19 Shocking Reasons People Walked Out of Their Jobs And Never Looked Back
Ever felt like you were slowly boiling alive at your job, only realizing the pot was on just moments before the lid blew off? Yeah, been there. Toxic workplaces have a sneaky way of creeping up on you—like frogs in boiling water, you don’t notice until the heat is unbearable or someone throws a lifeline your way. So, what finally pushes someone to say, “I’m outta here!”? Spoiler alert: It’s often a wild cocktail of idiotic management, bizarre office politics, or downright unsafe conditions. One curious soul took to the internet asking exactly that—why did you quit or get canned from your last gig? The answers? Juicy, cringe-worthy, and sometimes downright shocking. We even chatted with career coach Daphne Gomez for some pro insights — so grab that coffee, settle in, and prepare to nod, gasp, and maybe laugh at these real-deal exit stories. Who knows, you might just spot the “red flag” you’ve been ignoring all along… LEARN MORE
The only thing worse than a toxic workplace is staying in a toxic workplace, but like frogs in boiling water, we often don’t notice the “heat” until someone points it out or, finally, some final incident pushes us over the edge.
So one person asked the internet to share the reason they left or were fired from their last job. From idiotic management to unsafe working conditions, netizens responded with a host of stories. We also got in touch with career coach Daphne Gomez to learn more. So get comfortable, pour yourself another cup of coffee, and get scrolling. Be sure to comment your thoughts and upvote your favorites.
I asked for a raise when I realized my job was about 5 positions in 1. When my boss tried to get my raise approved, she was denied. She told the big bosses that I would walk if this wasn’t approved and they literally said “oh well.”
I got my dream job the following week.
Started a job as security for a gate at a nuclear power plant, enjoyed it, was working 40 hours a week. Showed up every day, didn’t complain. Then they fire 3 people for no reason and make me start working 80 hours a week mandatory. I was making tons of money but was struggling to find time to buy groceries since I worked until late at night.
Boss starts micromanaging every little thing while I’m working 16 hr days. Then they wanted me to start training people, said I’d get a 2 dollar an hour raise for doing it, that never happened. Then I had some car issues and I couldn’t come in one day. I had to go to Autozone and buy a replacement part. I got the problem solved and was good to go the next day. I never missed a day in six months. My boss called every car shop in town (allegedly), and said that I was lying. I bring the part that I replaced in to show her. She says that’s not enough proof and that no one in town said they sold me that part. She wrote me up and then said I might be fired or I might not, and I’ll know at the end of the week. I said okay and she asked me if I was coming in tomorrow morning and I said sure.
Next day I slept in and never showed up, apparently there were trucks backed all the way up the road for 4 hours since I didn’t show up to open the gate. Boss texts me saying I’ll be criminally charged for not showing, I just ignored it so she called me everyday for about a week. I never answered. Found out later that she went on a power trip and fired the people I trained because I “taught them wrong” then replaced them with her relatives. This is the person guarding your energy infrastructure America!
Change in management. First day on the job, new manager said “what is it that you do all day, because nothing ever seems to get done”
Should have taken the 6 weeks of holidays that I was owed that day but didn’t.
Within a year of my finally leaving, I was replaced by 4 people
I took early retirement to get away from the micromanagement that was endemic throughout the company from the top down. I now work part-time for a lot less money, but somewhere where I’m appreciated and looked after. My mental and physical health has improved beyond measure.
My father was hired in the same company.
When on working sites he talked to me like his ”kid” and spoke to other people about me like i was still a child…
It ruined every single relationship i had with other workers, i was looked on as a child when i was 20 years old, all respect from the boss was down the drain and i just had no voice anymore…
I had to go..
Father of the year
Use to never understand people when they said “new manager so I left”. Use to think they were overreacting.
Last job I quit because new management. Now I understand what they were saying.
I was teaching high school social studies. Had a difficult heart episode (had previous heart attack) and my friends at school who visited every day in the ICU, convinced me it was time to retire. That was 4 years ago. They were right. I love being retired.
I was a teacher. My vice principal yelled in my face in front of a student. A combination of other factors had built up over time and made me hate teaching, but that was the straw that broke my back at that place. After that, I walked down to the principal’s office and told him I intended to resign.
Right now, I’m in the process of changing careers, but I’m far happier than I was as a teacher. I’m glad I left when I did.
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