The Silent Revolution: What is ‘Quiet Quitting’?
It’s a trend sweeping social media and sparking heated debates: “quiet quitting.” But before you imagine hordes of Gen Z workers dramatically clearing out their desks, let’s clarify. Quiet quitting isn’t about actually leaving your job. It’s more about leaving the idea of going above and beyond. It’s about setting boundaries, working to live, not living to work.
Think clocking out exactly at 5 p.m., not checking emails after work hours, and focusing solely on the tasks explicitly outlined in your job description. Essentially, it’s fulfilling your responsibilities without subscribing to the “hustle culture” often associated with career advancement.
Why the Silence? Understanding the ‘Quiet Quitting’ Context
To understand this phenomenon, we need to look at the backdrop against which it’s emerging. Gen Z enters the workforce facing a different landscape than previous generations. Here are some key factors fueling the quiet quitting trend:
- Burnout: Gen Z witnessed millennials grappling with burnout, and they’re wary. The pressure to constantly perform, be “always on,” and chase the next promotion can be exhausting, leaving little room for personal life and well-being.
