Quitting a job can be one of the most liberating experiences, a moment when you finally take control and choose freedom over routine. As someone who has taken that leap, I know the mix of emotions—excitement, fear, relief—that comes with handing in your resignation. Music has always been a source of comfort and inspiration for me, especially during such pivotal life changes.
In this playlist, I’ve curated a list of 20 songs that perfectly capture the essence of quitting your job. These tracks resonate with the courage it takes to walk away and the exhilaration of embracing the unknown.
Contents
- 1. “Last Hour Of The Last Day Of Work” by Less Than Jake
- 2. “Quit Your Job” by Oh Honey
- 3. “Quit Your Job” by Jon Wiilde
- 4. “This Fucking Job” by Drive-By Truckers
- 5. “I Hate My Job” by Cam’ron
- 6. “Quit Your Job” by Thundamentals
- 7. “Shove This Jay-Oh-Bee” by Canibus ft. Biz Markie
- 8. “I Quit My Job” by Old Man Luedecke
- 9. “Quit Your Job” by Jamie Foxx
- 10. “Dead End Job” by The Police
- 11. “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” by The Animals
- 12. “Quit My Job” by Rocky Leon
- 13. “Frankly, Mr. Shankly” by The Smiths
- 14. “Take This Job and Shove It” by Johnny Paycheck
- 15. “Quit Your Job” by Chixdiggit
- 16. “Johnny Cash” by Jason Aldean
- 17. “Tell Mama” by Savoy Brown
- 18. “The Job That Ate My Brain” by Ramones
- 19. “Quit Your Job” by Maia Wright
- 20. “I’ve Had It” by Black Flag
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
1. “Last Hour Of The Last Day Of Work” by Less Than Jake
“Last Hour Of The Last Day Of Work” by Less Than Jake is a reflective punk rock song that delves into the monotony and futility of working long hours for minimal reward. The lyrics recount advice given by the protagonist’s father, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time and the importance of living life to the fullest rather than being confined to a life of labor. The song critiques the capitalist system and the competition it fosters, suggesting that despite the hard work, people often end up as “nameless faces” with their efforts unrecognized and unrewarded. The overarching message is to avoid wasting life on unfulfilling work and to seek something more meaningful.
2. “Quit Your Job” by Oh Honey
“Quit Your Job” by Oh Honey is an upbeat, indie-pop track that encourages listeners to leave behind unfulfilling jobs and pursue their passions. The song promotes the idea of taking risks and making bold decisions for the sake of personal happiness and fulfillment. With its catchy melody and positive message, “Quit Your Job” serves as an anthem for those feeling trapped in their current employment and longing for a change. The lyrics emphasize the importance of living authentically and not settling for a life that doesn’t bring joy or satisfaction.
3. “Quit Your Job” by Jon Wiilde
Jon Wiilde’s “Quit Your Job” is a vibey, modern anthem that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the urge to leave a dead-end job. The song captures the moment of realization when one has had enough of the daily grind and decides to make a change. The lyrics reflect the frustration and dissatisfaction that come with a job that no longer serves one’s well-being or aspirations. With a blend of pop and alternative elements, Wiilde’s track is both relatable and empowering, urging listeners to take control of their lives and make the leap towards something better.
4. “This Fucking Job” by Drive-By Truckers
“This Fucking Job” by Drive-By Truckers is a gritty, country-rock song that expresses deep frustration with the working life. The lyrics describe the job as a “kick in the pants” and “a knife in the back,” highlighting the emotional and physical toll it takes on the worker. The song conveys a sense of hopelessness and resignation, as the protagonist realizes that despite all the effort, the job doesn’t lead to any meaningful progress or improvement in life. The recurring theme is the struggle of working hard without seeing any tangible benefits, making it a powerful commentary on the hardships of labor and the desire to escape from it.
5. “I Hate My Job” by Cam’ron
“I Hate My Job” by Cam’ron is a hip-hop track that captures the frustration and dissatisfaction of working in a low-paying, unfulfilling job. The song, released in 2009, reflects the economic struggles many faced during the recession. Cam’ron raps from the perspective of an everyday worker who is fed up with their boss, low wages, and the monotonous routine. The lyrics highlight the feeling of being trapped in a job that offers little reward or respect, and the desire to break free from the cycle of working just to make ends meet.
6. “Quit Your Job” by Thundamentals
“Quit Your Job” by Thundamentals is an Australian hip-hop song that humorously critiques the modern work environment. The track expresses the desire to leave a job due to an overbearing boss and lack of appreciation. The lyrics convey a sense of rebellion against the traditional work structure, with the chorus emphasizing the wish to quit but acknowledging the constraints that prevent immediate action. The song uses witty wordplay and a catchy beat to deliver its message, making it both relatable and entertaining for listeners who have experienced similar frustrations.
7. “Shove This Jay-Oh-Bee” by Canibus ft. Biz Markie
“Shove This Jay-Oh-Bee” by Canibus, featuring Biz Markie, is a track from the Office Space soundtrack that encapsulates the dissatisfaction with a mundane job. The song describes the daily grind and the stress of working in a corporate environment, where layoffs and high workloads are common. The lyrics suggest that quitting would bring a sense of relief, as echoed in the repeated hook, “Take this job and shove it.” The song humorously captures the sentiment of wanting to leave a job that causes more stress than satisfaction, resonating with anyone who has ever felt undervalued at work.
8. “I Quit My Job” by Old Man Luedecke
“I Quit My Job” by Old Man Luedecke is a folk song that celebrates the liberation and joy of leaving an unsatisfying job. The lyrics encourage listeners to discard societal expectations and embrace personal freedom. With a cheerful melody and optimistic tone, the song portrays quitting as a positive step towards a more fulfilling life. It emphasizes the importance of pursuing one’s passions and living authentically rather than being confined by the demands of a traditional job.
9. “Quit Your Job” by Jamie Foxx
“Quit Your Job” by Jamie Foxx is an R&B track from his 2010 album Best Night of My Life. The song encourages a woman to leave her demanding job and spend more time with him. The lyrics suggest that her current job is too taxing and that she deserves a break. Foxx’s smooth vocals and the song’s catchy chorus emphasize the liberation and joy that come from quitting a stressful job. The song mixes romantic and playful elements, urging the listener to prioritize personal happiness over a grueling work schedule.
10. “Dead End Job” by The Police
“Dead End Job” by The Police is a punk rock song that critiques the monotony and lack of fulfillment in low-paying, unskilled jobs. Written by Sting and Stewart Copeland, the song was recorded in 1977 and released as the B-side to “Can’t Stand Losing You”. The lyrics express a strong desire to escape from a job that feels like a dead end, with repetitive lines like “I don’t want no dead end job, I don’t wanna be no number.” The song captures the frustration of being stuck in a job that offers no prospects for advancement or personal growth.
11. “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” by The Animals
“We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” by The Animals is a classic rock anthem from 1965 that became an iconic song for those feeling trapped in their circumstances. Written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, the song was a hit during the Vietnam War era and resonated deeply with soldiers and civilians alike. The lyrics describe the struggles of living in a bleak, industrial city and the urgent desire to escape to a better life. The powerful chorus, “We gotta get out of this place, if it’s the last thing we ever do,” underscores the universal longing for freedom and a fresh start.
12. “Quit My Job” by Rocky Leon
“Quit My Job” by Rocky Leon is a folk-reggae song that celebrates the decision to leave an unfulfilling job. The lyrics reflect the artist’s personal journey of realizing that life is too short to spend in a job that doesn’t bring joy or satisfaction. The song promotes the idea of pursuing one’s passions and living a life true to oneself. With its upbeat melody and positive message, “Quit My Job” inspires listeners to take control of their destiny and make bold choices for their happiness.
13. “Frankly, Mr. Shankly” by The Smiths
“Frankly, Mr. Shankly” by The Smiths is a jangle pop song from their 1986 album The Queen Is Dead. The lyrics, penned by Morrissey, express the frustration of an employee towards his boss, Mr. Shankly, who is widely believed to represent Geoff Travis, the head of Rough Trade Records. The song humorously criticizes the boss’s “bloody awful poetry” and the soul-corroding nature of the job. It captures the desire to leave a stifling work environment in pursuit of fame and personal fulfillment, even if it means facing uncertainty. The upbeat melody contrasts with the biting lyrics, creating a memorable track that resonates with anyone who has felt undervalued at work.
14. “Take This Job and Shove It” by Johnny Paycheck
“Take This Job and Shove It” by Johnny Paycheck is a classic country song released in 1977. Written by David Allan Coe, the song became an anthem for disgruntled workers everywhere. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has had enough of his job and his boss, declaring that he is quitting. The song’s catchy chorus, “Take this job and shove it, I ain’t workin’ here no more,” encapsulates the frustration and liberation of leaving a toxic work environment. Its straightforward and rebellious message has made it a timeless favorite for those dreaming of quitting their jobs.
15. “Quit Your Job” by Chixdiggit
“Quit Your Job” by Chixdiggit is a punk rock track that encourages listeners to leave their unfulfilling jobs. The song features fast-paced, energetic music typical of the punk genre, and its lyrics reflect a sense of urgency and rebellion. The message is clear: life is too short to spend in a job that doesn’t bring happiness or satisfaction. The song’s direct approach and high energy make it a perfect anthem for those contemplating a major life change.
16. “Johnny Cash” by Jason Aldean
“Johnny Cash” by Jason Aldean is a country rock song from his 2007 album Relentless. While not explicitly about quitting a job, the song captures the spirit of rebellion and the desire to break free from the constraints of everyday life. The lyrics describe hitting the road and living life on one’s own terms, much like the legendary Johnny Cash. The song’s themes of freedom and defiance resonate with the idea of leaving behind a restrictive job to pursue one’s passions and dreams.
17. “Tell Mama” by Savoy Brown
“Tell Mama” by Savoy Brown is a blues-rock song that captures the essence of leaving behind an unsatisfying life, including a job. The lyrics describe the protagonist’s decision to quit his job and leave town, despite having no money. This decision is portrayed as a necessary step towards finding something better and more fulfilling. The song’s narrative revolves around the idea of seeking freedom and change, using the metaphor of boarding a train to symbolize the journey towards a new beginning.
18. “The Job That Ate My Brain” by Ramones
“The Job That Ate My Brain” by the Ramones is a punk rock anthem from their 1992 album Mondo Bizarro. The song vividly depicts the mental toll of a monotonous and demanding job. The lyrics describe the protagonist’s hectic routine, including rushing to catch public transport and dealing with an overbearing boss. The chorus, “I can’t take this crazy pace, I’ve become a mental case,” underscores the overwhelming stress and dissatisfaction associated with the job. The song captures the frustration of feeling trapped in a job that consumes one’s mental well-being.
19. “Quit Your Job” by Maia Wright
“Quit Your Job” by Maia Wright is a pop song that centers on the impact of work on personal relationships. The lyrics express the narrator’s frustration with her partner’s constant overtime work, which affects their relationship. The song serves as a plea for the partner to prioritize their relationship over work, encapsulated in the repeated request to “quit your job, put the work in me.” It highlights the need to reassess priorities when work begins to interfere with personal happiness and connection.
20. “I’ve Had It” by Black Flag
“I’ve Had It” by Black Flag is a hardcore punk song that embodies the raw frustration and anger of dealing with an oppressive work environment. The lyrics are straightforward and express the protagonist’s disdain for his boss and the overall work situation. The song conveys a sense of rebellion and the desire to break free from the constraints of a job that feels abusive and mentally exhausting. The repeated declaration of “I’ve had it!” emphasizes the urgency and intensity of the protagonist’s feelings, making it a powerful anthem for those who have reached their breaking point.
Submit Your Song to This Playlist
Do you have a track or song you’d like to feature on this playlist? If so, please fill out the form below for our evaluation.

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.