Quiet Quitting vs. Setting Boundaries: Is There Even a Difference?





The Rise of Quiet Quitting and the Push for Boundaries

The modern workplace is buzzing with two seemingly opposing trends: “quiet quitting” and the emphasis on setting firm boundaries. What was once a straightforward equation of employee and employer now feels like a complex negotiation of time, energy, and expectations. But are these trends truly opposing, or are they two sides of the same coin?

From Hustle Culture to Disengagement: Understanding the Shift

For years, “hustle culture” reigned supreme. Employees were expected to go above and beyond, blurring the lines between personal and professional lives. This constant pressure cooker environment, fueled by social media comparisons and the fear of economic uncertainty, inevitably led to burnout and a sense of disillusionment.

Enter “quiet quitting.” Not necessarily about quitting your job entirely, but rather quitting the idea of going above and beyond. It’s about doing the bare minimum required, setting clear boundaries between work life and personal time, and refusing to engage in the “always-on” mentality.

Diverse group of people working on a project, smiling and collaborating in a bright, open office space