Is ‘Quit-Tok’ Taking Over? Why Young Indians Are Publicly Leaving Jobs

In a growing trend across social media, young professionals in India are posting videos of themselves quitting their jobs — a phenomenon now dubbed ‘Quit-Tok.’ What started as a niche movement abroad is now resonating with India’s Gen Z and millennials, especially in Tier 2 cities, where job stability was once considered sacrosanct.

But what’s really behind this wave of public resignations?

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What Is ‘Quit-Tok’?

‘Quit-Tok’ refers to a wave of videos on platforms like TikTok (globally), Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, where individuals document or narrate the moment they resign from their jobs. In India, this trend has taken a unique turn — not just about leaving a job, but expressing why they felt stuck, undervalued, or unfulfilled.

The tone varies: some are emotional, some are celebratory, and others are quietly reflective. While urban professionals in metros began this wave, creators from cities like Indore, Nagpur, Patna, and Surat are now joining in.

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What’s Driving Young Indians to Quit Publicly?

There are several reasons:

1. Changing work culture
The traditional expectation of “sticking to a job” for years is being questioned. Many young employees now value flexibility, mental health, and meaningful work over fixed salaries and designations.

2. Social validation
With the rise of social media, public sharing of personal milestones — including job resignations — brings validation and even support. These videos often go viral, striking a chord with others silently struggling.

3. Rising creator economy
Some individuals quit to pursue content creation, freelancing, or entrepreneurship. Tier 2 cities are witnessing a slow but steady growth in digital careers, fueled by better internet access and remote work culture.

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Is It Just a Trend or a Deeper Shift?

While critics argue that such public resignations are performative, many experts believe it reflects a deeper shift in workplace values.

In smaller cities, where job scarcity was once a major fear, this trend indicates a shift in mindset — from survival to self-worth. Young Indians today are more willing to experiment, fail, and explore new paths rather than stay in unfulfilling roles.

However, this doesn’t mean job-hopping is without consequences. HR professionals warn that frequent resignations or public rants may affect long-term employability, especially in conservative industries.

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The Employer’s Perspective

Companies are beginning to take note. Some organisations are now focusing on retention, feedback culture, and mental well-being initiatives. While not all resignations are avoidable, the increasing openness around why employees leave is pushing companies to rethink old hierarchies and rigid systems.

In Tier 2 cities, where corporate setups are still evolving, this could bring a much-needed humanisation of the workplace.

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Final Thoughts

‘Quit-Tok’ may seem like a viral internet phase, but it reveals a more profound shift in how young Indians view careers, value systems, and life choices. It’s no longer just about earning a paycheck — it’s about finding purpose, balance, and dignity at work.

As this trend spreads beyond metros and into India’s heartland, it raises an important question: Are we finally moving towards a work culture that listens — and not just leads?