Workers Are Engaging in “Revenge Quitting” Due to Return-to-Office Policies.

      Growing up, I would have considered it absurd to think that I could work from home and earn money doing something I enjoy. All the adults around me worked on-site, and films like The Devil Wears Prada shaped my perception of a journalist's life. Ironically, the situation has flipped: going to the office has become an outdated idea, and remote work is now commonplace. This model has allowed us more freedom and facilitated a better work-life balance. However, the recent return-to-work (RTO) mandates threaten that fragile equilibrium, leading to the emergence of “revenge quitting” as a new trend in the workplace.

      It's not surprising that many people are struggling with being compelled to return to the office. Executive Coach and Psychologist Dr. Anne Welsh notes that this has been especially difficult for Gen Z, the group that sparked the revenge quitting phenomenon. Many of them started working during a time when hybrid and remote setups were the norm, and they are now anxious about how the RTO policies will affect their mental health and overall well-being (and their ability to enjoy those spontaneous Fridays off).

      While their concerns are valid, this trend raises several questions. Firstly, what exactly constitutes revenge quitting? More crucially, why are so many driven professionals choosing to engage in it? What potential risks does it hold for their careers? I consulted career experts to uncover the insights on this topic. Below, you’ll find their responses, along with advice on what to consider if you’re tempted to revenge quit as well.

      MEET THE EXPERT

      Catherine Fisher

      Catherine Fisher is a Global Marketing and Communications Leader, a LinkedIn Career Expert, and the Author of the Career Companion Newsletter. In her role at LinkedIn, Fisher leads integrated data and consumer communications and is dedicated to building and managing cross-functional teams that create business impact while allowing individuals to continue learning and advancing their careers.

      MEET THE EXPERT

      Dr. Anne Welsh

      Dr. Anne Welsh is a psychologist, executive coach, and consultant deeply committed to empowering women in leadership roles. She began her career at Harvard before founding her own firm, focusing on supporting women in leadership and working parents across various career fields. Her consulting practice aids companies in better supporting working parents through policy consulting, workshops, training, and individual parental leave coaching.

      What is revenge quitting?

      “Revenge quitting” is precisely what it implies: leaving your job as an act of retaliation. LinkedIn Career Expert Catherine Fisher describes it as a means of protesting or getting back at your employer. Rather than providing a two weeks’ notice, individuals leave abruptly without much concern for how it affects their employer. Dr. Welsh elaborated that this action often stems from feelings of frustration or resentment. For various reasons, they’ve reached a breaking point, and this is their form of resistance.

      Why are employees revenge quitting?

      Although Gen Z has popularized revenge quitting amid RTO policies, the concept is not new, and the motivations behind it differ. According to Dr. Welsh, it often arises in reaction to unfair or disconnected workplace policies and toxic workplace environments. “[Revenge quitting] is typically not solely about remote work, but rather a reflection of employees feeling unheard, misunderstood, and undervalued,” she remarked.

      Regardless of the cause, Dr. Welsh emphasizes that the essence of revenge quitting revolves around autonomy and respect. For many, being forced back into the office signifies more than just losing freedom; it dismisses the effort put in during recent years. This can feel like a slap in the face, negating the successes achieved while working remotely or in a hybrid model. “When companies overlook the realities of caregiving duties, commuting difficulties, and the established advantages of flexible work, employees feel disrespected—and some choose to leave rather than comply,” Dr. Welsh clarified.

      The risks revenge quitting poses to your career

      Damaged reputation and relationships

      While it may seem appealing to leave suddenly, doing so can lead to irreparable consequences. "Revenge quitting might initially feel liberating, but it usually does more harm than good," Fisher warned. It can tarnish your professional image over time, damaging your reputation. Additionally, it can sever connections with colleagues who could have served as references in the future. Fisher emphasizes that your professional network can be crucial for your career, but revenge quitting tends to narrow that network, complicating future job searches.

      Loss of leverage

      Though no one should remain in an unsatisfactory job, quitting without securing another position is generally ill-advised. Dr. Welsh points out that this not only leaves you without an income but also strips you of any negotiation power you may have had. “When you resign suddenly, you lose the opportunity to negotiate a better exit package or to transition in a manner that safeguards your future,” she noted. Moreover, you also forfeit any benefits your employer may provide. If you fall ill or sustain an injury, the costs without health insurance can be overwhelming.

      Stalled career growth