This Labor Day, workers considering “quiet quitting” their jobs by doing the bare minimum might want to instead think about why they lack the drive to do their best at everything at work and home all the time.
“Quiet quitting” is a trendy workplace term used to describe employees who have mentally checked out but still go through the motions of doing tasks, collecting a paycheck and receiving benefits.
Since most people work for a living, many have opinions on the topic. In an era of growing union popularity and strength, labor supporters say this is simply “working to rule” and not exhausting yourself by going above and beyond every day without reward.
On the other hand, managers may feel workers are taking advantage of their employers. Bosses might encourage employees to seek other opportunities if they’re not going to give it their all.
The quiet quitting phenomenon follows the pandemic’s “Great Resignation” that saw more than 40 million Americans quit their jobs. Most are working different jobs now, though many service businesses continue to struggle with staffing shortages.
Quiet quitting applies to people who did not actually leave their jobs. But like many, the pandemic and other considerations prompted them to rethink their priorities. Also, many companies temporarily or permanently closed offices due to people working from home.
Things are not like they were a couple years ago, and it seems they will never again be the same.
I’ve always had great respect for the entrepreneur. Small business owners who strike out on their own are the backbone of the American economy. They have more freedom but face greater risks than workers who prefer the stability of a steady paycheck.
Maybe it’s the guilt associated with my Catholic upbringing, but I’ve always felt obligated to deliver an honest day’s work for my various employers over the years. We all have ups and downs, and employers that make workers feel appreciated are more likely to foster employee loyalty.
I also have the perspective of someone who got a second chance at life after nearly dying of a heart attack in 2014. I value time more than money or anything else. I’ve learned to develop coping mechanisms to manage stress, and I don’t sweat the small stuff. I’ve found that debt, bills and other important things don’t matter at all after you die.
The need to pay for housing, food, transportation and other essentials motivates many to do well at their jobs. We interact with co-workers, customers and others. Many enjoy what they do. Some even have fun at work.
But over time, work becomes a grind for many. They feel like they’re only living life during off hours — days off, holidays and two or three weeks of vacation per year. Many feel their mobile devices tether them to work at all times. They compulsively check email during evenings and weekends.
If they’re unhappy at work, they ought to make a change. Some switch employers within their fields. Others pursue different careers. But unless they resolve the underlying challenge of finding a work-life balance, they may soon become dissatisfied again in their different role.
In the eight years since my near-death experience, I’ve learned what I need to do to remain physically and mentally healthy. One is do a strenuous activity for an extended time every day. Many spend their workdays sitting in front of a computer. They need to know they cannot bank exercise time until weekends and vacations.
Another healthy activity is to revaluate how you spend your time, both at work and play. You’d be surprised at how much you can accomplish if you spend less time watching TV, playing video games, updating social media and doing other meaningless time wasters.
Discovering a new hobby can reignite passion and provide meaning. Some are motivated to do their professional work well so they can efficiently complete their tasks and get to the fun parts of their days.
None of these insights are new, and all of them are easier said than done. I can only speak from personal experience. When I heard about quiet quitting, I could relate to the concept.
The pandemic disrupted the entire world. We have collectively experienced a great shake-up of our existences. For some, the disruptions were a wake-up call to change their ways.
Millions must face how the pandemic affected their mental health. The recent spate of suicides by Chicago police officers may be one indicator of the critical need to address work-life balance concerns.
At the end of the day, you’re responsible for your own well-being and happiness. You can blame unhappiness on your employer, but you always have the ability to change your situation for the better. Just remember, your job may not be the sole reason why your life feels unfulfilled.
Ted Slowik is a columnist for the Daily Southtown.
