Is it OK to resign quietly?

Asked by: Jamel Lebsack  |  Last update: February 10, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (4 votes)

They stick to what is in their job description and when they go home, they leave work behind them and focus on non-work duties and activities. However, quiet quitting could be a sign that an employee is not happy in their position or is experiencing burnout.

Is it okay to quiet quitting?

Quiet quitting may benefit to allow individuals to pursue other passion projects. It may allow you to be more refreshed and efficient in the hours that you're working. It can give short-term relief from environments that are outcome-driven.

What happens if I just quit my job without notice?

It's perfectly legal to quit without notice in the USA. You would likely be coded as ineligible for rehire in the old employer's HR system. You also are unlikely to get a good reference (but smart employers don't permit references good or bad). Of course, with any voluntary quit, you can't get unemployment insurance.

Is quiet quitting a real thing?

Quiet quitting refers to employees who disengage from their roles for an extended period before eventually leaving their positions. This trend is also known as silent quitting, silent resignation, soft quitting, and quiet resignation.

How do I resign quietly?

While quietly quitting, having open discussions with your manager about your boundaries and priorities is key. Clearly defining your working hours and breaks, demonstrating your boundaries, prioritizing mental and emotional wellbeing, along with being empathetic and understanding should be part of this process.

10 tips for Quiet Quitters

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What do employers think of quiet quitting?

While the concept may sound reasonable, this approach is more harmful than you might think. Quiet quitting isn't just disrespectful to employers and managers in the sense that employees aren't really giving their employers the chance to try and fix their problems — it hurts employees as well.

How do I resign discreetly?

Keep your letter simple, straightforward, brief, and positive. It should be addressed to either your supervisor or human resources. Your resignation letter should have three paragraphs and you need not mention where you are going.

Will I get fired for quiet quitting?

But can employers fire employees for quiet quitting? Generally, yes, if they are “at-will" employees.

Is quiet quitting good for mental health?

Amelia Nagoski, co-author of “Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle,” believes that “quiet quitting can be a part of a lifestyle to prevent burnout or help someone recover from burnout”.

What age group is quiet quitting?

Generational Distribution: Gen Z employees, particularly those in their 20s, are highly represented in the quiet quitting trend. A survey showed 54% of Gen Z workers think about quitting because they feel burnt out and dissatisfied.

Is it unprofessional to resign immediately?

Employers will generally want to avoid a scenario where an employee resigns 'on the spot'. Resignations with immediate effect can often cause operational challenges, as there may be insufficient time to arrange a replacement or redistribute the individual's responsibilities.

Should I resign on a Friday or Monday?

The best time to resign is at the end of the day, and on a Monday or Tuesday. The end of the day timing is for your benefit. Resigning at 5:00 p.m. allows you to have your resignation meeting, and then allow you to distance yourself from the potential discomfort by leaving the office.

How do I resign immediately due to stress?

If you're resigning due to an unhealthy working environment, it's OK to state that, but hold off on going into too much detail. For example, “The current state of this work environment has been harmful to my mental and physical health. I need to prioritize my health, so I am resigning immediately.”

What is soft quit?

With more individuals, particularly from younger generations, pushing back against the "always-on" work culture, it's possible that this rejection of work-related pressures could manifest as soft quitting in the workplace—where employees still technically remain in their roles, but choose to disengage emotionally, ...

Why is Gen Z quiet quitting?

Quiet quitting is doing what's expected without extra effort, challenging employers who expect constant overcommitment without rewards. Gen Z observes Millennials' struggles, learning not to fall for the same exploitative work practices, demanding better work-life balance.

How to quiet quit without guilt?

How to Practice Quiet Quitting in Your Personal Life
  1. Identify What's No Longer Serving You. Reflecting on our lives can be a daunting task, but it's an essential step toward growth and personal #development. ...
  2. Set Boundaries. ...
  3. Let Go with Grace. ...
  4. Practice Self-Care. ...
  5. Embrace Change.

What are the pros of quiet quitting?

Quiet quitting behaviour allows employees to maintain a work/life balance and promotes mental well-being because they do not sacrifice it.

How can you tell if someone is quiet quitting?

Some signs of quiet quitting include:
  1. Not volunteering for extra projects, leadership roles or responsibilities.
  2. Not attending meetings.
  3. Not speaking up in meetings unless addressed directly.
  4. Turning down work outside of your job description.
  5. Arriving late to work or leaving early.

What does quiet quitting look like?

Quiet quitting happens when employees do only what their job description outlines or only what a task requires — they don't put in any extra effort or go above and beyond. Rather than actually quitting their jobs, they mentally quit, disengaging emotionally from their work.

Can I sue for quiet firing?

If the tactics used in quiet firing violate specific provisions of the California Labor Code—such as wage and hour laws, safety regulations, or other employment standards—the employee might have a basis for a complaint or legal action against the employer.

How to quiet quit without being noticed?

In practice, this might mean:
  1. Not volunteering for extra work, leadership roles or responsibilities.
  2. Not speaking up in meetings unless addressed directly.
  3. Not responding to emails or messages outside of work hours.
  4. Turning down work outside of their job description.

What is a soft firing?

Quiet Firing, or silent firing, is a subtle practice where employers discretely encourage employees to resign. Unsuprisingly, this trend of subtly disengaging employees until they finally quit is doing a number on employee engagement and company culture.

How do I resign softly?

Handling resignations can be tricky, but here are some tips to make it smoother:
  1. Remember the Purpose. You're moving on, not settling scores. ...
  2. Keep It Short. ...
  3. Avoid Power Plays. ...
  4. Ensure a Smooth Transition. ...
  5. Don't Burn Bridges. ...
  6. Celebrate Your Wins. ...
  7. Don't Take It Personally. ...
  8. Offer to Help with the Transition.

What is the difference between resigning and quitting?

Exit: When you resign, you often follow the human resources process for exiting the company. You also provide your employer with ample notice and take part in an exit interview. When you quit, you typically walk out immediately without giving notice or following the human resources protocol.

How to politely quit without notice?

The following are the things to keep in mind when writing an immediate resignation letter:
  1. Write the date first.
  2. Explain only necessities.
  3. Remain professional.
  4. Include questions.
  5. Be grateful.
  6. Add contact information.
  7. Proofread your letter.
  8. Make copies and hand-deliver the letters.