The one way to deal with job burnout has been to quit.
But what if there was another way? What if you could walk away from all the burnout-related stress at the workplace – without finding a new one first?
Quietly quitting is a new way to cope with work burnout without confrontation. It’s popular among people who went above and beyond for the company without any incentives or recognition.
Could it be the answer to relieving work-related stress? As ridiculous as it sounds, we’ll explore the “quiet quitting” concept and how it can help you overcome burnout.
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A New Quiet Quitting Trend to Deal With Burnout
Work stress and burnout can seriously impact our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. But when it feels like it’s getting too much, trying to combat it by going above and beyond results in increased fatigue and burnout.
Quiet quitting is the new viral trend, with the hashtag “#quietquitting” gaining traction on social media as employees grapple with work-related stress.
But what is quiet quitting a job exactly?
It is the practice of putting your own needs first. It is about maintaining a healthy work-life balance and prioritizing self-well-being.
Zaid Khan, an Engineer from New York, went viral while posting about quitting in July 2022. Since then, several have joined him, posting in TikTok and other social media on the topic with hashtags #quietquitting, #quitting, and #queitting. People are quiet quitting jobs like never before.
Backlash Against Quiet Quitting
There has been a backlash against “Quiet Quitting,” Some experts advise proceeding with this approach with extreme caution. Some have also linked quiet quitting a job to quitting on life. A regular eight-hour job can also be a place to thrive, build connections and find a new purpose.
People who disagree with the concept believe that quiet quitters welcome laziness into their lives and hurt performance. The majority also think it could jeopardize your financial situation if the company fires you or you leave the job and apply to other companies.
The reality is that backlash against employees Quiet quitting will persist as experts remain divided. What we do know for sure, however, is that taking care of our mental and physical health must be a priority.
While still controversial, Quiet Quitting is an effective way of managing work-related stress in the long run.
Quiet quit to overcome burnout
Several factors can cause employee burnout. Employees do not give up going the extra mile only because they couldn’t find their work fulfilling. Quiet quitting may be caused by a more significant reason than one may think. And its solution could be as simple as little business guidance to realign employees’ engagement.
Not everyone can afford to quiet quit. The existing bias at the workplace due to race and gender forces the underrepresented community to struggle more than the required responsibility despite burnout.
If you’re burnout and considering quiet quitting, here are a few things you may want to evaluate to maintain your performance standard and assess your long-term goals:
Self-evaluate performance
Evaluate if there are any performance gaps at your work. You should self-reflect and research if there is any need for more skills or motivation.
Try to find the core reason for burnout. It helps when you’re burnt out because you need a specific skill set. You can work on those skills to better position yourself.
Create a plan
Create a plan with clear future goals and deadlines and ways to achieve them. The goal may be moving to a better position at a different company or working on something for yourself to be self-sufficient. A clear vision will help achieve the end goal.
Focus on self-care
Make sure you are taking care of yourself. Get adequate rest, eat healthily, and engage in activities that bring you joy. Spend time with family or on things that motivate you.
Start building your business.
Some people don’t want the corporate world. A typical 9 to 5 job does not excite them. Use your spare time to start working on a side hustle or build your own business. It will help you find fulfillment, improve performance and take the stress off your day job.
Take breaks
Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to give yourself time away from work and recharge. Doing the same thing all the time can make your mind dull and uninterested.
Get support
Seek support from people who can offer guidance in managing performance and stress. The stress could be irrelevant to the job duties but affect everything. Help from a professional can be beneficial if the pressure gets out of control.
To Sum It Up
Quiet quitting has become an increasingly popular coping strategy for people dealing with burnout, but it’s essential to approach it cautiously.
Don’t be afraid to step back and find balance in your work life. Quiet quitting may not be for everyone, but some see it as a way to deal with career burnout. So what do you think? Does Quiet Quit sound like a recipe for disaster or a viable solution? Let us know in the comments below!
