'I was about to revenge quit my job when I heard 9 words that changed my mind.'

Thinking about quitting your job because you're fed up, undervalued, or just plain over it? I've been there in some of my previous jobs, too.

But before you dramatically storm out or send that scathing email, I have a more satisfying approach to share with you.

Forget TikTok's dramatic exit videos. The real power move isn't throwing your badge across the desk; it's leaving so gracefully that, like an obsessed ex, the company is still hung up on you months later.

As discussed on Mamamia's BIZ podcast, hosted by Soph Hirst and Michelle Battersby, "true revenge is when your employer mourns your loss" — and those nine words, my friends, are the sweetest revenge of all.

Watch: How to revenge quit. Post continues after video.

"To be truly revenge quitting, your absence has to be mourned by the previous employer," recruitment expert Nikola Squires explained on the podcast.

"So it needs to be handled with that level of finesse... going out and being like, 'Here's everything that I do for you. Here it is; I've wrapped everything up. I was an A-grade employee, and now I'm going elsewhere because I haven't been appreciated for the contributions I was making here.'"

She added: "I think for it to truly be revenge, you have to handle it in such a way that it's probably not known that that's actually what is happening." Then "on reflection they will be like, 'Okay, wow, we probably should have done more for this person.'"

It's an approach that requires finesse but, when done correctly, you will achieve the 'revenge' you've been seeking without burning any bridges. A win-win.

But wait! Before you make any dramatic moves…

Before you decide to call time on your job, consider these practical steps.

Have that awkward conversation.

As recommended on BIZ, "Explore your options before you leave. Talk to your manager. If your manager is the problem, then talk to a different leader. Realign the expectations for your role, talk about what's making you unhappy, and try to make some changes."

Know when it's actually time to go.

Nikola explained on BIZ that it's time to leave "when you feel like you have capped out your growth potential in that particular role".

She elaborated: "You're in a role for 12 months, you have kind of done a full cycle, you've mastered it, you understand what needs to happen there. You then have six to 12 months more of operating with your full mastership under your belt, and then it's time to start looking."

Don't worry about having another job lined up.

Contrary to popular belief, Nikola told BIZ, "If you're in a position where you know an organisation isn't right for you anymore, and you feel comfortable from a financial position... I don't think there are any issues with [quitting without another job lined up]. In fact, it's actually very appealing, as someone who's hiring, to have a strong profile in front of you and know that they can start immediately."

How to execute your dramatic exit.

Once you've decided to leave, make it count.

Go like a professional.

Nikola emphasised: "You need to go out strong. You need to work in partnership with your management team as you're leaving. Things like handovers, making sure that any work that only you are holding is wrapped up in a really nice way."

Watch your communication.

"It could be very tempting, especially if you feel underappreciated in that specific situation, to go around talking about the new opportunity you got, all the reasons why, and start bad-mouthing individuals within your management hierarchy," said Nikola. "That is a definite no."

Burning bridges won't get you revenge — the company will simply be relieved you're gone.

Plan your references and network.

It's all about designing your exit.

"Think about the people that you want to get references from before you leave.

"Think about your handover, think about the people that you want to stay in touch with, and even book in coffee catch-ups with them before you leave," said Nikola.

The power of leaving gracefully.

A dramatic storm-out might seem enticing in the moment, especially if you're at your wits' end in a role. But in the end, it won't achieve your goal.

"If you show a level of immaturity during that period of time, they're going to be like, 'Oh, they probably weren't right for the organisation anyway," said Nikola.

"Whereas if you handle it with complete grace, then that is when it's true revenge."

As Soph and Michelle said, "Your career is way too important, and your life is way too precious, to be unhappy every day going to work. So definitely make the change if it has to happen."

But make them miss you when you're gone — that's true revenge.

Soph Hirst and Michelle Battersby are your favourite new internet career mentors 💖 — helping Gen Z fast-track their careers without hating their lives.

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Feature Image: Getty