resign

Resign is a verb meaning to voluntarily leave a job, office, or other position. It is used in employment, government, and organizational contexts to indicate a deliberate departure rather than termination by another party. The term has roots in Latin, with meanings related to relinquishing or unbinding a duty or responsibility.

In practice, resigning typically involves delivering a formal notice to an employer or appointing authority. The notice period is often defined by contract, policy, or law and may range from immediate to several weeks or months. A resignation is usually conveyed in writing, sometimes in a brief letter stating the intention to leave and the final work date. Acceptance by the organization is customary, though not always required to make the resignation effective. In political or public offices, resignations may require formal declarations to a relevant authority or body and can have implications for succession and continuity of governance.

Reasons for resigning vary and can include personal circumstances, health, disputes over policy or leadership, better opportunities, or retirement. A resignation is generally viewed as a voluntary act and is distinct from dismissal or termination, which are actions taken by an employer or authority against an employee or official.

Consequences of resigning can include loss of salary and benefits after the final day of work, changes to eligibility for pensions or retirement plans, and obligations to maintain confidentiality or abide by post-employment restrictions. It can also trigger succession planning and, in some contexts, a public statement to address transparency and accountability. Notable variants include constructive resignation, where conditions make continuing untenable, and retirement, which marks a final exit from active work.