Is It Quiet Quitting or Setting Boundaries? Unpacking the Latest Work Trend
The Rise of “Quiet Quitting“
Lately, the term “quiet quitting” has exploded across social media and infiltrated water cooler conversations. It seems everyone’s whispering about it, debating its merits, and wondering if they’re guilty of it themselves. But what does this buzzword really mean? Is it a new phenomenon, or simply a trendy rebranding of an age-old workplace struggle?
From Hustle Culture to Disillusionment: Understanding the Context
To understand “quiet quitting,” we need to look at the larger context of work culture. For years, the prevailing narrative championed “hustle culture” – a relentless pursuit of productivity, often at the expense of personal well-being. Employees were encouraged to go above and beyond, blurring the lines between work and life.
However, the pandemic forced a collective pause, prompting many to re-evaluate their priorities. The Great Resignation saw millions leaving their jobs, seeking better work-life balance, flexibility, and a sense of purpose. “Quiet quitting” seems to have emerged from this wave of disillusionment, reflecting a growing sentiment of doing the bare minimum to avoid burnout.
