The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”: A New Name for an Old Struggle?
The internet is buzzing with talk of “quiet quitting.” This seemingly new phenomenon has sparked countless articles, social media debates, and even think pieces about the future of work. But is it really new, or are we simply putting a trendy label on an age-old struggle: the quest for a healthy work-life balance?
Understanding the Buzzword: Where Did “Quiet Quitting” Come From?
The phrase itself is credited to TikTok, where videos featuring burned-out employees rejecting hustle culture gained traction. In essence, “quiet quitting” describes the act of doing the bare minimum at work—meeting just your job description requirements and no more. No going above and beyond, no overtime, no checking emails after hours.
While the phrase may be new, the sentiment is not. Employees have long grappled with feeling overworked and undervalued. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its blurred lines between work and home life, further exacerbated these feelings, leading many to re-evaluate their priorities and relationship with work.
