Quit-Tok: Loud-Quitting On TikTok

In 2020, we have the Great Reset.

In 2021, we have the Great Resignation.

In 2022, we have the Great Reshuttle.

In 2023, we have the Quiet Quitting and Quiet Hiring.

In 2024, we have Silent Promotion and Loud Quitting!

Oh boy, don't you love the corporate buzzwords?

Definition:

"Quit-Tok" is a trend on TikTok where workers post videos of online calls in which they resign or are made redundant. Each of these videos captures real-time moments when workers resign. It is LOUD because these are live streams, possibly reaching millions of views!

What are the possible motivations for young workers to do this?

1. They may resort to loud quitting when they feel unheard or marginalised, even especially so if they feel their previous employers were either dismissive of their concerns or unresponsive to their feedback. It is a direct response to perceived injustices in the workplace, ranging from inadequate compensation to poor management practices.
2. Boost their own social media presence since some of the videos have been viewed millions of times.
3. It feels good to be validated and connected, especially so for a generation of young workers who are experiencing a loneliness epidemic.

Pros?

Younger workers are much more likely to be open and transparent about how they view their employers.

1. The trend has forced some employers to up their game when it comes to staff communication and the way they carry out job losses.
2. Attention is brought to systemic issues within the company, thus potentially safeguarding future employees from similar frustrations.

My take:

Calling out bad practices for betterment is good intent. However, I always believe that the truth can be told in many ways at the right time using the appropriate means.

I have deeper concerns if the intention is otherwise:

1. For anyone who badmouths their employers publicly, what kind of attributes are you exhibiting as an individual? Will this have further implications for your next job and in your career planning?
2. For all the validation that one is getting from social media, how can you make sure that you are not falling into some sort of illusion that may not be serving you well?
3. Did you give yourself the space to do deep self-reflection and process the emotions, before hopping onto the trend?

Freedom to express does not mean free from consequences.

References:

• Bhaimiya, S. (2024, February 9). A workplace expert says Gen Zers posting videos of themselves getting laid off online are seeking “validation” because they feel lonely. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-posting-layoffs-online-are-lonely-seeking-validation-expert-2024-2
• Nucleus_AI. (2024, April 25). What is Loud Quitting and Silent Promotion? Unpacking the Corporate Buzzwords of 2024. YourStory. https://yourstory.com/2024/04/loud-quitting--silent-promotion-unpacking-buzzword
• Quit-Tok: why young workers are refusing to leave their job quietly. (n.d.). Financial Times. https://www.ft.com/content/fd270cb1-8d14-4639-a152-7f2dad453480

Becoming Irreplaceable aims to empower fellow professionals to build sustainable and meaningful careers, this is definitely one way for us to increase our own happiness index! It is really about taking the control back.