People are quitting their jobs on camera, sometimes garnering millions of views. "QuitTok" is a rising trend on TikTok, where individuals publicly resign from their jobs for the world to witness.
The trend began with TikTok user Marissa Jo (@itsmarisajo), who posted a video of herself quitting her job in 2020. "It's like an elephant took its foot off my chest, but I'm also sad. Onward and upward," as captioned in the viral video.
In July of the following year, another video went viral, showing McDonald's workers quitting their jobs mid-shift in the United Kingdom. TikTok's #quittok trend is gaining popularity rapidly and has already received over 41 million views.
Why Do People QuitTok?
Christina Zumbo, a former Australian government worker aged 31, gained attention after sharing footage of her resignation email in 2022. Speaking to the BBC, Zumbo expressed her initial struggle with quitting, fearing disappointment and uncertainty in the job market. However, she shared her journey on social media to highlight the often unspoken challenges of leaving a job. The video quickly gained popularity, resonating with many viewers who shared their experiences and fears about changing workplaces. Zumbo found it "surprising in the best way, the sense of community you feel if you open yourself up to showing real, relatable vulnerability online."
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What's Driving This Trend?
Many young TikTok users have grown up in a digital age, sharing various life moments online. According to California-based therapist and coach Tess Brigham, it's natural for them to share private conversations with employers about their decision to quit. But she believes a more profound attitude shift drives the #quittok trend.
Millennials and Gen Z observed their parents' challenges in corporate jobs during the 2008 economic crash, and some are facing their struggles, including student debt and low-paying jobs. COVID-19 has influenced their early work experiences; some have never worked in an office. According to Brigham, these stressors combined have led younger workers, especially Gen Z, to prioritize mental health, happiness, and positive work environments. Consequently, they find content depicting people quitting "toxic workplaces" and standing up to unfair bosses deeply inspiring.
A Trend Calling Out for Transparency
According to Brigham, the long-term effects of live quitting and posting #quittok videos are still uncertain. It's unclear how these posts might impact future career opportunities. However, Brigham believes the #quittok trend could promote transparency in the corporate world.
Having a public platform empowers young people to speak up about their problems. A decade ago, issues related to work, well-being, and mental health were hidden behind closed corporate doors and often ignored by employers.
Nowadays, social media enables open discussions about toxic workplaces and poor management in public. As a result, businesses, especially those publicly criticized for bad practices, are compelled to acknowledge and tackle these issues.
How Companies are Adapting to The Trend?
1. Adapting to New Expectations: Companies are responding to the evolving expectations of young professionals by providing flexible work options and prioritizing company culture.
2. Fostering Creativity: Certain companies encourage employees to engage in #Quittok and express themselves creatively, fostering a more dynamic and authentic workplace atmosphere.
3. Promoting Transparency: Employers emphasize transparency in their communication with employees. Openness about company policies and decisions builds trust and helps prevent negative publicity from mishandled resignations.
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