October 2022
Brean Horne highlights some of the key points for those tempted by the notion of ‘Quiet Quitting’.
With almost seven million views on TikTok and counting, the ‘Quiet Quitting’ trend has taken social media by storm in recent months. Young employees, still dealing with the ongoing effects of the pandemic, are focusing on prioritising their work/life balance over impressing their employers.
Quiet Quitting doesn’t refer to an employee leaving a role, but rather quitting the idea of going above and beyond in a job, and rethinking the general approach to a career and the mentality that your life needs to revolve around work.
But is this new trend at risk of potentially putting workers’ employment, or even their financial and emotional wellbeing at risk in the current economy?
Here’s what you should take into account, as well as some behaviours to avoid:
• Prepare for a reaction from managers and seniors: Any dramatic shifts in your ways of working is likely to attract attention from your manager. So be prepared to explain why your performance has changed, if those conversations arise.
Depending on your role, your manager may decide to re-evaluate your responsibilities.
Especially if you’re trying to achieve a more sustainable work, life balance.
• Quiet Quitting could lead to a lack of progression or pay rises: While the shift towards Quiet Quitting might make the most sense in terms of your own wellbeing and happiness, there are likely to be others within your workplace who see your decision to step back from certain duties as an opportunity to further their own careers.
Do not be surprised if some of your colleagues see this as an opportunity to pick up duties that you decided to leave behind, and use that opportunity to get ahead when a new promotion is advertised, or when it’s time for a pay rise which you might not get.
• Consider if you want to continue in your role: Before committing to the notion of Quiet Quitting it’s important to really evaluate the reasons you’re doing so. Ask yourself if you’d be making the same changes in any other job role, or whether it might be down to the fact that you are simply no longer happy, motivated or fulfilled in your current role or organisation.
Do you feel undervalued by those in your organisation, do you feel underpaid for the job and tasks you are expected to deliver? Or, are you in fact feeling that you’ve outgrown your current role, and that any efforts to achieve your next progression steps are being ignored or taken for granted?
• Avoid confusing Quiet Quitting with laziness: As with any trend that gains momentum via social media platforms, there are many opinions online when it comes to what Quiet Quitting means. It’s therefore very important to be aware of the context ahead of potentially putting your job and financial security at risk, especially in the midst of a looming recession, rising inflation, and the cost of living crisis.
You will need to be sure of what exactly is expected of you within the role you are currently employed to do, and ensure that these are all being carried out. It’s also wise to consider if you are still in any probationary period, or if you’ve been employed by your current employer for less than two years, as this could make it much easier for a company to ‘let you go’ if the business has to restructure and streamline the number of employees.
• Don’t ignore the signs of burnout: Finally, and arguably most importantly, avoid using Quiet Quitting as a reason to ignore or mask signs of burnout.
It’s really important to get the help you need to resolve the root cause of burn out. While the concept of Quiet Quitting may offer some relief, it’s unlikely to help you manage your wellbeing in the long term. So don’t suffer in silence.
Seek advice from your GP or a registered mental health professional to help identify what may be causing your burn out. If work happens to be a factor it’s worth speaking to your line manager or HR representative to share your concerns and find the best next steps to help you find sustainable balance.
• Brean Horne is a personal finance expert at NerdWallet
