You’ve been thinking about it for a while now. You probably thought that you just need to get some rest and yet, even the next day, those thoughts are there. You may have noticed that you are not happy to share your ideas in your workspace anymore. Those colleagues are not the best company, conversations are gone stale and as the days go by, they are getting less and less interesting and charming. You’re not quite sure when the right time is, but you know you need to make a change.
Your current job just isn’t doing it for you anymore, but you don’t want to make any sudden moves. We know all your thought processes and scenarios going on in your head. You don’t want to appear impulsive or even ungrateful? How can you quit your job without making a scene or burning any bridges?
Quiet quitting is all about making a strategic and thought-out decision to leave your current position without making any waves. But is quiet quitting a viral trend created as a response to uncertain pandemic times?
What is quiet quitting?
Quiet quitting is a new word for an old concept. It’s when someone has the potential to be “actively engaged” but isn’t fully committed to their workplace. They’re not just “actively disengaged” because they are dissatisfied with where they work.
Quiet quitting is the practice of doing the bare minimum at work and giving that effort no more time or energy than what is required. As such, it’s not actually quitting—you’re still working, but getting paid for doing as little as possible. Social media has made it an international trend and people talk about it openly. Hustle culture seems to be behind us, no one wants to feel burned out at all times.
Managers have reacted in a variety of ways to the phenomenon. Some were tolerant, partly because the tight labor market made it difficult to find replacements. Others responded by filing charges against employees they feel are slacking off. In fact, “quiet firing” has become its own buzz phrase, defined as intentionally making a job so unrewarding that the worker resigns.
In the end, it all boils down to understanding what is actually bothering you. Is it role ambiguity? Colleagues micromanaging you while you are on the same level? That pushy manager is always out to get you, not respecting your personal boundaries while you are not clear about what they actually do besides bothering you and checking your workflow almost obsessively. No one listens to your ideas and you feel incompetent people are getting higher positions while you are just there? Well, you are not alone. The price is high when you are in a toxic work environment. You pay with your mental health.
What I can do next?
Once that idea of quiet quitting is inside your head, there is no way back. You will start valuing yourself and your time and above all, your mental health. So you need to think, about what you want to do. Not what you can do, you need to let yourself be a bit picky with this decision.
You definitely don’t want to end up in the same situation where the workspace is a copy-paste of your previous one. Monetary benefit does not play a significant role here. Jumping from one job to another is good in a way because you have a safety net. But it also can be extremely exhausting because you had no break to catch your breath. Maybe it is a good idea for you to take a break and figure things out once your thoughts are all sorted out and you finally see the light.
You can travel, and interact with other people and cultures. It will help you to switch your perspective a bit. Maybe it will help you to see the bigger picture.
Also, it is crucial for you to remain active. Not just on Linkedin. Being in a toxic work environment will have some long-lasting effects and recovery is a long process. There will be some depressing episodes, combined with crippling anxiety. It is perfectly normal.
Talk with other people, and take long walks. Eat healthily and try your best to get a good night’s sleep. Also, do you know that cardio is a great way to deal with stress? Only 15 minutes a day on the treadmill can boost your metabolism, and confidence and help you get your daily dose of serotonin. Always keep in mind that you are more than the fancy title and that your work does not define you. You are here to define rules for the future.
How do you start a job after quitting?
If you’re considering quitting your job, there are a few things you should do first. First, research your field to see what other options are out there. Switching careers is not something scary at all. The entire world went remote for a moment and there is a whole world of opportunities out there. Virtual assistant jobs, customer happiness managers, or digital marketing experts, you can redefine yourself and find your place. It’s also important to start networking and building relationships with people in your industry.
LinkedIn is a great place to connect with people from your industry. Linkedin Premium won’t break the bank and you will see places where you will be a top applicant. Apply to different jobs just to see what companies have to offer. You can really be surprised at how appreciated you can be when you step out of your comfort zone.
There are always interesting job opportunities plus you can easily see which skill sets are important for the roles. We are talking about soft skills as well! Believe it or not, these can land you some really good opportunities. Are you great with Microsoft Excel? Great, that kind of alchemy is a staple of most jobs today. So just go for it.
Make sure to visit events and ask your friends around do they know about some attractive business opportunities.
It’s also important to have a solid financial plan in place before you quit. This means saving up enough money to cover your living expenses for at least a few months.
What can I do instead of quiet quitting?
When you’re considering quitting your job, it’s important to think about what you want to do next. If you’re not sure what you want to do, that’s OK! Some of us value our security and getting used to changes can be harsh at times. There are plenty of things you can do instead of quitting without a plan.
Here are some things you can do instead of quietly quitting:
In conclusion
If you are considering making a change in your career, whether it’s a big move or a small one, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, think about what you want and need from your next job. Second, consider the timing of your move carefully. And third, don’t be afraid to move to something new – sometimes the best way to make a change is to do it without fanfare. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to making your next career move successfully.
About The Author
Stacey is a freelance writer living in Minnesota with her cat, and she’s passionate about yoga, languages, home improvement, and drinking strong coffee. Find her on Twitter @StaceyShann0n