Forget 'Quiet Quitting': Loud Quit If You Want To Take Up Space At Work And Be Heard

Many of us have been guilty of it. That fantasy we have of quitting a job and making a scene, telling off a terrible boss, and making sure certain co-workers know just how much they've put us through. We smile as we consider chucking a stack of papers across the room, and we laugh as we contemplate stealing all of the chamomile tea from the community kitchen. This does not make you a bad person, we promise — it makes you human. 

Under high demands at work, where it feels as though you are taking on three jobs in one, not making as much as you should, and feel unappreciated for everything you do, the temptation of quitting — loudly — can be tremendous. Of course, we're not recommending you tear up your office any time soon. But should you desire bigger and better opportunities, there is a way to make a statement about it at work, with dignity. 

Tell your boss you're unhappy. Tell them you need more out of your job. And tell them you will seek employment elsewhere if your workplace needs are not met. And why not? Work can dominate so much of our sense of self-worth. What if quitting was not a personal loss, but instead a personal gain? This is loud quitting: asserting your needs in all facets of your life. It's something to celebrate, not something to feel ashamed of.

Similar to quiet quitting, the phenomenon in which workers commit to the bare minimum responsibilities, the idea of loud quitting is not to resign in the literal sense. It's to reclaim your power as a worker because you want more out of your job, and out of your life. Quiet quitting entails knowing your bandwidth, and not pushing it further without being paid to take on more. It's a reaction to the "grind" culture so often touted as the path to success, and deciding to intentionally take on less. It can be a powerful reclamation of one's time and well-being. Where work seems to demand more for less, quiet quitting is simply the manifestation of workers saying, "Enough." 

Except, the fed-up exclamation is never said. Consider also the limitations that quiet quitting may impose. What does it mean if you are making yourself smaller, just to hold onto a job that is not serving you? What if you could simply feel more joy at another job better suited to you? Could it be a relief to share your thoughts and emotions that have driven you to consider quitting before you do so? When you state why you are thinking about leaving, the onus is put on your employer to make a change for you, rather than you continuing to twist and turn in your job to reach their expectations. 

Of course, there is a certain risk inherent in loud quitting. Where costs of living are increasingly high, and workers are strapped with debt, holding onto a job, even when you're having a rough time, might be your most financially viable option. But in other circumstances, moving on from a job where your needs simply can't be met might be the most ideal option for your well-being. It is important to remember that, despite how tempting your fantasies may be, loud quitting does not entail going on a complete rampage against your potentially former boss and coworkers. There is no reason to be disparaging. Instead of making your decision about them, remember that quitting loudly is ultimately about you. Speaking your truth is powerful. 

So, how does one engage in quitting loudly? First, be clear about your frustrations. Ask yourself what you would need in order to stay in your role and where would you be open to flexibility. With this in mind, take your concerns to your boss — leaving your coworkers out of it – and have a conversation. Remember that loud quitting can be both a negotiation and an ultimatum. Employers naturally want to know how taking care of you will serve the business. Be sure to consider their perspective in an effort to reach common goals. 

But no matter what the outcome, loud quitting is an opportunity to celebrate your worth. So, celebrate it all the way.