Quiet Quitting: Definition, Pros and Cons

Definition of Quiet Quitting 

Quiet quitting does not mean quitting the job. It is the practice of doing enough work to meet the requirements of the job description. In it, employers just do their job instead of striving to go the extra mile to perform additional duties for promotion or pay rise. Moreover, it is about refusing to work overtime, stopping taking work home, showing up early, and answering requests outside of work hours. 

Workers who engage in quiet quitting finish work on time every day, take lunch breaks daily and turn down projects outside of their job position. Quiet quitting proponents argue that it is just doing your job and maintaining firmer boundaries at work. Quiet quitters reject hustle culture and overachievements, only fulfill primary responsibilities and choose to set boundaries at work. Furthermore, quiet quitting emerged as a trend on TikTok, Twitter, and other social media in the summer of 2022. It became popular when people returned to work after Covid 19 restrictions. Now, its popularity is rising among Gen Z and millennial professionals. 

Pros Quiet Quitting 

Let’s discuss the pros of quiet quitting.

1. You have extra time and energy.

The primary benefit of quiet quitting is you get extra time and energy that you can use for something you want. Working extra hours and doing extra work at home leaves you exhausted and with no time. But quiet quitting allows you to save energy and time and put them into something you love. It can be a new hobby, reconnecting with nature, or a new project you started. Also, if you want to change your career, you would have more time to learn things, take risks, and prepare for them. Thus, quiet quitting lets you pursue more things outside of your job. 

2. You can set boundaries at work.

Another advantage of quiet quitting is that you can effectively set boundaries at work. You could enjoy your lunch break and decline extras from coworkers that exceed your responsibilities. This boundary setting will help you avoid toxic coworkers, boost your well-being, and protect you from burnout.

3. You can enjoy a better work-life balance.

One of the greater perks of quiet quitting is to maintain a work/life balance. It’s a strategy that protects you from overwork. As a result, you have more time to spend with your family and friends, which will improve your well-being. Not answering emails and working during vacation will balance your life and allow you to live a stress-free life. 

4. You can gain control.

Relying on pay raises and promotions is risky because it is not in your control. You probably put in extra effort and give your extra time, but then you figure out they are cutting the budget for pay raises. Quiet quitting offers you the opportunity to put spare time and effort into something that is in your control. It can be a side hustle, creating content online, starting your youtube channel, or anything. These examples will pay you based on your efforts and persistence. If it fails in the first step, you can improve your mistakes as it is in your control.

Also Read: 8 Reasons Why Being On Time Is Important

Cons Quiet Quitting 

1. Your respect could decrease among colleagues.

If you quiet quit, you will be compared with your colleagues who work extra hours or on weekends without extra pay. When they notice they are doing more work than you in the same position and pay, their behavior will become bitter towards you. Your coworkers see you as lazy and disrespectful toward them as you are getting away from doing extra work. However, if the company promotes them or pays them more, it won’t happen. You might not be willing to risk this, as it will create a toxic work environment. 

2. There are no promotions or pay rises.

The big downside of quiet quitting is there is no promotion and pay rise for you. If your colleagues are doing more than you and putting in extra effort consistently, your manager will surely pick them on it. If you’re not going the extra mile and your colleagues know you’ve quiet quit, you won’t get these perks. You can’t expect a pay rise or promotion while doing the minimum amount of work for the same paycheck.

3. It can negatively impact mental well-being.

If you’re quiet quitting without any productive reason, just to get home early to watch Netflix or hang out daily, it will cost your overall well-being. You’ll start feeling empty inside and find out that you’ve no clear life purpose. This empty feeling will lower your sense of purpose and satisfaction, resulting in negatively affecting your mental well-being.

According to research, being less engaged in work and less productive & motivated causes stress and depression. You feel your life is meaningless and boring without any goals. Also, you’ll regret later wasting your time and not trying your best to progress.

Also Read: 10 Ways How To Control Your Emotions, Don’t Overreact!

The Bottom Line

There you have it- the detailed guide about this popular term “QUIET QUITTING.” If you’re wondering whether it’s right for you, it is wise to consider its pros and cons first. Quiet quitting should not be decided lightly. The above-mentioned advantages and drawbacks will help you decide whether it is something you would or would not want to do. Regardless of your decision to quietly quit, seeking support and guidance from an executive coach can help you gain insights and develop strategies to do your best at work. QQ can both help and harm your career. Therefore, it is best to seek help from a professional rather than regretting later in life.If you are experiencing burnout and stress at work that leads you to consider quiet quitting, feel free to reach out to me. Remember, quiet quitting is not a permanent solution for it. As an executive coach, I’ll help you discover where you might benefit from putting boundaries at your job and also outside of work and provide you with the solutions to overcome obstacles at work and increase your productivity.