Introduction: The Rise of “Quiet Quitting“
The modern workplace is abuzz with a new phrase: “quiet quitting.” Coined in the throes of the Great Resignation and amplified across social media, the term has sparked heated debates about work-life balance, employee expectations, and the very definition of a fulfilling career. But is “quiet quitting” simply a trendy repackaging of setting boundaries, or does it signify a more concerning trend of disengagement and apathy?
Understanding the “Quiet Quitting” Phenomenon
The rise of “quiet quitting” can be traced back to several factors. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a dramatic shift in work dynamics, blurring the lines between personal and professional lives. Many employees, experiencing burnout and disillusionment, began questioning their relationship with work. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, provided a space for these feelings to coalesce into a shared experience, giving rise to the viral term.
At its core, “quiet quitting” refers to the act of doing the bare minimum at work — fulfilling your job description without going above and beyond. It’s about opting out of the hustle culture mentality, rejecting the pressure to overwork, and prioritizing personal time over climbing the corporate ladder.
