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Quiet Quitting vs. Career Fulfillment: How to Reclaim Control of Your Career

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Introduction.

As more professionals seek meaning and balance in their careers, quiet quitting has become a buzzword in the workplace, sparking debates about employee engagement, burnout, and job satisfaction. With UK professionals increasingly prioritising work-life balance over traditional career metrics like promotions and salary, it’s important to ask:


What does it really mean to step back from your responsibilities quietly? 


More importantly, how does this affect your long-term career fulfilment?


Let’s break it down. Quiet quitting doesn’t mean leaving your job—it’s about doing the bare minimum, emotionally stepping back because you’re overwhelmed, undervalued, or simply burned out. But here's the truth: while setting boundaries is important, quiet quitting can stop you from reaching your potential and finding true fulfilment.




Why Quiet Quitting is On the Rise and How to Combat It.


Are you one of the many professionals quietly quitting? A 2022 survey by Gallup found that 50% of U.S. workers are disengaged. And it’s not just happening in the U.S.—this trend is growing in the UK and Ireland, where professionals increasingly prioritise work-life balance over traditional career paths.


Several factors have contributed to the growing trend of quiet quitting:


  1. Blurred Lines Between Work and Life

    The shift to hybrid and remote working has blurred the boundaries between our personal time and professional obligations. Many of us feel like we're always "on," with work encroaching on our personal lives. A study by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that employees who don't set clear boundaries in hybrid roles are more likely to experience burnout and decreased well-being.

  2. Dissatisfaction with Workplace Culture

    There's a growing dissatisfaction with traditional workplace cultures that prioritize productivity over well-being. According to a Gallup survey, only 9% of UK workers are engaged or enthusiastic about their work. Feeling undervalued and unappreciated gradually leads many to disengage from their duties.

  3. Reevaluating Priorities Post-Pandemic

    The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many of us to reassess our career priorities and life goals. This period of reflection has led to a greater emphasis on personal fulfilment and mental health. Instead of leaving their jobs amid economic uncertainty, some are choosing to reduce engagement levels to maintain a healthier balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being.


But ask yourself: Is doing the bare minimum really what you want for your career?


The signs are easy to spot—doing just enough to get by, avoiding new projects, feeling disconnected. But what if, instead of quitting quietly, you quietly reclaimed your career?



Practical Steps to Take Back Control of Your Career


The good news? You can take back control of your career. Here are four powerful steps you can take to move from quiet quitting to finding purpose in your work:


  1. Set Boundaries That Work for You

    Burnout often comes from blurred lines between work and life. Studies show that when employees lack clear boundaries, they experience emotional exhaustion and disengagemen. But setting boundaries doesn’t mean disengaging—it means protecting your time and energy so you can stay motivated.

    • Action Step: Identify areas where work is spilling into your personal time. For example, set specific work hours, turn off email notifications after hours, or designate a workspace at home to separate work from leisure.


    What boundaries have you put in place to ensure your well-being?


  2. Engage in Job Crafting for Fulfillment

    Job crafting is about reshaping your role to include work that matters to you. Focus on projects that align with your values and strengths. Research shows that employees who craft their jobs experience more engagement and fulfillment5. The Harvard Business Review offers a great exploration of how job crafting can enhance job satisfaction.

    • Action Step: Reflect on the aspects of your job that you enjoy most and seek ways to incorporate more of these tasks. Talk to your manager about taking on projects that align with your interests.


    Have you considered how you can reshape your role to fit your passions better?


  3. Have Open Conversations

    Talk to your manager about your career goals, aspirations, and what kind of work excites you. This could open doors to new opportunities and reignite your passion.

    • Action Step: Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your professional development. Prepare to share your achievements and express your interest in new challenges.


    Have you asked your employer how they can support your growth?


  4. Align Your Career with Your Values

    Feeling fulfilled at work starts with understanding what drives you. When your work aligns with your core beliefs, you're more likely to stay engaged and motivated. Whether it's innovation, helping others, or sustainability, finding meaning in your role makes all the difference.

    Professionals who actively align their work with their values report higher job satisfaction and lower burnout rates. Gallup’s research supports this: people who feel connected to their values at work are less likely to experience disengagement.

    • Action Step: Take time to identify your core values and assess how well your current role aligns with them. Consider volunteering for initiatives within your company that reflect these values.


    Have you ever considered what values are most important to you?



Moving Beyond Quiet Quitting

Quitting might seem like the easiest option when you're feeling burned out, but deep down, you know it's not the answer in the long run. It's time to flip the script. Instead of stepping back, imagine stepping forward—reclaiming your passion and drive.


Think about why you started on this career path to begin with. What ignites your enthusiasm?


Now is the moment to take decisive action. By setting boundaries, seeking meaningful projects, and realigning your role with your true values, you can transform your work experience. Don't settle for merely getting by—embrace the opportunity to grow and thrive. Your career is in your hands, and the first step towards change starts with you.


Ready to Reclaim Your Career?

If you feel like you've been quietly quitting, now's the time to make a change. Why wait until burnout hits? You deserve a career that excites and fulfils you. Take the first step towards reigniting your passion.


Action You Can Take Today:

Book a career clarity session with me. Let's explore what's holding you back and create a personalised plan to get you excited about your work again. Don't settle for less—take control of your career journey now.


External Links and Sources:

  1. Gallup. (2022). State of the Global Workplace: 2022 Report. Retrieved from Gallup website 

  2. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). (2021). Flexible Working Practices. Retrieved from CIPD website 

  3. Gallup. (2022). State of the Global Workplace: 2022 Report. Retrieved from Gallup website 

  4. Deloitte. (2021). The Deloitte Global Millennial Survey 2021. Retrieved from Deloitte website 

  5. Wrzesniewski, A., & Dutton, J. E. (2001). Crafting a Job: Revisioning Employees as Active Crafters of Their Work. Academy of Management Review, 26(2), 179–201.

  6. Berg, J. M., Dutton, J. E., & Wrzesniewski, A. (2013). Job Crafting and Meaningful Work. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from HBR website 

  7. Harvard Business Review Staff. (2019). How to Have Difficult Conversations When You Don't Like Conflict. Retrieved from Harvard Business Review

 

Regards, Paula

Careers and Personal Growth Coach

⭐ If you're beginning your journey or seeking a new path, I can help you plan your next steps.

⭐Book in for a chat to discuss your career situation.

📌 Contact me at info@donnancoachingservices.com










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