Listen to what your employer has to say. It may be tough to keep quiet but in order to understand the situation, you must listen. Do not argue. No matter the circumstances, the decision has been made by your employer. As a courtesy to you they are giving you an option to either resign or stay and wait to be fired. Arguments and pleas will not change their minds. Do not cause a scene up until you leave for good. The meeting can go very differently if you act out and the employer rescinds your option to resign. If you pose any threat or you are unprofessional, you will be asked to leave and escorted out the building by security. If this happens there will be negative implications such as bad references, bad impressions, possible ineligibility for unemployment or company benefits and possible legal issues.
For example, if you are being asked to leave because your position is being eliminated, then resigning will leave you without unemployment benefits and it may be best to wait to be fired. If you are asked to leave because you have engaged in prohibited acts defined by the company, it may be best to resign because of possible negative implications and ineligibility for unemployment.
Dates of employment. Title. Salary. Eligibility for rehire. If left on good terms or not. Reason for leaving. Character and personal traits. Work ethic.
Your employer may try to bully you but they cannot force you to make a decision immediately. Either way you are leaving the company very soon but you must do what is best for your situation and your future.
Being able to spin your reason for leaving positively. You do not need to say you were fired or asked to leave. The reason given for termination by your employer will be “resignation”. You may be able to negotiate a severance package. The company wants you to leave and at this point you may have the upper hand in a way, even if you don’t feel like that’s the case. In exchange for you leaving peacefully, you may be able to negotiate a severance package to include a few months of pay and benefits. [5] X Research source
You may not eligible for a severance package. You may receive bad references if another company contacts this employer. Your reason for termination will be stated as “fired” or “terminated” and possible reasons for termination can be disclosed (based on company policy as mentioned previously). For example, “The employee was terminated due to gross misconduct”.
Briefly explain whether you have decided to resign or stay. Keep your explanation simple and professional. Do not get overly emotional or angry. Be prepared to leave that day. The employer may not take any chances and open themselves up to any risk by letting a possible disgruntled employee stay on the premises. If you have chosen to wait to be fired, be prepared to be fired that day.
