Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? What the Latest Work Trend Really Means
The Rise of “Quiet Quitting“
It’s the buzzword echoing through breakrooms and LinkedIn feeds alike: “quiet quitting.” But what does it actually mean? Is it a mass exodus of disengaged employees, or simply a rebranding of an age-old concept?
This much-discussed trend speaks to a growing sentiment among workers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, who are pushing back against the “hustle culture” that’s become synonymous with professional success. They’re not necessarily quitting their jobs outright, but they are “quitting” the idea of going above and beyond, working late nights, and sacrificing their personal lives for the sake of their careers.
However, the pandemic, coupled with the rise of remote work, forced many to re-evaluate their priorities. The lines between work and personal life blurred, and burnout became rampant. This led to a collective realization: Something had to give.
Decoding the Trend: Disengagement or Self-Preservation?
Here’s where the debate heats up. Some argue that “quiet quitting” is simply a euphemism for disengagement—a lack of commitment and effort that ultimately hurts both the individual and the organization.
Others, however, view it as a necessary correction, a way to reclaim personal time and establish healthy boundaries. This perspective frames “quiet quitting” as a form of self-preservation, a way to avoid burnout and prioritize well-being without completely abandoning one’s job.
The reality, as with most things, likely lies somewhere in the middle. There are undoubtedly cases where “quiet quitting” stems from genuine dissatisfaction and a desire to mentally “check out.” But there are also countless examples of individuals who are simply choosing to work smarter, not harder, and to prioritize their own needs alongside their professional responsibilities.