What the viral toilet paper resignation tells us: 5 signs it's time to quit before you reach breaking point

A Singapore-based director recently sparked a social media stir after sharing a resignation letter, which was written on a roll of toilet paper.
Angela Yeoh posted the image on LinkedIn, captioning it with a powerful statement: “I felt like toilet paper — used when needed, then discarded without a second thought.”

With increasing conversations around toxic modern workplaces, the question many professionals face is this: Should you stay and fight the good fight, or walk away to preserve your mental peace? The now-viral toilet-paper resignation highlights just how far some employees are pushed, says Amaira Dubey, a Dubai-based entrepreneur and former corporate communications consultant. “How much pressure must someone feel to reach the point of quitting on toilet paper?” she asks.

The truth is, the signs of burnout and job-related exhaustion are almost always there—we just tend to overlook them. “Most people keep pushing past the fatigue, convincing themselves they should hang on a little longer,” says Mishti Dev, a Dubai-based manager.

So before you hit the metaphorical toilet-paper stage, here are a few signs to watch out for—according to Dubai-based workplace mentor Angelina Hoch, and Dubey, who’s seen it all firsthand.

You wake up already drained

If your energy is gone before you even get out of bed, it’s more than just needing another coffee. Persistent dread, exhaustion that start on Saturday morning are your nervous system waving a red flag.

What to do: Track your moods for a week. Are you unhappy because of a specific task or colleague—or is the whole job the problem?

You feel invisible

When you’re doing the work, hitting deadlines, maybe even going above and beyond, but getting barely any recognition, it chips away at your motivation. No feedback. No growth.

What to do: Try speaking up. Ask for feedback, raise your hand for projects. If you're still invisible after that, it might be time to be seen somewhere else.  Have an professional conversation with your immediate manager. Use specific examples to explain your concerns and suggest solutions.

Keep detailed records of incidents, conversations, and actions taken. This can serve as evidence if further escalation is needed.

Your values don’t align anymore

You’re expected to push sales you don’t believe in. The company turns a blind eye to workplace toxicity. Maybe, your ideas for positive change are routinely shut down. At some point, a job that clashes with your principles can feel like a daily betrayal.

What to do: Ask yourself: If I didn’t work here, would I trust or admire this company? If the answer is no, your exit plan should start now.

You’ve outgrown your role

You’ve learned all there is to learn, and now you're coasting. Or worse, stagnating. Every week feels like déjà vu with less excitement. If you’re no longer challenged, you may start resenting the very thing that once inspired you.

What to do: Explore whether you can pivot within your company. If not, don’t settle—stretch elsewhere.

You fantasise about quitting — daily

Maybe your version isn’t toilet paper. Maybe it’s a dramatic exit email, or walking out mid-meeting. If quitting has moved from occasional thought to full-blown fantasy, that’s not just escapism. It’s your inner self pleading for change.

What to do: Start prepping. Update your CV, reach out to contacts, and begin job-hunting on the side.