At its core, quiet quitting refers to the act of doing the bare minimum at work. It’s about fulfilling your job description without going above and beyond, setting clear boundaries between your professional and personal life. While this might sound like a recipe for career stagnation to some, others argue it’s a necessary act of self-preservation in today’s demanding work culture.

The term itself is somewhat misleading, as it doesn’t actually involve quitting your job. Instead, it’s more about “quitting the hustle culture” and rejecting the notion that we should be constantly striving for more, often at the expense of our well-being.

Quiet Quitting vs. Setting Healthy Boundaries

The crucial question is: Where does quiet quitting end and setting healthy boundaries begin? It’s a nuanced distinction that often depends on individual perspectives and workplace dynamics.

Here are some key differences to consider:

• Intent: Quiet quitting can be rooted in frustration, disengagement, or even resentment towards one’s job. Healthy boundaries, on the other hand, stem from a desire for work-life balance and prioritizing personal well-being.
• Communication: Setting healthy boundaries involves open communication with your employer and colleagues about your limits and expectations. Quiet quitting, however, often manifests as a silent withdrawal without explicit communication.
• Impact: While setting boundaries can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction, quiet quitting may result in decreased work quality, strained relationships with colleagues, and missed opportunities for growth.