“We suggest you resign. It’s better for your record.”💔

If you’ve ever heard that sentence, you know what this really means.

You're not resigning because you want to.
-You're resigning because you’ve been cornered.
-Maybe your manager started nitpicking your work.
-Maybe they quietly removed you from meetings.
-Maybe they said, “We’re going in a different direction — but let’s make this look clean.”

Sound familiar?

You're not alone.
A recent report suggests over 40% of layoffs are now disguised as “voluntary resignations.” Why?
Because it helps companies:

• Avoid bad press
• Dodge legal complications
• Save severance payouts
• Keep “clean” attrition data for investors

🎭 It’s a PR Game — But You’re the Pawn.

Forced resignations are especially common when:

• A new manager joins and wants “their own people”
• Cost-cutting is happening but layoffs would look bad
• You’re outspoken or not in the inner circle
• Performance review cycles are manipulated to label you “underperforming” — overnight

🧠 What You Should Know If This Happens to You:

1. You can ask for written clarification​
   If they ask you to resign, ask for it in writing. Most won’t. That tells you everything.
2. You can negotiate your terms​
   Even in a forced exit, you can negotiate for:
   • Notice period payout
   • Positive reference
   • Extended insurance benefits
   • Outplacement support
3. “I chose to resign after my role and responsibilities were changed without clarity.”
   You can share your story. You can bounce back.

💡 Here’s What You Must Not Do:

• Don’t panic-resign in the meeting. Always take time to review.
• Don’t blame yourself entirely. This is a system problem, not always a performance problem.
• Don’t feel ashamed. They made it look voluntary. It wasn’t.

💬 Real Talk:

If you’ve ever been through a forced resignation —
​You didn’t fail. You were just part of a system that doesn’t always reward loyalty or truth.

And guess what?
​You can rebuild. You can come back stronger. You can choose better.

P.S.​
If you are looking for a helping hand to be successful with a job you don't love- here is a guided workbook. ​

Here are my views in detail on the topic:

​

Wishing you health & happiness

Varsha Kadyan
​The Corporate Diaries