Revenge quitting is set as a trap when leaving work without planning, analyzes career specialist

The term revenge (translated by “demission for revenge”) has gained prominence in the labor market to describe an increasingly common phenomenon: when professionals resign impulsively, driven by frustration or resentment accumulated in the corporate environment.

According to Virgilio Marques dos Santos, a professional development specialist and founding partner of FM2S Education and Consulting (startup based in the Unicamp Science and Technology Park), this type of decision is usually not motivated by a search for new opportunities, but by a desire to protest or “teach a” lesson to the company.

“Although it may seem liberating at the moment, the revenge it is often an emotional and not strategic reaction, which generates significant consequences for the career and financial stability of the professional”, he analyzes.

Exhaustion at work has been pointed out as one of the most common causes of this behavior. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is already recognized as an occupational phenomenon, which makes many professionals feel that abrupt exit is the only solution to its wear and tear. “This impulsive attitude, often linked to a disconnection with company values or even an idealization of 'large dismissals’, irreversibly damages the career”, explains the expert.

He emphasizes that the problem is not frustration itself, which is legitimate, but the way it is managed. “Between the stimulus and the response, there is a space.In this space, there is the power to choose the” response, he quotes, referring to the thought of Viktor Frankl revenge it ignores this space and results in hasty decisions that do not contribute to professional growth.

Although quitting employment may be a necessary decision in some cases, the expert warns of the importance of a planned exit.“Arupt ruptures compromise the financial and professional future, especially in times of economic uncertainty”, he says.

“Before making definitive decisions, professionals need to reflect on what is really causing the discomfort.Often, the root of the problem is not in the work itself, but in specific situations that could possibly be resolved with the” dialogue, it follows. Thus, seeking an open conversation with leaders or colleagues leads to unexpected solutions, in addition to demonstrating maturity and commitment. “When the exit is inevitable, planning is essential. Ensuring a safe transition, with another opportunity already aligned or a financial reserve, helps to avoid” regrets.

In addition, moments of dissatisfaction also reveal themselves as valuable opportunities for self-development. “It is the ideal time to seek new learning, courses or mentoring, broadening the horizons for better opportunities in the future. Getting out of what no longer serves us is important, but the focus should be on the future we want to build, and not on” vendettas, he reflects.

Finally, he quotes Daniel Goleman, author of “Emotional Intelligence““Transforming frustrations into growth levers and abandoning what no longer makes sense are mature and strategic attitudes capable of opening new career paths. 2025 may be the year you turn adversity into opportunities, with focus and emotional intelligence to build a more promising future”.