Leaving your job isn’t the easiest thing in the world, but young people are taking a new approach by filming themselves and posting the footage on social media for everyone to see
Want to quit your job? Well, a new trend that has emerged online where employees take a different approach to the formal written resignation. While many employees feel anxious about hitting send on e-mail resignation letters, younger workers have adopted a completely different approach. Gen-Z and millennials are now using social media, specifically TikTok, to broadcast themselves quitting their jobs.
Social media has become like a personal diary, where content ranges from sharing a day in one’s life to footage of medical treatment. There’s seemingly no limit to what can be shared online to a loyal audience of TikTok followers.
Over the years, as technology has evolved, users have become more comfortable sharing their lives on social media. Since ‘Quit-Tok’ became a trend, Gen Z and millennials are no longer leaving their jobs quietly.
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What is ‘Quit-Tok’?
The trend began in 2021 when a real-time video of several McDonald’s workers quitting mid-shift went viral. The video, which attracted millions of views, inspired others to do the same, labelling it an empowering movement of standing up for themselves.
In the #QuitTok videos, workers film themselves announcing their departures on Zoom calls, document their last day at work before announcing their resignation, or share their bad experiences by announcing their departure from the company ‘effective immediately’ without completing the usual notice period.
In one case, a young woman shared footage of her quitting her corporate job during a video meeting with her manager, despite not having a backup plan or any money saved. Another user filmed herself handing in her resignation after losing her passion and wanting to do a career change.
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Most young TikTok users have grown up as digital natives, with phones in their hands. Sharing important moments of their lives, whether good or bad, has become a way to connect with other people who might be in the same position, with an increasing number of people feeling more comfortable discussing their personal lives online.
Many now prioritise their mental health, happiness, and positive work environments. As a result, more people are less afraid to speak out and quit ‘toxic’ workplaces by taking control of their own careers.
The ‘Great Resignation’ was also another phenomenon take began in the early 2021, following the COVID-19 pandemic, where thousands of people voluntarily left their jobs as they were seeking for a better work-life balance, career growth, or simply because they wanted something new.
Similar trends such as ‘quiet quitting,’ made the rounds on social media, where employees did the bare minimum work necessary to avoid being fired.
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How does ‘Quit-Tok’ affect businesses?
As more people publicly quit their jobs, companies are being forced to address workplace issues and figure out how to prevent them. Many are now implementing wellbeing rooms and other ways to support their employees’ mental and physical health.
Quit-Tok is a reflection of young workers’ desire for work-life balance and, most importantly, a positive work environment. According to reports, one in four young people have thought about leaving their jobs over the past 12 months, citing mental health as the reason.
Young people aren’t afraid to stand up for their values, choosing mental health and wellbeing over their careers. Social media has played an important part for many to share their experiences and connect with others going through similar situations.
A work environment with mutual respect, communication, and opportunities for growth motivates employees to work harder. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance without stress is essential for keeping workforce motivation high and preventing burnout.
