“Quiet Quitting” Is One of The Dumbest Things I Have Ever Heard

I was today years old when I actually decided to look up what the hell “quiet quitting” was. It keeps being referenced on Twitter so it seemed like it was time to finally look into it. I was rewarded for my efforts with this nonsensical explanation: “Quiet quitting can sometimes refer to setting of boundaries at work or not taking on more work than necessary.” Also this: “For some, it means not going above and beyond at work. Most, however, agree it does not mean you’re leaving the job.” Now, in my world, this is actually called working. Or having a work-life balance. Or not being a workaholic. That is not quitting. The name makes no sense.

The article I found this definition on- here if you’re curious – goes on to explain that this is somehow a bad thing. And now the name makes sense. You see, here in the “land of the free”, the culture is work-obsessed. You gotta be working and you gotta be hustling. Trying harder and doing more is part of that. Quitters never win and winners never quit, and they call you a quitter since America is obsessed with the idea that quitting equals failure. Coffee is for closers after all. 🙄

Thankfully, that view seems to be losing steam, especially since 2020. Now people seem to be coming to terms with the fact that maybe we should not live to work and have started putting boundaries with their jobs. Not answering the phone after hours. Not checking emails on the weekend. Referring things that aren’t their job to others who are actually supposed to be doing it. This is actually fantastic. Healthier and happier people all around.

However, employers view this as awful because they are losing the free labor they were getting as people make their lives better. They can’t be mad at people for doing their jobs since that’s what they signed up to do, so now they are mad that you aren’t doing more than your job. These are basically those jobs that want everyone to be a “team player” and part of their “family”. Which is just code for, “We will take advantage of you, not pay you enough, and then say it’s your fault that you’re unhappy.” They want you to feel guilty for setting boundaries, and I find this fucking hilarious.

Well, sorry employers but people have actual family to see and other shit to do. “Quiet Quitting” is just doing our jobs. If you want more than that, you may just need to hire someone else or pay more. 😱 Shocking I know. Either way, not our problem.

What do you think of working/”quiet quitting”?


Feature Photo by catrina farrell on Unsplash

15 thoughts on ““Quiet Quitting” Is One of The Dumbest Things I Have Ever Heard

  1. Personally I think the term is pretty absurd when defined as doing your job and not going above and beyond. From personal experience, I’ve been a superstar for my entire career, always going above and beyond in my earlier years, I’ve also had a long phase of being a workaholic, AND I’ve had phases of doing exactly my job. It was always working! None of that was quitting!

    I’ve heard some folks describe it as taking back power for themselves, and if it works for them, sure. But for myself, I think the phrase just feeds the ridiculous notion that either you’re giving work everything OR else what you do give is insufficient and meaningless.

  2. I’m not a fan of it, it sounds a bit sneaky. You should be able to have a frank discussion with your boss about volume and value and what that means for balance. If you are just ‘showing up’ to work, it’s a good sign you should be looking for something you find more fulfilling because it still takes up eight hours a day!

    1. Ideally yeah, but if you make enough and you’re fine with that then why not just show up and do your job? If you’re happy with that and fulfilling the job description then why not?

      1. Nothing wrong with it, and going above and beyond shouldn’t be the expectation, I just don’t think it’s a good long term solution. Why spend a third of your life doing something you’re so disengaged with? If there is a problem with overwork you should speak out or move on. The ‘quiet’ part feels like it’s just avoiding the issue.

        1. I can see that viewpoint. Personally, I think you can be engaged in your job, but also have clear boundaries that would fit the definition of “quiet quitting”. I am very engaged in my job, but when we reach my time, it’s my time and we are done. I have very clear boundaries with my bosses and it all works out. But there are plenty of people who don’t care to be engaged with any job but are good employees and coworkers. I mean, at the end of the day, if I didn’t need to work, I definitely would not be working. 😂

  3. I love this! Best perspective I’ve seen so far that is completely aligned with how I feel. I literally laughed out loud when I first read what is being defined as “quiet quitting”. I work hard and I like my job, but it is a constant battle in today’s culture to set boundaries and not have people at work take advantage of you, and now that’s called quitting?? Not in my (our) book! Thanks for this great post.

    1. Thanks for the kind words. Yeah, this culture is hella toxic when it comes to work. The sad thing is if they paid people well, gave them good benefits, and gave them real-time off, sick days, etc… they would actually be better workers. Even more so if they can see the doctor when they are ill and not worry about the crippling debt that may come with it. Treat people well and they treat you well. Crazy concept apparently.

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