Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? Why the Latest Work Trend Sparks Debate
The Silent Shift: What is Quiet Quitting?
The workplace is buzzing, but not with the usual hustle. Instead, whispers of “quiet quitting” echo through breakrooms and online forums. This seemingly new phenomenon has ignited a firestorm of opinions, leaving many wondering: Is it a justified response to exploitative work cultures or a recipe for career stagnation?
From Hustle Culture to Silent Discontent
To understand “quiet quitting,” we need to rewind. The past decade saw the rise of “hustle culture,” glorifying relentless work as the sole path to success. Social media amplified this narrative, showcasing entrepreneurs and CEOs grinding 24/7. But behind the curated feeds, a silent undercurrent of burnout and dissatisfaction was brewing.
Enter “quiet quitting.” While definitions vary, it generally refers to employees doing the bare minimum at work— fulfilling their job descriptions but not going above and beyond. They’re clocking out mentally, disengaging from the pressure to overwork and prioritizing their well-being.