The Rise of Career Cushioning
Remember “Quiet Quitting”? The internet’s favorite workplace buzzword, describing the act of disengaging from work without actually leaving your job, sparked countless debates and think pieces. Then came “Quiet Firing,” its less subtle counterpart, where employers subtly nudge employees towards the exit door. Now, a new term is taking center stage: Career Cushioning.
From Quiet Quitting to Career Cushioning: Understanding the Shift
To understand Career Cushioning, we need to revisit its predecessors. Quiet Quitting, at its core, was a reaction to hustle culture and burnout. Employees, feeling undervalued and overworked, started setting boundaries and prioritizing their well-being, even if it meant doing the bare minimum at work. Quiet Firing, on the other hand, reflected a power imbalance, with employers using tactics like reduced responsibilities or lack of support to push unwanted employees out.
These trends, while seemingly opposing, highlighted a growing disconnect between employers and employees. A lack of open communication, trust, and mutual respect fueled these silent workplace battles.
