It’s only 3pm, and you’re desperately counting down the minutes until you can flee the office. You don’t like your colleagues, your manager undermines you and you’re not sure why you’re doing this job any more or what you’re working towards.

This may paint a bleak picture of office life but it will be all too resonant for the one in five people who report working in toxic environments. So, it’s only natural that on particularly bad days, you might feel tempted to get up, shut your laptop and walk away from it all for good.

But nobody (apart from maybe Bridget Jones) really does that, right? But it turns out they do: ‘revenge quitting’ was named by Forbes as one of 2025’s biggest career trends, and it has amassed over 41 million posts on TikTok. “Revenge quitting refers to an employee resigning from their job as a way of expressing their dissatisfaction with their workplace,” explains career coach and consultant Hannah Salton, and it seems to be a growing movement among younger workers. “Essentially, taking ‘revenge’ against their employer. Unlike quiet quitting, which involves gradually disengaging and pulling back from responsibilities, revenge quitting is about bold, decisive action driven by dissatisfaction.” 

This trend seems to be on the rise, with Gen Z seemingly championing this exit strategy. “Impromptu quitting has always been around to some extent, but what feels different about revenge quitting is the emotion driving it – the urge to make a statement or to ‘get back’ at your employer,” says Salton. “In today’s tough job market with stagnant salaries and potentially limited opportunities, some people feel trapped in roles that make them miserable. This can lead to resentment building up, with some employees feeling they have no choice but to quit quickly as a way of prioritising their wellbeing over staying in a potentially toxic environment.”

While putting yourself and your happiness first is paramount, there are the obvious issues that come with not leaving on the best terms. So, can revenge quitting ever be a good idea or will it only come with negative consequences? Stylist spoke to career experts to find out.

Oliver Sidwell, co-founder of job search platform Rate My Placement, would always be wary of making impulsive decisions that lead to long-term consequences. “While it may feel satisfying in the moment, such dramatic departures may end up harming future career prospects,” he says. “While employees are not obligated to remain in jobs that make them unhappy, it’s essential to leave on the best terms possible. You owe it to yourself to achieve the best outcome, and abruptly quitting out of spite rarely leads to that.”

Salton echoes this advice, emphasising that it’s important to think about your decision before doing anything rash. “If you’re considering revenge quitting, it’s important to take a step back and be clear on your reasons,” she says. “If quitting feels like a necessary step to protect your health and wellbeing, it could be the right decision for you. However, quitting impulsively after a tough day with the aim of getting revenge might not serve your own long-term goals. Ultimately, deciding to quit should be more about looking after yourself than punishing your employer.”

Talk to someone you trust

A problem shared is a problem halved, so they say. Chatting with someone you trust about quitting your job can help you to consider all points of view. “Ultimately, deciding to quit should be more about looking after yourself than punishing your employer,” explains Salton. “Talk to a trusted friend, mentor or career coach about your motivation before making any hasty decisions.”

Think about other solutions

If it’s a colleague that you don’t get along with, could you move teams? If it’s a certain project you’re working on, could you ask your manager for different tasks? “If possible, try addressing any concerns with your manager before quitting,” says Sidwell. “Request a meeting to discuss workload, any blockers, flexibility or career progression. You’ll find that many issues can be resolved through clear communication, mentorship or even an internal transfer.”

Plan an exit that suits everyone

Of course, if the only option for you is to leave your current role, you should do that. But, consider doing it on good terms and serving your notice period to avoid any detriment to your future plans. “Revenge quitting might feel good in the moment but consider the impact on your future career,” advises Sidwell. “Will it affect your reputation? Are you walking away from potential opportunities? Making a calculated exit with a solid plan ensures you’re leaving for the right reason.”

Images: Getty