Revenge Quitting: What It Is and Why It Can Derail Your Career

By now, you might have heard about the trend of “revenge quitting.” You may have even seen people glorifying revenge quitting on social media, saying it’s “empowering” or a way to “fight back,” but even if it seems like a great idea at the time, revenge quitting can have serious consequences.

What Is Revenge Quitting?

Revenge quitting is when an employee abruptly leaves their job in a way that’s intended to inconvenience or retaliate against their employer. It’s often fueled by frustration, resentment, or the desire to make a statement.

Revenge quitting might involve quitting suddenly during an important project, publicly criticizing the company on social media or Glassdoor, or encouraging others to leave simultaneously.

Why Do People Revenge Quit?

There are a variety of reasons why someone would be tempted to revenge quit. For starters, a toxic workplace environment can push employees to leave abruptly. Other factors might include employees feeling as though their hard work goes unnoticed, or that they have no opportunity for upward mobility.

Poor management and lack of support can lead to feelings of frustration, and in serious cases, a desire to retaliate through sudden resignation. Lastly, poor work/life balance and lack of flexibility can drive employees to quit without notice, especially if they’re particularly burnt out or suffering from mental health issues.

The Consequences of Revenge Quitting

Many people have had thoughts of marching into their boss’s office, airing their grievances (perhaps colorfully so), and quitting on the spot. While revenge quitting might offer a sense of satisfaction in the moment, it can have significant long-term drawbacks.

Leaving a job abruptly, especially in a disruptive manner, can damage your professional image. In serious cases, it might make finding work in the future more difficult.

In our advice we try to drive home the point that you never know where you’ll end up in the future, and burning bridges with your current employer can strain relationships with former colleagues and eliminate valuable references and networking opportunities.

In the age of social media, it can be easy to criticize a former (or current) employer online, especially after a rather explosive exit. Leaving that kind of digital footprint might make potential employers think twice about you. Your feelings may be valid, but it’s important to maintain professionalism in your online interactions.

Revenge quitting can also take an emotional toll. The aftermath of a dramatic departure can lead to feelings of regret, stress, and uncertainty about the future. It can also lead to financial trouble if you’re living paycheck to paycheck and you’ve suddenly cut off your only source of income.

Alternatives to Revenge Quitting

Don’t make a drastic decision. Instead, calmly consider your options. If you’re having concerns, discuss them with your manager or an HR representative. Getting feedback can often lead to positive changes.

The best thing to do when you’re feeling overwhelmed is to seek support. This could be through colleagues, your professional network, a mentor, or even friends and family members. Your support system can give you advice and help you gain perspective.

Set aside some time to reflect on your career goals. Does your current role align with your aspirations? Will your current employer provide the necessary support to get there? Asking yourself questions like these will help you get a better hold on the situation.

If you’ve exhausted all your options and you still decide that leaving is the best option, do so professionally. Provide adequate notice, assist with the transition if necessary, and leave on good terms.

Revenge quitting might seem like a powerful or liberating way to take control of a frustrating work situation, but the long-term consequences far outweigh the temporary feelings of relief. It’s crucial that you handle job transitions with professionalism, no matter how you’re feeling in the moment.

Rob Porter is an editor at Vault.