For years, “hustle culture” reigned supreme. We were bombarded with messages glorifying long hours, relentless ambition, and prioritizing work above all else. This led to burnout, dissatisfaction, and a blurring of lines between professional and personal life.

Enter “quiet quitting,” a term that, despite its name, is more about opting out of the hustle than actually quitting your job. It’s about doing the bare minimum required, setting boundaries between work and personal time, and refusing to subscribe to the “always-on” mentality.

Quiet Quitting vs. Setting Boundaries: What’s the Difference?

While the phrase “quiet quitting” has caught on, it’s important to distinguish it from the crucial act of setting healthy boundaries.

• Quiet Quitting: This often implies disengagement and a lack of enthusiasm, potentially leading to decreased productivity and a sense of apathy towards one’s work.
• Setting Boundaries: This involves clearly defining limits between work and personal life to protect well-being and prevent burnout. It’s about communicating your needs, prioritizing your time, and saying “no” when necessary.

While quiet quitting can be a symptom of a larger issue – feeling undervalued, overworked, or lacking a sense of purpose – setting boundaries is a proactive approach to creating a sustainable and fulfilling work-life balance.