What are the pros and cons between "resigning" from a job, vs being "let go?"?

Leaving voluntarily is much better on a resume than being let go, which means fired. Then you have to explain why and all that. This way, you can get a letter of recommendation and a good reference.

These days, résumé-wise, it hardly matters a hill of beans. No one really has to “explain” firings any more unless it comes to light that the firing was for cause. That is, that you transgressed some written or unwritten rule (including law and social custom) so badly that you were fired on account of some egregiously bad behavior. And careers with the same company lasting decades are so rare that those really have to be explained more (“was this person so lethargic and unimaginative that he chose to stay with the same employer for more than ten years? What is wrong with this person‽”)

So unless it’s going to mess up your unemployment (and you won’t be able to line up a new job right away and need those bennies), then toss a coin and decide on that basis.

I agree with @KNOWITALL 100%. And you are probably correct about the unemployment thing, although it’s possible you’d be eligible for unemployment regardless of having a contract, assuming you weren’t fired for stealing from the company or something like that which of course no jelly would do. ;-)

Also consider this: If there turns out to be no financial reason why you shouldn’t resign voluntarily (I’d check with the unemployment office), you’ll just feel better about yourself. Getting let go, for whatever reason, is a real blow to the psyche.

Listening

What are some good reasons for leaving a job? I could say I was bored out of my mind and that would be true. 90% of the time was downtime. I’d rather work.

Also, I have learned you don’t put your reason for leaving on a resume.

In my opinion, as someone that does interviewing and hiring, it completely depends on the reason. If you are being laid off because the company is downsizing, a contract ended, or something of no fault of your own, there is nothing wrong with that. If you are being fired due to wrong doing, it would be best to resign so you can honestly say you resigned rather than explaining why you were fired. That being said, you would still need a reason to give if asked about it. You would need to know what you were going to say before your interview so that it flowed naturally. Thinking about a reason on the fly because someone asks about it could be noticed by the person doing the interview.

When I interview anyone, I go through all of their listed employment history and ask them why they left each place. There are good and bad reasons to be fired or to resign, so answer wisely.

Personally, saying you were bored out of your mind due to too much down time, would be a turn off for me. My instant reaction would be, why didn’t you find other things to do with your down time. When my employees have down time (which is rare), they are expected to find other things to do, such as helping other employees, helping cleaning up the unit, stocking supplies, and more. However, being bored of the repetition and looking for change is difference. It’s all about how you word it.

What is the reason you are being let go? Perhaps sharing that with us would help us find the best option for you and explanation to give.

In regards to unemployment, yes, resigning means you wouldn’t get unemployment. Being let go does not guarantee you will get it either though. I work for a company that fights all unemployment claims.

No tell prospective employers that you were let go “due to lack of work.” That’s better than resigning and it does qualify you for unemployment.