First it was the Great Resignation. Then came Quiet Quitting. That’s the latest career trend circulating on social media.
What it means depends on who you ask. For some, it’s a way of keeping your perspective, so your job won’t take over the rest of your life.
Others see a darker side. They say it’s a sign of being disengaged at work, and it could have a negative impact on your career and society. A recent Gallup poll found that at least half of American workers say they’re doing the minimum to meet their job description.
Is there a middle ground between being a workaholic and just going through the motions? Learn more about what Quiet Quitting could mean for you.
Maintaining Balance
You need a personal life for the sake of your mental health. Otherwise, you’re at risk for burnout and becoming overwhelmed if you were to be laid off. In fact, some studies have found that working too much is one of the biggest life regrets.
These strategies can help you maintain balance:
- Set boundaries. It’s up to you how much you want to integrate your personal and professional activities or keep them separate. Find an arrangement that allows you to lead a happy and meaningful life.
- Limit your hours. Excessive overtime interferes with your wellbeing, as well as your performance. Create a reasonable schedule. Stick to your quitting time, even when you work from home.
- Build relationships. Connecting with colleagues makes work more fun and satisfying. Engage in small talk and socialize outside the office.
- Take vacations. Enjoy your time off from work. Visit exciting places and spend time with family and friends. Give yourself some downtime the rest of the year too. Go out for lunch and schedule breaks between tasks.
- Practice self-care. Investing in yourself makes you more resilient. Eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. Manage stress constructively on and off the job.
Protecting Your Career
What you do for a living can have a big impact on the quality of your life. Be proactive about making choices that align with your values and help you to reach your goals.
Consider using these techniques to protect your career:
- Communicate directly. Many experts regard poor management and remote work as two main reasons behind Quiet Quitting. Talk face-to-face as much as possible. Have weekly one-on-one sessions with your boss.
- Clarify expectations. Understand your boss’ priorities and how your performance will be measured. Ask for feedback and put things in writing.
- Show concern. Let your colleagues know that you care about their wellbeing. Be friendly and helpful. Listen attentively. Praise them for their talents and accomplishments. Earn their trust by doing your fair share of the work and holding yourself accountable.
- Connect with the mission. Figure out how your role relates to the overall purpose of your organization. If you disagree with your company’s values, you may be able to make accommodations or you may need to move on.
- Continue learning. Keep your skills up to date and give yourself challenges that motivate you. Take courses online and read books about your industry. Join committees and volunteer for interesting projects.
- Stay solvent. There’s already some talk about quiet firing as a passive-aggressive way to pressure difficult employees to leave. Unfortunately, that lowers morale and could leave you without a paycheck. Think about your financial future even if you dislike your job.
Concerns about Quiet Quitting may turn out to be exaggerated, but the questions it raises are real. You spend about one-third of your life at work, so make that time as pleasant as possible. More importantly, pursue your purpose through whatever means work for you.
