Difference between Resign and Re-sign
Are you confused about the difference between “resign” and “re-sign?”
You’re not alone—these words may look similar, but they have very different meanings. This article will cover these two terms, explaining how they differ in meaning and how to use them correctly.
Key Takeaways
- “Resign” means to leave a job or position voluntarily, while “re-sign” means to sign a new contract or agreement after having left a role before.
- Resigning doesn’t always mean failure; people may choose to resign because they believe they will find better opportunities elsewhere.
- Re-signing typically involves negotiation and agreement between the individual and the party they are rejoining, regarding terms such as salary, duration of employment, or changes in responsibilities.
- People often get confused between “resign” and “re-sign” because they look and sound alike. However, knowing their different meanings can help prevent common mistakes.
Differentiation between “Resign” and “Re-sign”
“Resign” and “re-sign” are two words that may sound similar but have completely different meanings.
“Resign” Definition
“Resign” is a term frequently used in workplaces. It refers to voluntarily leaving a job or position. When someone decides they want to quit, retire, or step down from their role, it’s known as resigning.
The word can also be used when people decide they no longer want to continue a commitment and choose to give it up. For instance, in sports, an athlete might “resign” from their team.
It’s important to note that resigning doesn’t always mean failure. Sometimes people resign because they feel they would be better off pursuing other opportunities elsewhere.
“Re-sign” Definition
“Re-sign” refers to the act of signing a new contract or agreement after previously leaving a job or position. It involves voluntarily returning to an old role or rejoining an organization by renewing one’s commitment.
When someone chooses to “re-sign,” they are essentially deciding to come back and continue their professional relationship with an employer, team, or company. This term is commonly used in the context of athletes who leave a team but later decide to return and play for them again.
“Re-signing” usually means that there has been some negotiation and agreement between the individual and the party they are rejoining. This can include terms like salary, duration of employment, or any changes in responsibilities.
Examples of “Resign”
- An employee decides to leave their job for a new opportunity.
- Employee: “I’ve decided to “resign” from my position. I found a job that’s a better fit for my career goals.”
- Manager: “I understand. Thank you for letting me know. We will miss you here.”
2. A teacher wants to quit their job to focus on family.
- Teacher: “I need to “resign”. I want to spend more time with my family.”
- Principal: “That’s completely understandable. We appreciate all your hard work.”
Many people choose to resign from their jobs for various reasons. For example, when a person realizes they are not happy in their current role and feel they would be better off pursuing a new opportunity elsewhere, they may decide to resign.
Another common reason for resignation is when an employee feels unappreciated or undervalued by their employer and decides it’s time to move on. Besides, some individuals may opt to resign if they receive a better job offer or if they have personal reasons that require them to step down from their positions.
Examples of “Re-sign”
- A company employee renews their work agreement.
- Employee: “I’d like to re-sign my contract with the new terms we discussed.”
- HR: “Perfect!”
2. A teacher decides to stay at the school for another year.
- Teacher: “I’m happy to “re-sign” my contract for next year.”
- Principal: “We’re glad to have you back!”
People choose to “re-sign” when they decide to renew or extend existing commitments and stay in familiar roles rather than pursuing new opportunities elsewhere.
Common Mistakes and Confusion
Many people mistakenly confuse the terms “resign” and “re-sign” due to their similar spelling and pronunciation, leading to common errors in their usage.
Reasons for confusion between “Resign” and “Re-sign”
People often get confused between the words “resign” and “re-sign” because they look and sound similar. This confusion happens because both words relate to jobs or positions.
However, they have opposite meanings. “Resign” means to voluntarily quit a job, while “re-sign” means to sign a contract again or renew it, especially when athletes return to their old teams.
The similar spelling makes it easy to mix up these two terms, which can lead to mistakes in how they are used.
Common errors made when using “Resign” and “Re-sign”
Many people often make mistakes when using the words “resign” and “re-sign.” One common mistake is confusing how these words are spelled. People often mix up “re-sign,” which has a hyphen, with “resign,” which is just one word. Another frequent error is using these words incorrectly in sentences.
For example, some people might say “re-sign” when they really mean “resign” when talking about quitting a job or position for good. It’s important to know the right way to use these words to avoid confusion and make your message clear.
Check more HR Statistics & Trends in 2024
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “resign” and “re-sign” is important for avoiding common mistakes. While “resign” means to quit or give up a job voluntarily, “re-sign” refers to signing a new contract or rejoining an old position.
By knowing when to use each term correctly, you can communicate your intentions clearly and avoid any confusion. So next time you consider leaving your current role or returning to a previous one, make sure you choose the right word!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between resign and re-sign?
Resign means to abandon or quit a job, while re-sign is to renew a contract or agree to another term for an existing position.
Can you use resign and re-sign interchangeably?
No, you can’t because their meanings differ; when someone resigns, they step down or surrender their position; but if they re-sign, they’re extending their agreement with the company.
How does past tense play into resign vs. re-sign?
In past tense, resigned refers to having already quit a role while re-signed indicates someone has agreed again to continue commitment at a new term in an ongoing position.
Do people who have resigned ever get asked to rehire?
Yes! Job quitters often become sought-after candidates for a new role at their former companies after resignation where they could be asked to “rejoin” or “resign anew”.
If someone bows out of work voluntarily are they likely retire permanently?
Not necessarily – while some may bow out due to retirement plans, others might simply hand in notice with future intentions of being available later on as possibilities open up to extend an agreement.