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Australians are increasingly turning to ‘quiet quitting’ when it comes to their jobs

You’re not quitting your job — but you are quitting going above and beyond.

It’s a new trend called “quiet quitting” and it seems Aussies are increasingly getting onboard with the mindset.

Sick of letting work creep into their lives — from not taking lunch breaks to working unpaid overtime and keeping abreast of emails and Teams messages after hours — workers are implementing the revolutionary concept of quiet quitting.

They are drawing boundaries and no longer letting work intrude on their “life” space.

“You’re not outright quitting your job but you’re quitting the idea of ​​going above and beyond,” TikTokker @zkchillin explained in a popular video on the topic.

“You’re still performing your duties but you’re no longer subscribing to the hustle culture mentality that work has to be your life — the reality is, it’s not and your worth as a person is not defined by your labour.”

As we have embraced technology, so too have we allowed work to creep into our free-time space.

And “quiet quitters” say following their lead is crucial in avoiding burnout and enjoying and appreciating life outside of the office.

One quiet quitter posted on social media: “When you do it (quiet quitting) you realize nothing at work matters and suddenly all the stress vanishes.”

Another said: “I quiet quit six months ago and guess what, same pay, same recognition, same everything but less stress.”

And another wrote: “I did this when I asked for a raise and they told me no, but then started hiring people with higher pay and less responsibilities.”

However, while the idea of ​​quiet quitting may sound appealing, some experts have warned to proceed with caution.

LinkedIn’s Charlotte Davies said that by the time you reach the stage of quiet quitting, you may already be suffering from burnout — and more drastic measures may be needed to avoid a mental health meltdown.

A user on Reddit.
Camera IconA user on Reddit. Credit: supplied

Career trends expert at Glassdoor, Jill Cotton, said by taking up the trend, you could feel more powerless.

“Quietly quitting is often a sign that it’s time to move on from your role,” she said.

“If you’re reducing your effort to the bare minimum needed to complete tasks, your heart is probably no longer in the job or the company.”

Others have warned that by quiet quitting, you are likely shutting yourself off from promotions and pay rises.

But it hasn’t stopped the movement gaining momentum Down Under.

A discussion on Reddit shows many Aussie are taking up the trend.

“I stepped down from a management position to a lower one with fewer hours to study,” one said.

“Went from putting in 110 per cent into everything I did to the absolute bare minimum required to keep me happy and employed.”

Australians are increasingly turning to the trend of 'quiet quitting' to restore their work-life balance.
Camera IconAustralians are increasingly turning to the trend of ‘quiet quitting’ to restore their work-life balance. Credit: © Milenko Đilas – Veternik Serbia/djile – stock.adobe.com

A nurse said they had “dialled down” their time spent at work after having to take time off for burn out and family issues.

“Since I’ve been back, I only work two to three shifts a week,” they said. “I do what my job needs me to do.

“My work ethic is still strong but I no longer put my hand up for every other shift and I say no to some that are asked of me.”

Others pointed out that quiet quitting was about setting up “healthy boundaries” and having a work-life balance.

“This is something any decent company should ensure exists,” one user posted.

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