Whether you find yourself staying late at the office or going the extra mile for a presentation, you've likely felt the need to work beyond what's listed in your job description from time to time. That's not always a bad thing, but there comes a time when going above and beyond is more draining than rewarding. If that's the case, you may find yourself drawn to a trend currently circulating on TikTok called "quiet quitting." The term refers to doing the bare minimum at work (aka what's actually in your job description), rather than taking on more responsibilities and putting in more time without getting a promotion or raise.
Finding that proverbial "balance" comes down to actually using newfound time gained from not working more than necessary in a way that's more beneficial for your mental and physical health. But this doesn't happen overnight and fostering a better work-life balance requires consistent effort, says Vasan. "This is also an ongoing process," she explains. "Very few people are able to quickly achieve an ideal work-life balance overnight. It requires presence and ongoing attention to finding balance."
The Bottom Line
Both Casey and Vasan agree that quiet quitting is one strategy that can be used as a placeholder while trying to implement work-life boundaries, but it's not a permanent solution if you're truly unhappy at work. It's also not an option for everyone, as some people, such as health care workers and teachers, aren't likely able to put in the bare minimum effort at work in the name of balance.
"Quiet quitting is unlikely to be a sustainable solution and should be viewed more as a temporary solution — a band-aid if you will," says Vasan. "Band aids are great and helpful but are something you only use for a short period of time. I say this because it is important to think about the ways in which you need to address the formal changes you want to make when it comes to your work-life balance and how you express that to your co-workers and employers," she explains. "Communication is essential, especially in the workplace."
Talking about your frustrations with your boss may be more productive that quietly reducing your efforts, but Casey acknowledges that's not always an option. "If your boss doesn't take well to this conversation or it is unsafe to have this conversation, you may think about other career choices or job options," she says. "If they aren't willing to work with you, it may be time to consider another position. Otherwise, nothing will change and you will be in the same situation for a while."
So, the quiet quitting mentality may help you get through difficult times at work, but it's likely a temporary solution to a larger problem. Addressing the issue head on may be more beneficial for your mental health in the long run, according to experts.
