Quietly quitting...thoughts from a Life Coach

“Quietly Quitting” Have you heard of this recent phenomenon in our workplace culture? It was introduced on TikTok by a 20-something engineer named Zaid Khan who basically defined it as “not outright quitting your job, but you’re quitting the idea of going above and beyond…You’re still performing your duties, but you’re no longer subscribing to the hustle culture mentality that work has to be your life.” 

I heard this term lately from a client of mine and it really struck a chord with me. Why? Well, for a few reasons that I’ll touch on today. 

You see, as a Life Reinvention Coach, I’m all about helping my clients create a life that truly feels PASSIONATE and PURPOSEFUL. Basically a life they don’t feel the need to “quietly quit”. I want my clients to wake up every day feeling excited for what’s ahead. Feeling motivate to work towards their goals, immerse in a project, and truly enjoy the process of becoming an even better and more fulfilled version of themselves.

Perhaps a bit of my recoil is simply the choice of words. “Quietly quitting” sounds so passive and defeatist. It feels like giving up instead of standing up for what you know is right and what is best for you.

Now I get that there are a lot of jobs and bosses out there that will gladly suck the very life out of you if you let them. And I also totally understand that there are times of your life when you really truly just need a job, any old job to pay the bills. That’s just life. I’ve been there. I get it!

So, how about we call it “Setting Healthy Boundaries” instead?

Doesn’t that sound a whole heck of a lot more active and positive? What I know for certain is that this is an area that lots of people struggle with. Figuring out what is healthy for you and then standing up for yourself takes time and courage. It takes setting aside a whole lot of fear stories in order to do what’s best for YOU. 

It’s all about BALANCE, my friend. Healthy boundaries ensure that you are not giving too much of yourself and ending up feeling depleted, frustrated, unhappy, and like quitting (quietly or not so quietly…).

It’s also all about finding GRATITUDE for what you do have (even if you currently hate your job). Yes, I said that. And it is possible. You see, if you are starting each day with a mile long list of the things you don’t like about your job (your relationship, your life…whatever it is that isn’t going well), then your NEGATIVITY BIAS is waking up to a big unhealthy breakfast of self-perpetuating negativity. Not the recipe for a happy, successful day or life.

So, try this. Make a list of all the GOOD THINGS. It might simply be 1) I have a job, 2) I get a paycheck, 3) I am contributing to something…and so on. Even on the worst of days, you can wake up and find something to put on this list! And keep adding to it throughout the day. Purposefully look for the good.

AND, if you truly are not happy doing what you are doing, then start the process of finding something MORE - more satisfying, more purposeful, that you are passionate about!! Even if you feel stuck in the mud of life, there is a way out and it starts with YOU making a choice.

Do you see why “quietly quitting” just goes against everything I believe in and stand for? Don’t check out of life, my friend! You are here to grab life and squeeze every last drop of goodness out. You are here to make this world a little better. You deserve to wake up each and every day feeling grateful, truly alive, and excited for the next step ahead of you!
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And I’m here to support you every step of the way!!