The phrase 'quiet quitting' has become a viral sensation, sparking countless debates across social media, news outlets, and office water coolers. But what exactly is it? Contrary to its name, quiet quitting isn't about leaving your job. Instead, it's a profound shift in mindset: a conscious decision to stop going above and beyond the basic requirements of your role. It’s about setting firm boundaries, rejecting the 'hustle culture' that has long defined professional life, and doing only what your contract stipulates—nothing more, nothing less.
This trend is a powerful response to the widespread burnout and exhaustion that has permeated the modern workplace, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. It’s a signal that something is fundamentally amiss in the relationship between employees and their jobs. For some, quiet quitting is a healthy act of self-preservation. For others, however, it’s a red flag—a stark sign that your current role is no longer serving you and it might be time to start looking for a new one.
But how do you know which category you fall into? In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the root causes of quiet quitting, help you identify if it's happening to you, and provide a clear framework for deciding if it's a temporary fix or a definitive sign that a career change is on the horizon.
The term itself is a bit of a misnomer, sparking criticism from those who argue it’s simply about doing your job and being a responsible employee. They’re not entirely wrong. At its core, quiet quitting is about reclaiming a personal life. It's a movement where employees refuse to let their careers bleed into their evenings and weekends.
Key characteristics of quiet quitting include:
Strict Adherence to Working Hours: You log off promptly at 5 PM, even if a task isn't finished. You don't check emails after hours or on weekends.
Refusal of Extra Responsibilities: You politely decline new projects or tasks that fall outside your job description, even if they're "exciting opportunities."
A Lack of Emotional Investment: Your enthusiasm for the company, its mission, and your colleagues wanes. You feel detached and find it difficult to get excited about team successes.
Doing the Bare Minimum: Your work is adequate, but it lacks the extra effort or creativity you once put in. You meet deadlines but don't strive to exceed expectations.
Reduced Social Engagement: You avoid after-work social events, team lunches, or other non-essential activities that were once a part of your work life.
This is not a sign of laziness. Instead, it’s often a last resort—a way to find balance and protect one's mental health when other solutions have failed. It is a coping mechanism for a system that many feel has asked too much of them for too long.
Why are so many professionals in the UK and around the world suddenly adopting this mindset? The reasons are multifaceted and often stem from a broken social contract between employee and employer.
1. Chronic Burnout and Mental Health Strain: The pandemic years were a period of intense pressure, with many workers feeling an immense strain to perform while navigating unprecedented challenges. This led to widespread burnout. Quiet quitting is often a natural defence mechanism against this burnout, a way to mentally disengage to prevent a total collapse.
2. Feeling Undervalued and Underpaid: In a time of rising inflation and economic uncertainty, employees are acutely aware of their worth. If they feel that their hard work and extra effort are not being reciprocated with fair compensation, recognition, or a clear path to promotion, they may choose to stop giving more than they get.
3. Lack of Career Progression and Development: A career isn’t just about the here and now; it’s about future growth. If an employee sees no clear path for advancement or feels that their skills are stagnating, they may lose motivation. This lack of a future vision can lead them to mentally check out and stop investing in a role that offers no long-term reward.
4. Poor Management and Toxic Work Culture: A bad manager can make a good job unbearable. A quiet quitter might be reacting to a lack of support, poor communication, or a culture that rewards overwork and discourages work-life balance. When a workplace feels toxic or unsupportive, employees have little incentive to contribute beyond the minimum.
5. The Post-Pandemic Re-evaluation: The global shift to remote work forced millions of people to re-evaluate their priorities. The line between work and home blurred, leading many to consciously decide to rebuild that boundary. This re-evaluation has led to a greater emphasis on personal well-being, family, and hobbies—all of which are prioritised over a demanding career.
Before you decide to hand in your notice, it's crucial to understand the source of your quiet quitting. Is the problem your relationship with work in general, or is it specifically with your job? This self-assessment is the key to your next steps.
Your quiet quitting is likely a symptom of a deeper problem with your job if you can relate to the following:
You're Not Learning or Growing: You feel like you've hit a ceiling. There are no new challenges, no opportunities for training, and no clear path to the next level.
Your Values Don’t Align: The company's mission, ethics, or culture don’t resonate with you. You feel disconnected from the work and its purpose.
The Environment is Toxic: Your manager is unsupportive, your colleagues are unhelpful, or the overall atmosphere is one of constant stress and negativity. Your work environment is actively harming your mental health.
Your Contributions Go Unrecognised: You have consistently gone above and beyond, but your efforts have gone unnoticed or unrewarded. You feel that your hard work is taken for granted.
You Actively Dread Work: The thought of Monday morning fills you with dread. The job causes you significant anxiety, and you feel a sense of relief when you're away from it.
If you recognise these signs, your quiet quitting is likely your mind’s way of preparing you for a change. It's a protective measure, but it's not a sustainable long-term solution.
The issue might be with your approach to work, not the job itself, if you can identify with these points:
You Have a History of Burnout: You've always been an 'over-achiever' and have a pattern of getting burnt out in previous roles. The problem might be your tendency to overwork, not the job itself.
You’ve Never Set Boundaries: You've always been the person who takes on extra work, answers emails late, and works through lunch. Quiet quitting might be your first attempt at setting healthy boundaries, and it might just be the thing you need.
The Company Values You: Your manager gives you positive feedback, the pay is fair, and there are clear opportunities for progression. The problem might be internal, not external.
You're Generally Unhappy: The quiet quitting is just one symptom of a general feeling of dissatisfaction in your life. The problem might be a need for a holiday, a lifestyle change, or seeking professional help, not just a new job.
If your situation sounds more like this, a new job might not solve your problem. Instead, you need to learn how to communicate your needs and set new expectations.
Regardless of whether the problem lies with your job or your mindset, quiet quitting is a symptom that demands action. Ignoring it will only lead to more stress and unhappiness.
Communicate with Your Manager: Have an honest conversation with your manager about your feelings of burnout and your need for better work-life balance. A good manager will want to help you find a solution.
Actively Set Boundaries: Continue to turn off your phone after hours and decline non-essential requests. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but it is a necessary step to protect your time and energy.
Take a Proper Holiday: A period of rest and disconnection can do wonders. Use your full holiday allowance and make a concerted effort to truly switch off.
Seek Professional Help: If you feel that your quiet quitting is part of a larger mental health struggle, consider speaking to a therapist or counsellor. They can provide you with tools and strategies to manage stress and burnout more effectively.
Start Your Job Search Strategically: Instead of quitting in a fit of frustration, use your quiet quitting as a stable period to conduct a thoughtful job search. This allows you to explore new opportunities without the added stress of being unemployed.
Update Your CV: Use this time to polish your CV. Highlight your key achievements and transferable skills.
Use MyJobsi.co.uk: Our job portal is designed to help you find a role that truly aligns with your values, skills, and lifestyle. Use our search filters to find jobs in different industries or with companies that offer the kind of culture and flexibility you're looking for.
Network Intentionally: Reach out to people in your desired field on platforms like LinkedIn. Conduct informational interviews to learn about their company culture and day-to-day roles.
Quiet quitting is a powerful symptom of a deeper issue, but it can also be a catalyst for positive change. It’s a chance to stop, reflect, and consciously decide what kind of career you want to build. By understanding the root cause of your quiet quitting, you can make an informed decision—whether it's about changing your mindset or finding a new job entirely.
