Loud Quitting: the ultimate way to get what you want on the job?

Have you ever felt frustrated, underpaid or unappreciated at your job? Have you ever dreamed of just quitting and telling your boss exactly what you think of him and his company? Have you ever wondered if there's a better way to get what you want without burning bridges or risking your reputation?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then you'll be interested in this new trend that's taking hold in the workplace: loud quitting.

Loud Quitting is the opposite of Quiet Quitting, where you quietly withdraw from your work and only do the bare minimum until you find a better opportunity (read the full article with all the pros and cons you can find here). Loud Quitting means that you openly and loudly express your dissatisfaction with your current situation and use it as leverage to negotiate a raise, promotion or a better work environment.

But how exactly does Loud Quitting work? And is it really a good idea? In this article we explore the pros and cons of the loud denunciation, how to do it effectively and what to avoid if you want to succeed.

What is Loud Quitting?

Loud quitting is a term that first attracted widespread interest following an article in The Guardian in January 2023, in which it was described as "the high-risk way to negotiate a pay rise." It's entirely possible that the term originated in a subreddit or similar and was not coined by The Guardian itself. But however it originated, it's based on the idea that you, as a valuable employee, are unhappy with your current job and are using the threat of leaving it as leverage to get what you want from your employer.

Loud Quitting doesn't mean you actually quit your job. It's more like bluffing or playing hardball. You're not necessarily actually applying for other jobs or quitting. You're just making it clear that you're looking for other opportunities and are willing to leave if your demands aren't met.

Loud Quitting can take different forms, depending on your situation and personality. You can, for example:

- Telling your boss directly that you are unhappy with your salary, workload or work culture and that you are considering other options.

- Hint to your colleagues or supervisors that you have been contacted by headhunters or recruiters from other companies.

- Update your LinkedIn profile or resume and make it visible to potential employers.

- Post on social media about your accomplishments and skills and how you enjoy working on certain projects or with certain clients.

- Ask for feedback or recommendations from your network or former employers.

The goal of a vocal resignation is to create a sense of urgency and scarcity around your value as an employee. You want to make it clear to your employer that he is in danger of losing you to a competitor and that he must act quickly to keep you. You want to show him that you have options and aren't afraid to take advantage of them.

Why did Loud Quitting come into being?

As you can imagine, there is not just one factor that has caused this phenomenon to spread so quickly and so widely. The two most important factors are:

• Currently, most countries have a blue-collar labor market
• The younger generations have a different mentality when it comes to the topic of work

Granted, Loud Quitting isn't really anything new. It's been around as long as jobs have been around, but now it's got a hip name and the current mood in the corporate world favors Loud Quitting tremendously.

Let's now take a closer look at the two main reasons we mentioned.

In most countries, there is currently an employee labor market

Demand for labor is high, which means most of us have many (or at least some) options to choose from. This means that workers have more power than ever before and can find a new employer relatively easily if needed. This has given workers more bargaining power in salary negotiations and makes it harder to ask for a raise or promotion without jeopardizing their job.

The younger generations have a different attitude towards work

Younger generations are more likely to value a positive work environment and engagement than traditional job security. They are less committed to their current role and are willing to risk quitting if it means finding something better or getting what they want from their current job.

Is Loud Quitting Okay?

Just like Quiet Quitting, opinions are divided when it comes to whether or not Loud Quitting is okay.

There are those who believe Loud Quitting, that is, announcing your resignation in a dramatic or public way, is a sign of courage and honesty. They believe it is a way for you to express your dissatisfaction with your employer or work environment and to stand up for yourself and your values.

Others think Loud Quitting is unprofessional and disrespectful. They argue that it's a guaranteed way to burn bridges and damage your reputation, and that it shows a lack of gratitude and loyalty. They think it's a way to avoid constructive feedback and compromise, and to shirk your responsibilities and commitments.

The reason for this discrepancy is often the different mentality of different generations. While older generations tend to believe that loud quitting is unacceptable, younger generations usually see it as a legitimate way to make your voice heard and ensure you get the job or work environment you deserve.

It is no secret that older generations are more likely to accept the classic form of employment, where the employee simply accepts what is offered to him and remains loyal to the company for a long time.

Younger generations, on the other hand, tend to take a more entrepreneurial approach, where they are willing to take risks and challenge the status quo to get what they want.

In our opinion, however, it is not so easy to decide whether Loud Quitting is acceptable or not. Virtually no two situations are alike and there are many, often complicated, details to consider.

If your work is objectively undervalued (psychologically we tend to overestimate our abilities and our importance - so pay attention), your employer is trying to keep you quiet with stalling tactics, or you are expected to exceed your contractual obligations, then these may be good reasons for Loud Quitting.

However, if you are simply unhappy and frustrated with your boss or colleagues, then it would probably be better to find a more relaxed way, such as talking about possible solutions or trying to change departments within the same company.

These were just a handful of examples and your own situation may be even more complex. For this reason, we can only give you some guidelines that will allow you to judge whether you are being taken advantage of or perhaps overreacting a bit.

The best way to make sure you're being as objective as possible is to ask other people for their opinions.

But make sure you ask the right people. Friends and family are usually very subjective because they are close to you. And work colleagues can either be close to you or competitive with you - neither of which is a good basis for good feedback. Therefore, acquaintances from outside the company are often a better choice (but make sure they have the insight and skills to provide a valuable opinion). Consulting independent job consultants is often the most informed choice, as they know the market, are trained to assess people and are able to evaluate such situations.

This way, you can ensure that you might not be on the wrong track in terms of your job performance.

Why Loud Quitting?

Loud Quitting can be an effective strategy if you are confident in your skills and contributions, and if you can make a compelling case for why you should earn more. This approach can help you achieve some of the following benefits:

- A higher salary: If you can prove that you are underpaid compared to the market or your peers, a loud resignation can help you get a raise that matches your value.

- A better position: If you've outgrown your current role or if you have skills that aren't being used, quitting can help you get a promotion or lateral move that offers more challenge and responsibility.

- A more flexible work arrangement: If you value a work-life balance or have personal circumstances that require more flexibility, a loud resignation can help you negotiate remote work, flexible hours or more vacation days.

- A more positive work environment: If you're unhappy with the culture, leadership or team dynamics at your workplace, you can resign out loud to voice your concerns and demand changes that will improve your satisfaction and engagement.

Loud Quitting can also indirectly have some psychological benefits for you. It can boost your self-esteem, assertiveness and self-confidence. It can help you overcome fears, insecurities, or complacency. And it can also help you clarify your career goals and priorities and figure out what makes you happy at work. But keep in mind that this approach can also lead you to overestimate your value and get too wrapped up in one thing - which in turn can lead to you not getting what you want or even a termination by your employer.

How to resign loudly?

Quiet Quitting is definitely not for everyone. It's a risky and bold move that requires careful planning, preparation and execution. If you don't do it right, it can backfire and damage your reputation, relationships or career prospects. Here are some tips on how you can resign loudly and effectively:

- Research: Before you resign out loud, make sure you have solid evidence and data to support your claims. Research the market rate for your position and industry, gather feedback and testimonials from clients or colleagues, document your accomplishments and impact, and identify areas where you add value.

- Set the tone: When expressing dissatisfaction or demanding change, be sure to do so in a professional and polite manner. Avoid aggressive or hostile language and try to formulate your criticism constructively.

- Be patient and consistent: Quitting out loud is usually a long-term process and not a quick fix. Be prepared to have multiple conversations and protracted negotiations. Stay firm and consistent in your message, even if it feels like nothing will change or improve.

- Prepare for the worst: Be aware that it is possible that your efforts will be unsuccessful or ignored. Be prepared to move on if you do not achieve the desired result.

Conclusion

Quiet Quitting is a bold and powerful tool that can help you take control of your career. If you do it right (!), it can help you get better financial rewards, more meaningful work, or better working conditions. It can also be personally satisfying and encouraging to stand up and take charge of your own affairs. Just remember to educate yourself, respectfully set the tone, be patient and consistent, and prepare for the worst. Good luck!