National Resignation Day

Professional woman holding a briefcase, looking determined and ready to take on new challenges. Office setting, dressed in professional attire with modern fashion touch.. — National resignation day illustration

Ah, National Resignation Day, a day that brings mixed emotions for those looking to pursue a new path in their professional lives. Whether you're itching to quit your job or you're simply curious about this peculiar national day, we've got you covered! Prepare to dive into the fascinating history behind National Resignation Day, sprinkled with some interesting tidbits along the way.

When is Resignation Day?

It's national resignation day on the 8th May.

A Brief Internet History

Although National Resignation Day may sound like a creation of frustrated employees or job-hopping enthusiasts, it actually originated on the internet. This unique day gained traction online and has now become a popular topic of discussion.

Back in early 2015, frustrated employees took to social media platforms to vent their work-related woes. It didn't take long for someone to coin May 8th as National Resignation Day. In no time, the hashtag #NationalResignationDay began trending.

The drop-dead date for resignations, May 8th, quickly caught on not just among disgruntled workers but also among people celebrating the courage it takes to pursue one's dreams. It's a day of liberation from the chains of a boring or unfulfilling job.

Why Celebrate National Resignation Day?

National Resignation Day calls for self-reflection and evaluating your happiness within your current job. If you're feeling stuck in a rut or unfulfilled at work, it can be an opportunity to gather your courage and consider a change.

While the idea of quitting without a backup plan is typically not advisable, National Resignation Day encourages individuals to think about their aspirations and take steps toward achieving them. It's a day to kickstart your journey toward a more rewarding career.

Whether you're pondering leaving a job that makes you dread Mondays or you're ready to embrace new challenges and pursue your passion, National Resignation Day empowers you to take control of your professional life.

History behind the term 'Resignation'

1601

Introduction of the term

The term 'resignation' first appeared in the English language in the year 1601. It was derived from the Latin word 'resignare,' which means 'to surrender' or 'to give up.' The initial usage of 'resignation' referred to a formal act of relinquishing an office, position, or duty by a person in authority.

13th century

The Birth of Resignation

The term 'resignation' originates from the Latin word 'resignare', which means 'to unseal, annul, or give up.' In the 13th century, 'resignation' emerged in English usage to describe the act of surrendering or relinquishing one's position, authority, or office. Initially, it was commonly used in religious contexts, referring to the act of stepping down from a religious office or renouncing vows.

1350

Early Origins

The term 'resignation' finds its roots in the Latin word 'resignare' meaning 'to relinquish'. The concept of resignation, or voluntarily giving up a position or office, was prevalent in ancient Roman society. High-ranking officials, particularly senators, were expected to resign their positions when requested by the Roman Emperor. This practice of 'resignatio' was seen as a means to maintain order and establish clear leadership roles.

1419

Birth of the Term

The term 'resignation' originated in the year 1419. It comes from the Latin word 'resignatio', which means 'the act of resigning or surrendering'. This term was initially used in religious contexts to refer to the act of renouncing one's position or office in service to God.

1668

Expansion of meaning

In 1668, the meaning of 'resignation' expanded beyond its original formal context to include the voluntary surrender or abandonment of something valuable or cherished, such as a privilege or a possession. This broader definition allowed for the application of 'resignation' to various aspects of life, including personal relationships and material possessions.

1767

Secular Adoption

By the year 1767, the term 'resignation' had transitioned beyond religious connotations and became widely accepted in secular contexts. It began to be used to describe the act of voluntarily giving up a position or office in various professions or organizations.

16th century

Expanding into Civil and Political Contexts

During the 16th century, the usage of 'resignation' broadened beyond religious spheres and began to encompass civil and political contexts. The term became closely associated with the act of voluntarily abdicating or relinquishing a public office or position, often due to moral or ethical reasons. It gained prominence during the era of absolutism in Europe, when monarchs held considerable power.

1660

Political Resignations

During the Restoration of the English monarchy, the term 'resignation' gained significance in the political context. In the year 1660, after the period of English Commonwealth, Charles II was restored to the throne. This event marked a transition from the republican government to a monarchy. 'Resignation' became a term commonly associated with political figures stepping down from their positions in support of or obedience to the new regime. It embodied both the act of voluntary surrender and political realignment.

1830

Political Resignations

In 1830, the term 'resignation' gained significant significance in the realm of politics. It became commonly associated with politicians voluntarily stepping down from their positions as a result of political pressure, personal reasons, or moral considerations. This era marked the start of widespread public awareness and debate surrounding political resignations.

18th century

Influence of Enlightenment Ideals

The 18th century saw the rise of the Enlightenment, an intellectual and philosophical movement that promoted reason, individualism, and the questioning of authority. The ideals of the Enlightenment had a profound impact on the concept of resignation. The notion of resigning from a position as an act of personal choice and self-determination became popular, emphasizing the importance of individual autonomy over blind obedience to authority.

1801

Resignation as a Professional Act

In the early 19th century, 'resignation' began to be recognized as a formal procedure in professional settings. This transition occurred during the Industrial Revolution, as the rise of corporate structures created a need for standardized employment practices. The term 'resignation' came to represent the act of officially terminating one's employment or position within an organization. It carried legal and procedural implications, such as providing notice and ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities.

1748

Philosophical interpretation

During the Enlightenment era in the 18th century, the term 'resignation' gained a philosophical interpretation. Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard introduced the concept of 'religious resignation,' emphasizing the act of surrendering oneself to a higher power or divine will. This philosophical perspective added a spiritual dimension to the term, reflecting the belief in accepting and submitting to fate or a divine plan.

1844

Resignation letters

The practice of writing formal 'resignation letters' became more established during the 19th century. In 1844, the term 'resignation letter' was documented in a publication, referring to a written notice of resignation submitted by an individual to their employer or organization. This development emphasized the importance of providing a written record of one's resignation, ensuring clarity and formality in the process.

19th century

Resignation in Political and Corporate Realms

In the 19th century, with the increasing democratization of politics and the growth of corporations, resignation became an essential aspect of governance and business. Political leaders, both elected officials and appointed administrators, were expected to resign when faced with significant ethical breaches. Similarly, in the corporate world, executives were compelled to resign in response to financial mismanagement or malpractice. Resignation became a mechanism to ensure accountability and maintain public trust.

1874

Resignation Letters

By 1874, the practice of submitting formal resignation letters had become commonplace. These letters served as written proof of one's intention to resign and often included reasons for the decision. The advent of resignation letters streamlined the process and provided a formal record for both the resigning individual and the organization involved.

1969

Resignation of a US President

The year 1969 witnessed a notable event in the history of the term 'resignation': the resignation of U.S. President Richard Nixon. Facing the specter of impeachment due to his involvement in the Watergate scandal, Nixon announced his resignation on August 8, 1974, becoming the first and only U.S. President to resign from office. This event brought the term 'resignation' into the public consciousness on a global scale, symbolizing the accountability and consequences of political actions.

20th Century

Resignations in Popular Culture

Throughout the 20th century, resignation became a frequent theme in popular culture. Resignations of notable figures, such as political leaders, corporate executives, and celebrities, garnered significant media attention. The concept of resignation also found its way into literature, films, and television shows, portraying the personal and societal consequences of stepping down from positions of power and authority.

Present

Modern Interpretations

In modern times, 'resignation' continues to hold significance in various domains. Beyond its traditional usage, the term has expanded to encompass personal decisions to relinquish or remove oneself from an undesired situation. It can represent endings and new beginnings, whether in careers, relationships, or personal growth. With its rich history and evolving meanings, 'resignation' stands as a multifaceted term that reflects the complexities of human experiences and choices.

20th century

Resignation as a Form of Protest

Throughout the 20th century, the act of resignation gained further significance as a form of protest against injustice, discrimination, or controversial policies. Prominent activists, politicians, and public figures employed resignation as a powerful statement to draw attention to systemic issues or moral dilemmas. By sacrificing their positions, these individuals aimed to expose wrongdoing, inspire change, and rally public support for their causes.

20th century

Resignation as a political term

In the 20th century, the term 'resignation' gained prominence in the political arena. This term specifically referred to the act of a political leader voluntarily stepping down from their position or office due to various reasons, such as loss of public support, scandal, or health issues. Famous instances of political resignations, like the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974, brought significant attention to the term globally.

Did you know?

Did you know that the most common reason for resignations is not salary or benefits, but rather a lack of career growth and development opportunities?