‘Don’t resign on your worst day’: Reddit user advises employee with 10 years of experience to reconsider quitting job over office politics

Toxic workplaces, difficult managers and office politics can gradually turn a job into a source of constant stress, making even experienced employees question their career choices. While disagreements at work are inevitable, persistent criticism, lack of recognition and unhealthy workplace dynamics can affect morale, motivation and mental peace. Recently, an employee with 10 years of work experience found himself at a similar crossroads and considered leaving his corporate career to pursue a personalised food business. However, Reddit users urged him to think twice before taking the leap.

Employee says office politics is pushing him to quit

In the Reddit post, the employee revealed that he had become increasingly frustrated with his job after a decade of working in a tier-one city. A recent confrontation with his manager pushed him further towards quitting. After taking his first sick leave in six months, he was questioned about it, with his manager also raising concerns about his work, skills, proactiveness and leadership.

The employee said he defended himself wherever he felt the criticism was unfair, but the episode left him feeling that his efforts and confidence, which he had built through interactions with clients and management, meant little in the face of office politics. He described feeling betrayed and disappointed, with the incident affecting his sleep and occupying his thoughts repeatedly.

Employee wants to start food business

He was now seriously considering returning home and leaving his job, believing that earning less would be worth the trade-off for better mental peace. At 31, he had also spent the past 10 months preparing for a career switch. A passionate cook, he had experimented with a small kitchen in his society and received good reviews. The venture is currently non-operational because of an issue with the flat owner, but he believes he could restart it after returning home.

However, finances remained a major concern. Despite wanting to leave, he said other companies were not calling him for interviews because his current package was considered beyond their budget. His existing role also requires him to work from the office five days a week, with shifts applicable, making him question whether staying longer would take a further toll on his mental well-being. Unsure whether quitting was an impulsive reaction or the right move, he asked Reddit users for brutally honest advice.

Reddit advises caution before quitting

One Reddit user summed up their advice with, 'Don’t resign on your worst day.’ They suggested building a 6-to-9-month financial cushion and restarting the kitchen as a side business. If the venture became financially sustainable, quitting could then be a calculated decision rather than an emotional escape.

Another advised the employee to spend more time evaluating the decision, including his finances, plans and exit strategy, pointing out that his choice appeared to be driven by both emotion and logic.

An individual who had experience working for a food-delivery company and closely observing restaurant finances warned that the food business can be extremely competitive. They advised the employee not to quit solely to pursue the venture and instead suggested keeping it as a side gig until its viability became clearer.