Understanding the nuances and motivations behind the Quiet Quitting movement.
Frida identifies as a Quiet Quitter. She has embraced this mindset for two years and is not alone in her journey. “My life turned upside down when I fell ill. I spent a year fighting for my life,” shares the secondary school teacher. During her illness, she noticed that her colleagues and middle managers seemed more concerned about the additional workload than her health. “It’s one thing to feel unappreciated, but it’s another to realize how taken for granted you are. No one is irreplaceable in the civil service.”
Our conversation takes place on a Thursday afternoon at three o’clock in an empty classroom in her school, where the worn off-white walls hint at the setting. Midway through our discussion, a colleague interrupts her, casually mentioning a Zoom session.
Several years ago, Frida was diagnosed with a debilitating illness that led to a six-week hospitalization. After her recovery, she returned to work with limited mobility and a revised workload that focused solely on classroom teaching. While she has regained much of her physical strength, she acknowledges that her recovery continues.
By the time we meet, Frida has already completed a full day of lessons and meetings, spending nine hours at school with more tasks awaiting her. “I’ll be marking papers until five after this,” she reveals, noting that before her illness, she would have typically worked until seven in the evening. “I was a workaholic, giving 110 percent. People often remarked whether to admire or pity me,” she recounts.
Quiet Quitting, Defined
I’m struck by Frida’s openness to discuss her experience, particularly since Quiet Quitting revolves around maintaining a low profile. She has agreed to speak with me anonymously, believing it’s crucial for others to understand that Quiet Quitting is not merely a passing phase.
Quiet Quitting is a workplace trend that gained traction on TikTok, introduced by user @zkchillin, who shared his impressions of the concept. With a soothing tone set against a gentle piano background, @zkchillin explained, “You’re not quitting your job; you’re quitting the notion of going above and beyond. You’re stepping away from the hustle culture mentality.”
His brief yet impactful video has garnered over 3.3 million views, resonating with others who share similar feelings. Given that Singapore is known as the most overworked country in the Asia Pacific, it’s no surprise that Quiet Quitting resonates strongly with local employees.
At first glance, Quiet Quitting may appear to be a typical Gen Z idea—a trend perceived as an excuse to dilute strong work ethics. However, it is far more nuanced and often misunderstood.
What is Quiet Quitting, Really?
The movement offers a sense of solidarity for overworked employees everywhere. Misery loves company, after all. Yet, the experience of Quiet Quitting varies greatly among individuals. It’s important to recognize that not everyone fits into a single definition of the trend.
Sharine*, a 29-year-old former marketing executive in the healthcare sector, openly admits to Quiet Quitting in her last position due to extreme micromanagement by her supervisor. “I wanted to make an impact in the industry, but I realized my ideas weren’t valued, and I couldn’t effect any change.”
For her, Quiet Quitting is a state of limbo—a middle ground between feeling dissatisfied in her job and searching for a new opportunity. “I wake up as late as possible and log on just to respond to emails. I do my assigned work, but I don’t take the initiative to propose new ideas.”
Frida has a different take on Quiet Quitting. For her, it means fulfilling her job responsibilities but establishing clear boundaries. “I am a dedicated educator. I will teach and mark my work diligently, but I won’t do anything beyond that. If I can leave at five, then I will,” she asserts.
Addressing the Critics
Quiet Quitting is perceived differently by individuals due to varying personal circumstances. Determining where work ends and life begins is inherently subjective, influenced by individual preferences and values. This process demands self-reflection and fine-tuning.
While this ambiguity benefits Quiet Quitters—allowing them to take back control over their lives—it complicates the broader movement. The enigma surrounding Quiet Quitting invites criticism, with some labeling it as glorified laziness. Detractors argue that Quiet Quitting damages career prospects and earning potential, questioning why someone would choose to Quiet Quit when true freedom from work requires financial stability.
From an employer’s perspective, Quiet Quitting can appear as disengagement in the workplace. A noticeable decline in enthusiasm can become contagious; once one employee exhibits signs of Quiet Quitting, it can negatively affect the morale of others, even those who did not intend to disengage.
Moreover, Quiet Quitting can potentially be misappropriated by employees seeking to slack off without legitimate reasons. However, at its core, Quiet Quitting seeks to empower workers. In a culture that glorifies constant hustle, Quiet Quitting advocates for healthy boundaries. Despite the labels hurled at them, all Quiet Quitters desire is to escape the relentless cycle of hustle culture and find a way out of the never-ending rat race. This challenge to the traditional image of the “ideal worker”—often depicted as tired and overworked—is difficult for critics to grasp.
The Latest Internet Work Trend
Quiet Quitters are not asking for the impossible when they opt out of a high-stress existence. They seek positive workplace environments and the opportunity to create fulfilling lives outside of work.
This goal may seem ambitious, particularly in a post-pandemic world where remote work has blurred the lines between work and leisure. As we transition back to office life, many have forgotten to shed unhealthy work attitudes. Quiet Quitting will likely continue to challenge emerging conversations around work-life balance.
According to Ellie*, a 29-year-old who Quiet Quit her previous position as a social worker, the movement highlights the importance of maintaining boundaries between work and personal life. “I needed some form of separation while working with different clients. I remember counseling someone in an unhealthy relationship; it drained me emotionally, and I struggled to switch off.”
Perhaps the very existence of Quiet Quitting and the discussions it sparks reveal the pressing need to reassess our understanding of work-life balance and positive workplace culture. Yet, fundamentally, Quiet Quitting is an internet trend. Like all trends, predicting its longevity is challenging.
One can only hope that when Quiet Quitting eventually wanes, its legacy will guide us toward better workplace practices for everyone and that the efforts of Quiet Quitters will not be in vain.
We Should All Embrace Quiet Quitting, At Least for Now
Quiet Quitting offers a fresh perspective on our relationship with work, reminding us that we are more than just our jobs if we allow ourselves to be.
The emotional distance created by Quiet Quitting can help us reevaluate work-related activities and determine whether they genuinely represent the best use of our time. In short, there’s nothing wrong with choosing to engage in work, provided it’s something we truly desire.
Ellie, the former social worker, agrees. The distance afforded by Quiet Quitting made her realize that the industry itself was not the source of her issues; rather, it was the job that lacked boundaries between work and personal life.
“After Quiet Quitting and taking some time off, I discovered that I genuinely enjoy social work. Connecting with people and helping them is something I want to pursue. I’m currently considering enrolling in graduate studies for social work.”
Now, Ellie feels better equipped to manage the inevitable emotional toll associated with social work—thanks to her experience with Quiet Quitting.
Finding the Right Balance in Quiet Quitting
Half an hour into our conversation, Frida has shared everything she can about Quiet Quitting. As an experienced Quiet Quitter, she has a clear understanding of her interpretation of the movement. In fact, she might even be considered a pioneer; she was practicing Quiet Quitting long before it had a name.
“I started baking when everyone was making sourdough bread during the lockdown,” Frida reveals, her eyes brightening at the mention. It’s a refreshing shift in mood from our earlier discussion.
“I bake every two weeks now and donate some of my creations to community service groups that assist the underprivileged.”
Frida offers aspiring Quiet Quitters advice on developing a philosophy that aligns with their individual needs. “Be honest with yourself. It’s okay to recognize when things aren’t working out and you need to change direction. Ask yourself what brings you joy, and don’t hesitate to explore that.”
Frida shifts in her chair, ready to head to the staff room. An hour of marking awaits her before she can return home to her daughter and family—her sources of comfort and joy, alongside her baking pursuits.
“During my time off, I’ve had the chance to reflect on what truly matters to me. I’ve learned to appreciate the small things, like warm showers and reading with my daughter, who has an impressive vocabulary for her age.”
Despite all the talk surrounding Quiet Quitting, Frida remains committed to her teaching role. “I find satisfaction in teaching. I genuinely enjoy it. But I’ve come to realize that I can’t expect my job to fulfill all my needs for happiness. I have to take responsibility for my own contentment,” she concludes. For now, Quiet Quitting will suffice.
*Names have been changed to protect their identities.
