It’s mid-year, the perfect time to pause and reflect on the ambitious goals we set back in January. As you take stock of your life goals and perhaps even set some new ones, this can also be a useful time to take a step back and consider your relationship to work. Does your current job truly bring you joy or is it the root of your stress and dissatisfaction? If the latter sounds familiar and you are constantly counting down the hours to the weekend, then you might be contemplating the increasingly popular trend of “quiet quitting.” But before you take the plunge into this subtle form of career rebellion, it’s important to weigh your options carefully.
The concept of quiet quitting work has been making rounds on social media platforms, especially TikTok but this phenomenon isn’t new. Quiet quitting isn’t just about dialing back on your workload; it’s about fundamentally rethinking your relationship with work and redefining your boundaries/ priorities in a way that can profoundly impact your professional and personal life. Whether you’re yearning for a healthier work-life balance or you’re ready to ditch the conventional 9-5 job for a more creative profession, read on to explore the factors you should weigh before quietly closing the door on your current job.
What is quiet quitting & why is it becoming a trend
Quiet quitting is not about outright resigning from your job but rather a form of disengagement where employees do only the bare minimum required by their roles to get their paycheck. It’s about refraining from going above and beyond or volunteering for anything that falls outside of the job description and instead, focusing on one’s personal life, goals, and well-being.
A major driving factor for this trend popularized in 2022 is the pandemic, which caused many people to reassess how they thought about work. Signs of quiet quitting include:
- Decreased enthusiasm for work tasks
- Minimum participation in team meetings and projects
- Lack of initiative in taking on new responsibilities
- Limited interaction with colleagues
- Avoiding extra projects or overtime
- Decline in productivity and work quality
- Indifference toward career advancement opportunities
According to Gallup, the trend of quiet quitting is gaining momentum, especially among Gen Z and younger millennials (under the age of 35) as more employees seek to reclaim their time and mental health. It’s mostly a response to burnout and the increasing demand for a better work-life balance. Social media has amplified this movement, giving voice to those who are exhausted by the relentless hustle culture.
Why are employees quiet quitting?
Toxic Work Environment
According to a study carried out by Lifesum, which polled 5,000 UK Gen Z and millennials to explore how they make career decisions. 8 in 10 Gen Z and millennials would quit their jobs immediately because of a toxic work culture. A hostile or toxic workplace can significantly impact an employee’s decision to disengage. Poor management, office politics, and negative co-worker relationships create an uninviting atmosphere that discourages active participation.
Toxicity is not something that these generations are willing to stomach under any circumstance and great pay is not a reasonable motivator in this day and age where mental health has taken a front seat in most conversations.
Burnout
This is one of the leading reasons employees choose to quiet quit. The constant pressure to perform, meet deadlines, and exceed expectations can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. This state of chronic stress can make disengagement seem like the only viable option to preserve one’s health.
Poor Work-Life Balance
The struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance is another critical factor. Long hours and the expectation to be always available can encroach on personal time, leading to frustration and a desire to either step back from work or switch to a more aligned career path.
Misalignment with Personal Goals
Employees increasingly seek jobs that align with their personal values and goals. When there’s a disconnect between what the company stands for and what the employee believes in, it can lead to a lack of engagement and interest.
Lack of Recognition
Employees who feel undervalued and unappreciated are more likely to disengage from their work. When hard work and dedication go unnoticed, it’s natural to lose the motivation to perform at your best, leading to a decision to pull back effort.
Limited Career Growth
When employees see no clear path to advancement or feel stuck in their current roles, their enthusiasm and commitment can diminish. Employees want to feel that their work contributes to the larger vision or mission of the company, but they may no longer experience this in their current role.
This lack of career development opportunities can lead them to do the bare minimum at work while they search for better prospects.
What to consider before deciding to quite quit your job
There’s been a noticeable number of young people choosing the entrepreneurship route or venturing into unconventional career paths in the creative space as a way to escape the 9-5 rat race. As much as the creative economy in Kenya is growing, there are a couple of things one should consider before deciding to quiet quit their job. Making a hasty decision without careful planning can lead to unforeseen challenges and setbacks. Here are some key factors to weigh before taking this significant step.
1) Assess Your Financial Stability
Before deciding to quiet quit, evaluate your financial situation. Ensure you have enough savings to cover your expenses if you decide to completely resign. Experts recommend having 6-12 months of living expenses saved in liquid cash to cover any surprise bills that might pop up. Having a financial cushion can provide peace of mind as you navigate this transition. It’s also wise to budget for potential costs associated with exploring new career avenues, such as education, equipment, or startup capital.
2) Evaluate Alternative Solutions
Sometimes, the issues driving you to quiet quit can be addressed without completely disengaging from your job. Consider discussing your concerns with your manager, seeking changes in your workload, or exploring internal transfer opportunities. Addressing the root causes might improve your situation without needing to pull back. It’s also worth considering if a shift in perspective or strategy within your current role could enhance your job satisfaction.
3) Reflect on Your Career Goals
Consider how quiet quitting fits into your long-term career aspirations. Will this decision help you move closer to your professional objectives, or could it hinder your progress? Reflect on whether a temporary disengagement aligns with your future ambitions. Are you looking to transition into a new industry, or are you seeking a complete career change? Having a clear understanding of your goals can guide your decision-making process.
4) Plan for Professional Development
Quiet quitting can sometimes stall your professional growth. Ensure you have a plan for maintaining and enhancing your skills during this period. Engage in online courses, learn some soft skills, and take up part-time projects that keep you relevant in your field. This proactive approach ensures you remain competitive and can smoothly transition to new opportunities when the time is right.
Quiet quitting can be a significant step toward reclaiming your time and well-being. However, it’s crucial to approach this decision thoughtfully and strategically to make a more informed choice. Today’s work environment has changed offering people a myriad of opportunities to explore new and unconventional career paths, particularly within the creative economy in Kenya. Whether you decide to quiet quit or find other ways to enhance your work-life balance, prioritizing your well-being and aligning your work with your personal aspirations will lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding career journey.
