Is it better to resign or be fired from your job?

[gan]

I tried searching for this on the web. But, answers have been mixed.

My recent reviews at work have not been great and my boss has hinted indirectly that if things don't change, I could be let go.

I don't really care about being escorted by security and all that. What I am worried about is if I get fired for poor performance, I might have a difficult time finding a new job. I don't know exactly what a prospective employer asks a previous employer during background checks.

Through years of experience, what has been your experience with this kind of situation?

 

[feelsgoodhuh]

depends on if you get a package if they terminate you. if you get a good package , its worth sticking around till they let you go, if not ask your boss where he would like to see improvement, then improve while your looking for a new job, never quit in this day in age unless you have something to go to first

 

[gan]

I am on probation so no package if they fire me. I have started working harder and also started looking for other jobs. I am not sure about what happens in a background check. I guess it varies from company to company. Some might only confirm history of employment and seal all records. Some might reveal details of performance. Or does everyone reveal all the details during background checks?

 

[EagerBeaver]

In job interviews you will be asked why you left your job. I ask this question in depositions when I probe employment histories and it is one of the standard questions I ask where I frequently get evasive answers or spin answers. You really need to prep for these questions and rehearse your answers. They can make or break you. I would suggest going to the career counseling office of whatever school you went to or graduated from. A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that their own bullshit sounds good. It doesn't to an experienced interviewer. It sounds like bulllshit.

I also think you have to ask whether you like your job. I had a conversation with a friend a few days ago. He told me he hates his job, mainly because it is boring. He works as an IT systems analyst. He told me he would like to start a new career but he has a wife and kids and his pay grade is such that he feels he has no choice but to soldier on.

If the issue in performance is job hatred and you can afford to move on, I would do it, but if you like your job I would try to improve performance. I do not think you have posted enough facts to enable anyone to give you sound advice.

 

[Toucan Sam]

If you have issues, it is better to be fired. If you resign, then it is your choice.

 

[daydreamer41]

I am on probation so no package if they fire me. I have started working harder and also started looking for other jobs. I am not sure about what happens in a background check. I guess it varies from company to company. Some might only confirm history of employment and seal all records. Some might reveal details of performance. Or does everyone reveal all the details during background checks?

I don't know the practice in Canada, but in the US, most companies will only give the dates that you were employed and very few give the reason why you left. They say to prospective employers of their former employees its their policy. They are afraid of law suits. You can make an attempt to make an agreement with your company that they will only give the dates of employment when and if they do fire you. And EB is correct. If they do end up firing you, get your story straight when telling it. Have a friend call the company and pretend to be HR wanting to hire you. See what they say.

And if they fire you, you may have the option of saying you quit. I don't know if that has an effect in your unemployment compensation. In the US, it does.

I have known plenty of people who have been fired in high positions who have made it to their next job. A couple of these people were fired for things much more serious than poor work performance. Career counseling is an excellent resource, even if for a couple of sessions.

I have seen where some companies have you sign a waiver against suing any of your past employers for any information provided during your past employment. But the last time I have seen this was 15 years ago. I don't know if it was challenged in court, and that is the reason why companies do not routinely ask potential employees to sign waivers.

In your mind, are their complaints legitimate? Or do you have a ball buster for a boss who does not know how to manage and has unreasonable expectations?

There are plenty of individuals in positions of management who are incompetent and have unreasonable expectations. It wouldn't matter how good you were they would find fault with you. You need to make an honest assessment of your performance and your supervisor. If you have some deficiencies in your work, you should get the proper training to correct the deficiencies or you may have the same bad luck in your next employment situation.

I wish you the best of luck.

 

[gan]

The job is okay. I do not hate it. I could find something that I like more. But in any job, you have to do things that you don't like. It is rare to find a job where everything you do is absolutely what you wanted.

The performance issue has been due to complaints from colleagues about me not following unwritten insider rules. I find that silly but my boss thinks that I do not contribute toward creating a positive team dynamics. The results of my work actually have been quite satisfactory. But he said I could do better.

 

[WoodDragon]

If your performance is low it may be because the job doesnt interest you anymore. Humans are at their best when the're doing things they like.
Try to do your work as best as possible while finding another job that fits more with your interests. DO NOT QUIT until you find another job.

 

[EagerBeaver]

gan

Being a team player is critical in any job and especially in smaller companies. I work for a relatively small firm and over the years I have worked there, going on 14 years excepting a 2 year hiatus, saw a number of people in our support staff get fired. Almost all of them got fired because they were not team players. That means sometimes doing things the way your co-workers want it done, and not the way you were trained to do it. I remember one secretary getting fired because she kept marching to her own drummer and not doing things the way the office wanted it done.

Personality is also important. Some personalities work well together and others do not, but I have seen people who have the ability to adapt. I recall our last bookkeeper who was completely hated by the rest of the office staff because she had no sense of humor. I also recall one of the secretaries getting promoted to office manager and then fired because she was the kind of person who did not know how to lead as opposed to follow.

Bottom line is learning how to be a team player instead of an individual who is marching to his own drummer.

When I started out 21 years ago, people had trouble working with me because I was too intense. My employers told me I was a bull in a china shop, especially with the support staff, and I had to tone down the intensity. I learned how to do it. You have to adapt. In my job it is better to have to tone down, then be told to tone up, but you adjust as needed.

 

[daydreamer41]

It sounds like you can remedy the situation pretty easily. Do the same as the others, and let everyone know that you are taking their example. You should be fine once time passes. Your other option is to find another job, but you could be in the same situation.

 

[gan]

That means sometimes doing things the way your co-workers want it done, and not the way you were trained to do it. I remember one secretary getting fired because she kept marching to her own drummer and not doing things the way the office wanted it done.

This is basically where it's at. I guess this is the price you have to pay when you are a servant- which every employee is. The only way out of this is to either start my own thing or find people who have the rules that I like. I will have to work on suppressing my individuality and become a drone. I agree with you - this is what working with a team can sometimes entail. I need to work on that.

 

[gan]

It sounds like you can remedy the situation pretty easily. Do the same as the others, and let everyone know that you are taking their example. You should be fine once time passes. Your other option is to find another job, but you could be in the same situation.

Yes, exactly. This is what I have been told - to follow the working style of everyone around me and make them believe I am working as hard as them. The reason being just doing the work is not enough if other people feel like you are not doing much. For example, I often leave late and don't take lunch breaks but take break when others around me are working. So they feel like I am wasting time.

 

[CLOUD 500]

I am not sure about what happens in a background check. I guess it varies from company to company. Some might only confirm history of employment and seal all records. Some might reveal details of performance. Or does everyone reveal all the details during background checks?

The thing to consider is that nowadays most large corporations will not give any details about their employees or any references. What that means is that they will not give you a bad reference but also will not give you a good reference. Most corporations will direct potential employers to Human Resources and the only information they will provide is the dates of employment and the pay rate. They will not disclose any further info.. I would suggest you confirm with your present employer to be 100% certain. As such getting terminates does not always put a dent in your employment history. Other thing to consider almost all employers nowadays ask for references and many will do a background check for any criminal records. In your case when you they ask why you left your present job just say you quit to find something better or to pursue new opportunities. The idea is to muddy the waters. Do not tell the truth as no employer will ever hire you.

 

[daydreamer41]

Yes, exactly. This is what I have been told - to follow the working style of everyone around me and make them believe I am working as hard as them. The reason being just doing the work is not enough if other people feel like you are not doing much. For example, I often leave late and don't take lunch breaks but take break when others around me are working. So they feel like I am wasting time.

Sounds like you have a bunch of petty co-employees and they have your boss wrapped around their little fingers. It's time to put on an act. If you are going to look for another job, be selective. In the interview, ask if they have flexible work hours, etc. Explain that you like to work later and take breaks when you feel it bests suits your productivity during the day. Tell them you are independent but very productive. You can tell them you had problems with one employer who didn't like you being independent. See their reaction. If they have a problem with your style, they will let you know. But you will find some employers who will appreciate your honesty and welcome your productivity.

 

[joelcairo]

To reiterate what others have said: Start looking for a new job immediately, but secretly. Seek out a place where your personal style will be a fit for the corporate dynamic. At the same time, do an honest and SEVERE self-analysis and begin improving the areas that require it. Do NOT quit your job until you either find a new one or are fired.

 

[dude79]

Patron and joel are spot on.

As for referrals you don't have to give your last employer as one. Or at least, you can give a referral to people who like you at that company. ( ask their permission first).

Referrals are rarely a deal breaker.

 

[CLOUD 500]

If you get fired for poor performance, at least you're entitled to Employment Insurance,

Not at all. When you a terminated the chances to get EI is 50% at best. It all depends on the case worker you get and how you present your case. No guarantees. Do not rely on this. Only time you are guaranteed to get EI is if you are layed off, or if you got children under 18yr under your care. All other cases is not a guarantee.

Best option is to find another job. That is the surest way. Get out while the going is good. And unfortunately it is the norm now for employers to ask for references. And it is always better to resign then to be terminated. Getting fired leaves a very bad dent on your employment history. Depending on your employers policy on references they could potentially ruin your chances to ever find another good job. You might be stuck at minimum wage jobs like at McDonalds who hire anyone.

 

[gan]

Thanks for the responses y'all.

I have started preparing for interviews again. I'll try to hold onto this job while looking for others. If I get fired before that, I'll just have to deal with it.