A WOMAN who went viral after quitting her job live on TikTok has been called an “entitled millennial” – but she says she’s living the dream.
American content creator Marisa Mayes quit her job in December 2020, during the so-called ‘Great Resignation’.
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The Covid-19 pandemic fuelled a shift in priorities for workers across the globe, leading to a spike in resignations.
Mayes was just one of many during the pandemic who left behind the “big fancy” corporate job where she was miserable, in favour of change – despite how unpredictable unemployment is.
In an interview with Fortune, Mayes explained: “Medical device sales is, debatably, one of the most sought-after jobs by people in my age range because it comes with a high salary, traveling, and luxury hotels.
“I like doing creative work, and I don’t like being around people.
“This was a sales position in which I was always talking to customers and doing analytical things, which isn’t what I enjoy. Trying to force myself to do a job like that required so much effort.
“It took Covid-19 hitting to make me realise I was still unhappy, even in this big fancy job.”
Mayes, who was 26-years-old at the time, posted the video of quitting her job on TikTok.
Florence and The Machine’s song “Dog Days Are Over” was playing in the background as she prepares for the call.
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In the video, Mayes records the hours and minutes leading up to when she calls her boss – as well as the actual moment she gives two weeks’ notice.
It felt like “second nature” to share the moment with the internet, although she also had a hunch that the video would perform well.
The video has since been viewed millions of times.
Mayes now has nearly 155,000 followers on TikTok under the handle @itsmarisajo and is a content creator full time.
The Phoenix-based work-life-balance advocate often receives praise on the comments sections of her videos for her bravery in quitting a job with little back-up plan.
But some people have been more judgmental.
“People say things like, ‘How does it feel to be living my dream?’” she said.
“But they also say I’m an entitled millennial who doesn’t know the value of hard work.”
She added: “I could’ve gone a different route [in the video], but I knew my feelings about the situation were more of a reflection of corporate America as a whole, and a reflection of me, rather than my company.
“That’s why I haven’t even said the name of the company or given names; it’s not really about them.
“The video is about me taking control and making an empowered decision.”
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