One day you’re hustling like there’s no tomorrow. The next, you’re rethinking your entire work ethic over coffee break. That’s quiet quitting: doing the bare minimum expected of you.
Is this the start of a career revolution? Are people just reclaiming their sanity in a post-burnout world? Or is Gen Z as soft as the older generations say we are?
Let’s unpack.
What Exactly is Quiet Quitting?
No, it doesn’t involve quitting your job. Instead, it’s dialling back the unpaid overtime, saying no to the “can we hop on a quick call?” message at 7pm, and strictly sticking to the actual job description.
Why Does It Seem Like Everyone’s Doing It?
Burnout is realer than ever.
After surviving a global pandemic and way too many Zoom marathons, people’s brains are fried. Plus, job burnout is currently at an all-time high, with approximately 66% of the general population facing it.
Work-life balance isn’t a luxury anymore.
Turns out, your job shouldn’t swallow your identity. Who knew? Gen Z (and some Millennials) are choosing peace over pressure.
Setting boundaries is the cool new thing now.
Saying no to emails and requests after working hours no longer means that you’re lazy. It simply means that you have clear boundaries and are likely among the more emotionally literate of your peers.
Of Course, Not Everyone’s on Board
The bosses look down on quiet quitters.
Managers think of quiet quitters as disengaged, uninspired, or coasting. Yep, that’s about when the passive-aggressive pep talks and 1-1 sessions come in. A little too late if you ask me.
Some people have corporate FOMO.
There’s this belief that if you don’t go above and beyond, you’ll miss out on promotions, raises, or new projects. From my experience, it’s not true. You gotta work smarter, not harder to get ahead.
Team morale is often affected.
If some team members do the bare minimum while others put in maximum effort, the team’s chemistry and momentum take a hit. Honestly, I’ve been on both sides of this and I hated both.
So, Is Quiet Quitting a Movement or Just Basic Self-Respect?
Honestly? It’s a little of both.
Quiet quitting isn’t about apathy—it’s about agency. It’s people saying, “I want a life outside the office.” and not “I hate my job.” In a world obsessed with hustle culture, that’s an act of rebellion.
It’s also a wake-up call for workplaces. If doing only what you’re paid for feels radical, then maybe it’s the system that needs a performance review.
TL;DR: Quiet Quitting Isn’t the Problem—It’s the Symptom
Whether you see it as empowered boundary-setting or a sign of disengagement, one thing’s clear: the way we view work is changing. If everything stays the same, it could even be the new norm.