Resignation vs. Retirement — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Published on October 6, 2023
Resignation is voluntarily leaving a job or position, often due to personal reasons; retirement is leaving a job due to reaching a certain age or years of service.
Difference Between Resignation and Retirement
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Resignation and retirement are both methods of leaving a job, but they occur under different circumstances and for different reasons. Resignation implies a voluntary act of stepping down from a position, often due to personal decisions, disagreements, or seeking new opportunities. An employee might tender their resignation if they find a better job opportunity elsewhere or have a disagreement with management.
Retirement, conversely, typically takes place when an individual has reached a certain age or accumulated a specific number of service years. Retirement is often seen as a rite of passage, signaling the end of one's formal working years and the commencement of a period of relaxation or pursuit of personal interests. While some people eagerly anticipate their retirement, others may approach it with mixed emotions, especially if they enjoy their profession.
From a grammatical standpoint, both resignation and retirement function as nouns in sentences. However, the contexts in which they're used can differ markedly. For instance, while we often hear about "early retirement" when someone retires before the standard age, the term "early resignation" isn't as common, though it might imply leaving before a predetermined period.
Benefits and consequences associated with resignation and retirement can also diverge. Resignation might not come with the same financial benefits as retirement, which often involves pensions or retirement funds. Moreover, the societal perceptions of resignation and retirement can be distinct. While retirement is generally celebrated, resignation, depending on the context, can be viewed neutrally, positively, or even negatively.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Voluntary departure from a job/position.
Departure from a job due to age or years of service.
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Reasons
Personal decisions, disagreements, new opportunities.
Age, service years, health, or personal choice.
Grammatical Use
Primarily used as a noun.
Used as a noun; "retire" as the verb form.
Associated Benefits
Typically none, unless stipulated in a contract.
Often pensions, retirement funds, or health benefits.
Societal Perception
Can vary from neutral to positive or negative.
Generally viewed positively or as a rite of passage.
Compare with Definitions
Resignation
Yielding one's position or role.
The president's resignation took everyone by surprise.
Retirement
The withdrawal of something from public view or circulation.
The library announced the retirement of outdated materials.
Resignation
An act of relinquishing a duty or obligation.
His resignation from the board was unexpected.
Retirement
The act of leaving one's job upon reaching a certain age or years of service.
He's looking forward to his retirement next year.
Resignation
A formal statement or document indicating one's intention to leave a position.
The company received his letter of resignation last week.
Retirement
The state of being retired from professional life.
He's lived in Florida since his retirement.
Resignation
The act or an instance of resigning
We expect her resignation any day now.
Retirement
A period after one finishes their professional career.
She enjoys traveling during her retirement.
Resignation
An oral or written statement that one is resigning a position or office
Submitted his resignation.
Retirement
Withdrawal from one's occupation or position, especially upon reaching a certain age.
Resignation
Unresisting acceptance of something as inescapable; submission
Shrugged with resignation.
Retirement
The age at which one withdraws from work or activity
On reaching retirement, he took up woodworking.
Resignation
The act of resigning.
Jane offered her resignation to the board of directors, but they refused.
Retirement
The act of retiring or the state of being retired
The retirement of debt.
Resignation
A written or oral declaration that one resigns.
Hand in one's resignation
Retirement
Privacy or seclusion
In the retirement of your own home.
Resignation
An uncomplaining acceptance of something undesirable but unavoidable.
With resignation I acknowledged that after the accident I would not be able to ski again.
Retirement
(Archaic) A place of privacy or seclusion; a retreat.
Resignation
The form by which a vassal returns the feu into the hands of a superior.
Retirement
An act of retiring; withdrawal.
Resignation
The act of resigning or giving up, as a claim, possession, office, or the like; surrender; as, the resignation of a crown or commission.
Retirement
(uncountable) The state of being retired; seclusion.
Resignation
The state of being resigned or submissive; quiet or patient submission; unresisting acquiescence; as, resignation to the will and providence of God.
Retirement
A place of seclusion or privacy; a retreat.
Resignation
Acceptance of despair
Retirement
The state of having permanently left one's employment, now especially at reaching pensionable age; the portion of one's life after retiring from one's career.
Resignation
The act of giving up (a claim or office or possession etc.)
Retirement
The act of leaving one's career or employment permanently.
Resignation
A formal document giving notice of your intention to resign;
He submitted his resignation as of next month
Retirement
The act of retiring, or the state of being retired; withdrawal; seclusion; as, the retirement of an officer.
O, blest Retirement, friend of life's decline.
Retirement, rural quiet, friendship, books.
Resignation
A voluntary departure from a position or job.
She submitted her resignation after receiving a better job offer.
Retirement
A place of seclusion or privacy; a place to which one withdraws or retreats; a private abode.
This coast full of princely retirements for the sumptousness of their buildings and nobleness of the plantations.
Caprea had been the retirement of Augustus.
Resignation
A submissive acceptance of a situation.
There was a sense of resignation in his voice when he spoke about the lost opportunity.
Retirement
The state of being retired from one's business or occupation
Retirement
Withdrawal from your position or occupation
Retirement
Withdrawal for prayer and study and meditation;
A religious retreat
Retirement
Withdrawal from one's occupation or position.
His early retirement was due to health concerns.
Common Curiosities
Are resignation and retirement the same thing?
No, resignation is voluntarily leaving a job, while retirement is leaving due to age or service years.
Which comes with a notice period, resignation or retirement?
Both can come with notice periods, depending on company policy or contracts.
Do resignations come with benefits?
Typically, no. Retirement usually has associated benefits like pensions.
Can someone be forced into resignation or retirement?
While resignations are generally voluntary, there can be pressured resignations. Mandatory retirement ages in some professions can also force retirement.
How do companies view early retirement?
Views vary; some may see it as a personal choice, while others might perceive it as a cost-saving measure.
Are there legal protections against forced resignation?
Yes, labor laws in many countries protect against wrongful termination, which can include forced resignations.
Is it necessary to provide a reason for resignation?
While courteous, it's not always mandatory to provide a reason when resigning.
Can someone resign and retire simultaneously?
Yes, one might resign from a position and choose to retire simultaneously.
Can an employee retract a resignation?
It's up to the employer's discretion whether to accept a retraction.
Can one return to work after retirement?
Yes, some retirees choose to return to work, either part-time or in different roles.
Are retirement parties common?
Yes, many cultures and organizations celebrate retirement as a significant life milestone.
Is a letter of resignation legally binding?
A resignation letter formalizes the intention to leave, but terms of departure are typically in employment contracts.
What is forced retirement?
It's when an employee is made to retire, often due to age or organizational policies.
Does retirement mean stopping work completely?
Not necessarily; many retirees engage in part-time work, volunteer, or even start new ventures.
Why might someone resign instead of retiring?
Reasons can vary, from personal decisions, seeking new opportunities, disagreements, or health.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
