The Rise of Quiet Quitting
The term ‘quiet quitting‘ has taken the internet by storm, sparking heated debates about work-life balance, employee expectations, and the very nature of work itself. But is it really about quitting? Not in the traditional sense. Quiet quitting is more about setting boundaries, prioritizing well-being, and mentally checking out from the ‘always-on’ mentality that often pervades modern workplaces.
Understanding Hustle Culture and Its Impact
To understand quiet quitting, we need to understand the environment that birthed it: hustle culture. This pervasive ethos glorifies relentless work, side hustles, and the pursuit of success at all costs. While ambition can be a powerful motivator, the relentless pressure to achieve can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a skewed sense of self-worth tied solely to professional achievements.
Social media often exacerbates this pressure, showcasing curated versions of success and creating a fear of missing out (FOMO) that drives individuals to work longer and harder. The lines between personal and professional life blur, and the expectation to be ‘always on’ becomes the norm.