Rage Quitting Might Feel Good… But It’s Rarely Good Strategy

We've all felt it at some point.The tension. The frustration. The final straw. And then — boom. The resignation lands on the manager’s desk with no notice, no filter, no backup plan.

Welcome to the era of rage quitting — where professionals, fed up with toxic workplaces, dead-end roles, or micromanaging bosses, walk out on the spot. It’s dramatic. It's emotional. And it’s increasingly common.

But here’s the hard truth: Rage quitting might feel like power — but without a strategy, it usually leaves damage in its wake.

What Is Rage Quitting (and Why It's On the Rise)

Rage quitting isn’t just a trend on TikTok or Reddit. It’s the real-world symptom of burnout, stress, disillusionment, and poor leadership.

The reasons are valid:

• You’re overworked and undervalued.

• You’ve hit a ceiling — and no one’s talking about the next step.

• The culture is toxic.

• You’ve simply had enough.

And in a post-pandemic world, more people are questioning whether the sacrifices are worth it. The answer, increasingly, is no.

But here’s the problem: walking out without a plan doesn’t just end the job — it disrupts your brand.

The Hidden Cost of Rage Quitting

Leaving impulsively creates:

• Gaps in your CV you’ll have to explain

• Unfinished business that can impact references or reputation

• Lost opportunities for strategic negotiation, exit packages, or clean handovers

• A foggy narrative that weakens your position in future interviews

We’re not saying don’t leave. In many cases, you absolutely should.But there’s a difference between quitting because you’ve outgrown a role — and quitting because the pressure finally broke you.

The former builds your brand.The latter can quietly erode it — if you’re not prepared.

The Smarter Way to Leave: A Pre-Quit Checklist

Before you hand in that resignation letter, take a beat. Ask yourself these five questions:

1. What’s really behind the urge to quit?

Is it the role? The people? The culture? The lack of growth? Clarity here helps guide your next move — and ensures you don’t jump from one bad situation into another.

2. What’s the narrative you want to leave behind?

Your exit will be talked about — internally and externally. Choose your language wisely. Aim for professionalism, maturity, and clarity. Avoid emotion-led messaging, especially in emails or public posts.

3. How strong is your personal brand right now?

If someone Googled you or viewed your LinkedIn today, would they see the leader you’re becoming — or someone stuck in a role they hate? Align your messaging before you walk.

4. Do you have your next move ready — or at least framed?

It doesn’t have to be a job offer. But have a direction. Are you launching a consultancy? Seeking a director-level opportunity? Taking a sabbatical with purpose? This should be clear in your branding and communications.

5. Have you updated your brand assets?

Before quitting, make sure your:

• CV reflects your most recent wins

• LinkedIn is current and positioned for what’s next

• Executive bio tells the story you want others to repeat

If You’ve Already Quit — Don’t Panic

If you’ve already walked, don’t panic. There’s still time to reset and reposition.

In fact, this could be the perfect opportunity to reinvent your brand with intention.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Rebuild Your Narrative

How you frame your departure is key. Were you realigning your values? Prioritising your mental health? Seeking environments where your leadership could have more impact? Frame it with intention — not regret.

2. Update Your Online Footprint

Your digital presence should reflect your new chapter. That means:

• A strong LinkedIn headline focused on your future, not your past

• A refreshed About section highlighting your value

• Posts or articles that reinforce your professional identity, not your frustration

3. Lean Into Your Strengths

Just because you left abruptly doesn’t mean you lost your credibility. Rebuild by showcasing your expertise through:

• Thought leadership posts

• A clear services offering if you're consulting

• Strategic conversations with your network

How Bigger Fish Helps You Leave the Right Way

At Bigger Fish Executive Branding, we’ve worked with countless professionals in career transitions — including those who’ve already rage quit or are close to it.

We offer a confidential, expert-led process that helps you:

• Reframe your career story with strength and confidence

• Rebuild your CV, LinkedIn, and executive bio to reflect where you’re going — not where you’ve been

• Create positioning that keeps doors open, even if your exit wasn’t perfect

• Get noticed by the right people for the right reasons

Final Word

There’s no shame in walking away from a job that no longer serves you.But there’s a smart way to do it — one that protects your brand, amplifies your voice, and positions you for something far better.

Rage quitting might be the spark.Let’s make sure your next step is the strategy.

Need help repositioning after a tough exit?

Email our expert team confidentially at executive.branding@bigger-fish.co.uk or visit www.bigger-fish.co.uk to see how we help professionals at turning points build brands that open doors — not close them.