employers.
- No “fired” label on your record: While some employers don’t disclose the details of why an employee leaves, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you weren’t formally terminated.
- Less stress: If you know termination is imminent, quitting can reduce the stress of waiting for the inevitable.
The cons of quitting before getting fired:
- You may lose eligibility for unemployment benefits: In most states, you’re not eligible for unemployment benefits if you quit voluntarily. Waiting to be fired could mean financial support while you search for a new job.
- You miss out on severance pay (if any): “While it’s not legally required across the board, many companies have severance policies that are paid out to employees when let go,” says Ben Michael, attorney at M & A Criminal Defense Attorneys. However, this won’t be available if you resign. So, if your company offers severance, it may be worth waiting to be terminated.
- Less time to prepare: Waiting until your termination comes can allow you to plan your next steps, update your resume, and start job hunting before you’re officially unemployed. If you quit without much thought, you might be left without safe options.
How to decide: Factors to consider
We can’t answer “Should I quit before I get fired?” for you. The decision is deeply personal and depends on your individual circumstances. But we can outline some factors to weigh before making your choice:
Your financial situation
Can you afford to quit without having another job lined up? Consider your financial cushion and whether you’ll need unemployment benefits or a severance package to stay afloat.
The reason for your potential termination
Are you being let go due to company-wide layoffs, or is it due to personal performance? If it’s something outside of your control, waiting to be fired might be easier to explain in future interviews.
The job market
Is your industry currently hiring, or would finding a new position be challenging? If you believe you’ll find a new job quickly, quitting might be the better option.
The emotional impact
Consider how waiting to be fired will affect your mental and emotional well-being. If the stress is unbearable, quitting might give you peace of mind and allow you to move on.
How to handle the situation effectively
Once you’ve made your decision, handle the situation with professionalism and grace.
If you plan to resign before being fired:
- Provide at least two weeks’ notice and leave on good terms. This helps preserve your professional relationships and future references.
- When asked why you’re leaving, frame your departure positively. You don’t need to lie, but focus on your desire for new opportunities rather than issues with the job.
- Send them a resigned-before-being-fired letter, explaining your departure in a formal way. (Here's how to write a resignation letter.)
If you wait to be fired:
- Even if you know your days are numbered, stay professional and complete your tasks to the best of your ability.
- If termination is inevitable, ask if there’s any room to negotiate a severance package or extended benefits.
“Taking the high road will serve you well regardless of the outcome,” Moton says. “Stay focused on the next opportunity rather than the past. With the right perspective, even difficult experiences can become instructive. My clients who handle terminations gracefully often land in an even better place.”
FAQs
Can I resign if I am terminated?
No, you cannot resign once you've been officially terminated. Termination is a formal process where the employer ends your employment, meaning the decision has already been made.
However, if you're in the process of being terminated or suspect it's coming, you can choose to resign before the termination is finalized. This might give you more control over your professional narrative, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons, such as severance and unemployment benefits.
Can you resign before being fired for gross misconduct?
If you're at risk of being fired for gross misconduct, resigning may seem like a way to avoid the negative label. However, resigning in this situation may not protect you from potential legal or financial consequences. Gross misconduct can sometimes lead to immediate termination, forfeiture of benefits, and potential legal action depending on the severity. If you're in this situation, it’s important to understand your company’s policies and seek legal advice if necessary.
Is it better to get fired or quit to collect unemployment?
In most states, if you quit your job voluntarily, you are not eligible for unemployment benefits. However, if you’re fired (and it’s not for gross misconduct), you may be eligible to collect unemployment. If you're concerned about financial stability during your job search, waiting to be fired could allow you to qualify for benefits. Always check your state's unemployment guidelines to understand your eligibility.
Terminated after resignation notice: Can it happen?
Yes, it is possible to be terminated after giving a resignation notice. While most employers allow employees to work through their notice period (typically two weeks), some may choose to terminate the employee immediately upon receiving the resignation.
Will quitting prevent me from receiving severance pay?
Typically, companies offer severance packages to employees who are laid off or fired, not to those who resign. If you quit voluntarily, you generally forfeit any severance pay unless it's specifically outlined in your employment contract. Before making your decision, review your company’s policies and consult with HR to understand what benefits you're entitled to.
Can resigning hurt my chances of getting another job?
Resigning can be a more favorable option than being fired in the eyes of future employers, but it depends on how you frame your departure. If you resign without a clear next step or explanation, it could raise red flags. However, if you position your resignation as part of a strategic career move, it may not hurt your chances of securing your next role. Always be prepared to explain why you left and what you learned from the experience.