The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”: Disengagement or Self-Preservation?
The term “quiet quitting” has taken the internet by storm, sparking countless debates about work ethic, employee expectations, and the evolving nature of the employer-employee relationship. But is this phenomenon truly about a silent resignation from going above and beyond, or is it a long-overdue recalibration of boundaries in a demanding work culture?
The Backlash Against “Hustle Culture” and the Search for Balance
To understand “quiet quitting,” we need to acknowledge the context in which it emerged. The past decade has witnessed the rise of “hustle culture” — a relentless glorification of overworking and prioritizing professional achievement above all else. Social media feeds became saturated with stories of entrepreneurs pulling all-nighters and CEOs boasting about their lack of sleep.
This constant pressure to perform and the blurring of lines between work and personal life have led many individuals, particularly millennials and Gen Z, to question the sustainability of this lifestyle. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated this issue, forcing people to confront the limitations of work-life balance and re-evaluate their priorities.
