50 Times Workers Walked Out And Burned Every Bridge With Petty Elegance (New Pics)

To learn more about why so many employees are quitting nowadays, we reached out to a couple of experts on the topic: Claire Wasserman, Founder and Author of Ladies Get Paid, and Danny Nelms, CEO of Work Institute.

"Working with 50,000 women over the past decade, and coaching more than 6,000 job seekers, the trend I'm seeing for why people quit their jobs these days is mainly around underearning and underlearning," Claire shared with Bored Panda.

"There is a lack of growth, whether it's in their role or their paycheck (or both) and they believe they can find something better - or create it themselves! The other big reason is a lack of work-life balance, both in terms of hours and emotional toll, and they're simply not willing to sacrifice themselves in service of a job," she explained.

"The main reasons people quit jobs today often center around unmet preferences or expectations by the company," Danny added. Based on Work Institute research and trends, these include: Career Development (18%), Work-Life Balance (12%), Health & Family Concerns (13%) and Management Behavior (10%).

"Employees frequently cite limited growth opportunities and unclear career pathways as key drivers of dissatisfaction," the CEO explained. "The demand for flexibility and wellness support has risen, with employees leaving roles that fail to accommodate personal and professional balance."

Caregiving responsibilities, mental health challenges, and a growing focus on well-being are also significant factors prompting turnover, Danny continued. "[And] ineffective leadership and lack of managerial support directly contribute to employee dissatisfaction."

The expert pointed out that it might surprise many readers to not see pay listed as a top reason. "But our research shows less than 10% of employees cite pay as the root cause," he noted. "Instead, pay concerns often signal deeper, unresolved issues within an organization’s culture, management practices, or opportunities for growth."

So what is the best way to go about quitting a job? "Relationships are everything," Claire shared. "So even if your job might not give you the consideration of a two-week grace period, you should extend the courtesy to them (or if you’ve been there a long time, give them more time. Though, be prepared that if you give too much notice, they may have you leave sooner than you were ready)."

"Document your work and create transition plans for ongoing projects, express gratitude for the opportunities and learning experiences so you can keep the door open for future professional connections," the expert says. "The only time maybe it’s okay to quit abruptly is if you’re in an unsafe situation."

Danny also says that the best way to quit a job is thoughtfully and professionally, because how you leave can shape your future opportunities. He first recommends making sure that you give proper notice. "Two weeks is standard, but more notice may be appreciated for high-level or critical roles," the CEO explained. "Always review your employment contract for specific requirements."

Make sure that you also explain thoughtfully why you're leaving. "While you're not obligated to provide detailed reasons, a respectful and constructive explanation can leave a positive impression," Danny continued. And avoid burning bridges. "Express gratitude for the opportunities you had even if the experience wasn’t perfect. You never know when paths may cross again."

Finally, participate in your company's exit interview. "It is important for companies to better understand why employees quit and this information helps employers improve employee experience," Danny shared. "Quitting abruptly should be a last resort and reserved for situations where remaining in the role poses immediate harm to your health, safety, or well-being."

Next, we asked the experts what the most important things to consider before quitting a job are. "It takes on average six months to find a new job, so unless you have another one lined up, make sure you have all your safety nets in order: finances, relationships, and a roadmap for the job search, including your materials like resume and LinkedIn profile," Claire told Bored Panda.

Claire also says it's crucial to at least have identified a direction based on your goals with an outline for how you will get there before saying goodbye to your job. "Make sure to break everything down into small steps though, otherwise it'll be a lot harder to follow through," she warns. "Looking for a job can become a full-time job, and if you're doing it while unemployed, you may start to feel the financial squeeze and get stressed. It's better to chip at it a little bit every day while you still have a job, for as long as you can."

Danny also says it's best to reflect on these key factors before making any decisions: your reason for leaving, opportunities for resolution, your financial readiness, your future goals and your workplace relationships.

"Are you leaving to escape a problem or pursue a better opportunity? The latter tends to lead to more satisfaction long-term," he noted. "Have you tried addressing your concerns with your manager or HR? Sometimes, changes can be made to improve your situation."

"Ensure you have a safety net or a solid plan in place, especially if you don’t have another job lined up," Danny continued. And when it comes to your future goals, will leaving this job bring you closer to your career aspirations? "Be intentional about your next steps," the expert says. "[Finally], consider the professional relationships you’ve built and how they might support or influence your next chapter."

When it comes to finding a new position, Claire shared three areas that she believes are critical to consider when job searching. "Know yourself: what lights you up, the problems you like to solve, the strengths you use when solving them, and the environments in which you thrive," the expert says.

"Create a filter: so you know what opportunities to look for and which ones to pass on, identify your values, your goals for the next 3-5 years, and any dealbreakers," Claire continued. "[And] understand the market: What companies and roles are out there that are a good fit, are they in a growing industry? What kind of compensation can you expect?"

Danny also says it's important to consider company culture, opportunities for growth, work-life balance, management quality and mission and vision alignment before taking a new job. "Look for a workplace where employees feel respected, valued, and supported," he shared. "Employee reviews and asking questions during interviews can give insight."

"Seek employers who invest in professional development and career progression," he continued. "Explore policies on flexibility, remote work, or wellness initiatives to ensure alignment with your priorities."

"A great manager can make or break your experience. Try to gauge the leadership style of your potential boss during the interview process," Danny added. "Choose a company whose values resonate with your own for a more fulfilling experience."