In the wake of 'The Great Resignation,' a new term has dominated the professional landscape: quiet quitting. For many, it feels like a necessary boundary-setting exercise in an era of burnout. For others, it sounds like a fast track to a dead-end career. But what is it really, and could it be harming your future prospects more than you realize?

Understanding the Quiet Quitting Phenomenon

Quiet quitting isn't actually about resigning from your position. Instead, it refers to the practice of performing exactly what your job description requires—no more, no less. Rather than working 60-hour weeks or striving for extra recognition, employees are putting in their 40 hours and going home. This shift often happens when workers feel a lack of connection to their employer or are biding their time while searching for a better opportunity.

Interestingly, this isn't a new behavior. It is essentially a modern label for 'average work.' According to data from the Harvard Business Review, nearly 85% of employees are disengaged at work. While only a small percentage of any workforce are 'overachievers,' the recent trend has brought this disengagement into the spotlight.

"Quiet quitting isn't about doing less work than you are paid for; it’s about choosing not to do the extra work that isn't compensated."

The Hidden Risks of the 'Quiet' Label

While setting boundaries is healthy, labeling your behavior as 'quiet quitting' carries significant professional baggage. The term often implies loafing or a lack of ambition to leadership, even if you are meeting every one of your KPIs. If you are currently feeling the urge to pull back, it is crucial to handle the transition with extreme discretion.

The Danger of Oversharing

In the age of social media, it can be tempting to join the conversation about workplace boundaries. However, publicly identifying as a quiet quitter can be detrimental. Employers look for candidates who show initiative and engagement; admitting to doing the bare minimum—even if that 'minimum' is technically your full job—can make you look like a high-risk hire for future roles.

If you find yourself in this position because you are unhappy, the best strategy is to maintain a professional standard while focusing your energy on a strategic exit. To ensure your next move is a step up, use a AI CV builder to prepare a resume that highlights your achievements rather than your recent disengagement.

How to Pivot Without Sabotaging Your Reputation

If you are ready to move on, the goal should be to leave on your own terms. Many professionals make the mistake of letting their performance slip or telling colleagues about their intent to leave. This is a dangerous game. Information travels fast, and being 'found out' before you have a signed offer can lead to an early termination.

• Keep your plans private: Never tell coworkers you are job hunting. If you must share, keep it within your close family.
• Focus on your next step: Use your evenings to refine your professional brand. Ensure you are using an ATS-friendly format to bypass digital filters.
• Refine your narrative: When you do land an interview, focus on what you are moving toward, not what you are running away from.

If you're struggling with how to explain your current situation, learning how to answer 'tell me about yourself' with a focus on future growth can shift the focus away from your current workplace dissatisfaction.

Strategic Career Planning for the Long Term

Instead of quiet quitting indefinitely, consider it a temporary phase of a larger strategic career plan. Use this time to identify what was missing in your current role so you don't repeat the same cycle at your next company.

To make your transition as smooth as possible, you need to be technically prepared. Since over 75% of resumes are rejected by automated systems, it is vital to use an ATS checker to see how your current document stacks up. A polished, professional presentation allows you to exit your current role with your head high and your reputation intact.

Final Thoughts

Quiet quitting doesn't have to be career suicide, but how you manage it determines your future. By staying professional, keeping your intentions private, and using the right tools to find your next role, you can turn a period of disengagement into a stepping stone for a more fulfilling career. If you're ready to start that journey, you can make a professional CV today and get noticed by the right employers.