The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”: A New Name for an Old Struggle?
The term “quiet quitting” has taken the internet by storm, sparking countless articles, social media debates, and even think pieces about the future of work. But is this really a new phenomenon, or have we simply slapped a catchy label on an age-old struggle – the quest for work-life balance?
The Roots of Discontent: Understanding the “Quiet Quitting” Phenomenon
To understand “quiet quitting,” we need to look at the context in which it emerged. The COVID-19 pandemic blurred the lines between work and personal life, leading to burnout and exhaustion for many. Employees, especially millennials and Gen Z, started questioning the expectation of going above and beyond, particularly when it came at the expense of their well-being.
This questioning gave rise to the concept of “quiet quitting” – essentially, doing the bare minimum at work and refusing to engage in activities outside of one’s job description. It’s about opting out of the hustle culture that glorifies overworking and prioritizing personal time and mental health.
