The daily grind isn’t always easy. Even when you appreciate the paycheck, any job can become tiresome or aggravating. You probably have days when you seriously consider quitting — and that’s normal.
Deciding to quit triggers a lot of emotions and internal debate. Sometimes you act on those feelings and make big changes; other times you ignore them and stay put. Everyone goes through it, as these tweets demonstrate.
People hesitate, second-guess, suppress instincts — and sometimes they follow through. There’s no single right answer. The important thing is knowing you’re not alone in the variety of thoughts that come up when you consider leaving a job. If you’ve ever wanted to quit, you’ll likely recognize yourself in one of the posts below.
Enjoy this curated collection of reactions that show just how universal the urge to quit can be.
The Daily Quitting Routine
For some, thinking about quitting becomes part of the morning ritual — a moment of fantasy before getting ready and heading into work.
No Follow Through
It’s one thing to plan to quit; it’s another to repeatedly tell yourself you will and never do. That pattern can leave you wondering if you ever really will make the leap.
Mental Quitting
Visualizing leaving can be motivating — or simply a harmless way to blow off steam while stuck in a frustrating role.
When You Don’t Have the One Thing You Need
It might sound dramatic to consider quitting over a missing item, but when you’re already fed up, losing one essential comfort can feel like the last straw.
Sweet Coworker Support
A little sweetness with a hint of sarcasm from coworkers can make the quitting conversation lighter — and sometimes funnier.
Professional Animal Social Media Manager
The internet has expanded career possibilities. Wanting to make your pet famous isn’t as far-fetched as it once seemed — especially if they’re irresistibly cute.
Quit in Style
The day you resign is memorable. If you’re going to do it, give yourself a moment — celebrate the decision and mark the transition.
The Question of the Hour
If only there were a reliable way to earn plenty without doing the work — many daydream about that exact scenario.
Outsource the Quitting
Can’t bring yourself to hand in a resignation? Some people ask a friend or loved one to do the awkward part for them.
Ambitious Post-Quitting Plans
Imagining bold next steps after quitting is common — ambitious plans can make leaving feel exciting rather than scary.
Happy to the Moon and Back
Some people add a celebratory flourish to their resignation — a private dance or a small ritual to mark the end.
Threatening Bagels
Even minor workplace annoyances — like someone taking odd pleasure in cutting bagels the wrong way — can become symbolic reasons to consider leaving.
Compelling Reasons to Stay
If you don’t love the work but value the people you work with, that camaraderie can be a powerful reason to stay.
Sleep Deprived Quitting
On extremely tired days, quitting may seem like the only route to reclaim rest — sometimes you just want to sleep instead of going to work.
Back-Up Plan
Dreams of instant wealth after quitting are appealing, but they’re far from guaranteed. Still, a hopeful backup plan can soften the decision.
When You Outsource the Decision
When you’re truly ready to quit, a small push from someone else might be enough to make you follow through.
Getting Called Out
Be careful when you suggest you’ll quit if others egg you on — if they actually do convince you, failing to act can be embarrassing.
Paying Bills
Practical concerns — rent, bills, and financial stability — often keep people tethered to jobs they’d otherwise leave.
Just $1
It’s funny to imagine getting paid simply for voicing your deepest desires — if only that were a reality.
It Doesn’t Take Much
@sassy_slacks_ / Twitter
When you truly want out, even the smallest justification feels like validation to resign.
Dog Preference
It’s hard to leave those pleading eyes behind. If your dog’s antics (and social media presence) beg you to stay home, that can be a powerful motivator to quit.
Do It With Confidence
Leaving becomes easier when you believe better opportunities are ahead — confidence matters.
Reveling in Following Through
For many, the moment after quitting brings relief and genuine happiness — a sense of liberation.
Second Guessing
Even when you believe you made the right choice, leaving a job can stir up a mix of confusing emotions.
Moving On Quickly
Many people have positive stories about quitting and moving forward — those examples can inspire you to take the plunge.
Text Quit
Face-to-face resignations are becoming less common. Some opt for a modern approach and deliver the news via text.
Can’t Handle It
You can’t always fake competence. Sometimes your body or emotions give you away, and that exposure can push you toward quitting.
Forgetting Something
After you stop going to the office, the first days can feel disorienting. You might find yourself wondering where you’re supposed to be and what you should be doing.
Highly Recommended
If someone who’s spent many years in a role can resign with no regrets, it can be reassuring — and motivating — to the rest of us.
When Only Emojis Can Express Your Quitting Rage
Sometimes your frustration is so intense that only a string of emojis captures how you feel — a clear sign you might need a change.
Nobody Asked (But You’ll Say Anyway)
When a job drains you, you might broadcast your dissatisfaction even if no one asks — sometimes you need to get it off your chest.
When You’re Legitimately Grossed Out
There are valid, unpleasant reasons that make quitting feel necessary — some situations are simply too gross to tolerate.
Pursuing a Magical Life Beyond Work
Life after quitting can be playful and imaginative. Whether it’s streaming, gaming, or a creative pursuit, people imagine wildly different futures outside the traditional office.
Listen to the Signs
When you ask the universe for guidance, sometimes the signs you receive are unmistakable — and impossible to ignore.
You Look Too Good
Great hair days and killer outfits deserve to be shown off, not hidden behind a cubicle wall. Feeling too good for your workspace can be its own kind of sign.
A Moody Choice
If a dark mood lingers, it could indicate that larger life changes are on the horizon.
You’re Ready but Have to Hide It
Sometimes you must conceal how much you want to quit. In those moments, conserve your energy, do your best, and take small comforts — like a hoodie you can cry into — until you can make a plan.