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The term 'quiet quitting' is rising in popularity. Over recent weeks, the topic has gained millions of followers over numerous social media channels. It goes to show how work culture is changing, particularly among millennial and Gen Z professionals. However, I disagree with the definition and here’s why.
The popular definition
The term ‘quiet quitting’ has come to mean rejecting overachievement and hustling at work to be seen as good at your job. It means doing less work, refusing overtime, staying late or answering emails outside of work.
Personally, the popular definition above is just another way of saying ‘setting boundaries’, which is something I have encouraged my clients to do since becoming a coach. Boundaries are the only way to avoid burnout and reduce stress. Setting boundaries is the best way to ensure you achieve a work-life balance and be present with family and friends when you finally get to spend time with them.
That’s why quiet quitting is far more than setting boundaries.
I believe a more accurate definition of quiet quitting would be that moment you realise the job or role you are currently in, no longer serves your purpose, excites you or challenges you. It’s the moment you decide you want something more.
When you realise this, you mentally quit your job without announcing you plan to leave.
You don’t stop doing what you need to just because you are disengaged with your job and you certainly don’t stop being professional. You still maintain your responsibilities and do them well: that’s who you are by nature. However, you do start looking for something else whether that’s a complete change of career or a new company.
Quietly quitting your current role, means you are actively searching for the next step in your career journey. You are looking for a way out. You are seeking new opportunities. Therefore, quiet quitting is often beneficial to your mental health.
Think about what happens when you feel:
· You have no choices
· There are no other options
· You are stuck in your role
· You feel trapped
Those feelings can negatively affect your moods, your personal life and how engaged you are at work. The act of quietly quitting using my definition, can therefore improve your mental health and wellbeing. That’s because even if you are in a job you dislike, doesn’t challenge you or is no longer aligned with your values, you understand there is a way out.
The current popular definition of quiet quitting is wrong. It makes it sound like it is something new and a movement only for millennials. However, staying at work late, going above and beyond to secure a promotion and answering emails and calls out of work hours have been on the way out for some time now.
Setting boundaries is nothing new.
But realising you are not defined by your career and feeling empowered enough to ‘check out’ might be new to many.
The fact you are reading this might mean that you have already quietly quit your current role. It means you are already searching for that next step…
…and the best part is, you don’t actually have to go quietly. There are plenty of people to cheer you on and support you; me included.
If you want to find out how you can beat the Sunday Night Blues and find a career you won’t want to quit any time soon. Book a free 45 minute Discovery Call with me.
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