Unlike its louder cousin, soft quitting doesn’t mean giving up on your job; it means slowly disengaging from the ambition and loyalty that once defined a “model” employee.
Sounds a bit vague? That’s because soft quitting isn't about walking out the door—it's about mentally checking out while physically remaining present.
What Exactly Is ‘Soft Quitting’?
Soft quitting refers to a slow, almost imperceptible withdrawal from emotional and intellectual investment at work. You're still replying to emails, attending meetings, and hitting deadlines, but the spark is gone. You no longer raise your hand for new projects. You stop suggesting ideas in brainstorms. You’re present, but only in the most basic way.
In a culture that romanticizes hustle and glorifies burnout, soft quitting feels like a quiet rebellion.
It’s Not Laziness—It’s Self-Preservation
The term “soft quitting” might sound like a euphemism for slacking off, but that’s a misread. For many, it’s a coping mechanism. According to a 2024 Gallup report, nearly 59% of workers worldwide report feeling disconnected at work, citing a lack of recognition, poor management, or unclear career growth as core reasons.
Rather than resigning and risking financial instability, especially in a turbulent job market, employees are choosing a less confrontational path: lowering their emotional stakes.
A Gen Z and Millennial Mood
Soft quitting particularly resonates with Gen Z and Millennials, who have grown up in the aftermath of multiple global crises—economic recessions, a pandemic, and now, an AI-fueled future of work. The ideal of lifelong loyalty to one company feels increasingly outdated. Instead, this generation values mental health, work-life balance, and autonomy.
For many, soft quitting isn’t a sign of disengagement—it’s a sign of realignment. They’re no longer willing to give 120% to jobs that give them 70% (or less) in return.
Signs You Might Be ‘Soft Quitting’
You no longer care about promotions or performance reviews.
You stop volunteering for extra responsibilities.
You mute work notifications after 6 PM and feel no guilt.
You do your work well—but emotionally, you're checked out.
You fantasize about your next job more than you engage with your current one.
If this feels relatable, you're not alone.
What Can Workplaces Do?
If employers want to prevent this disengagement spiral, the solution isn’t just motivational posters or pizza Fridays. It’s about creating environments where employees feel heard, respected, and empowered.
Some steps include:
Transparent communication about growth opportunities.
Recognizing contributions beyond metrics.
Encouraging mental health days without judgment.
Checking in—not just on productivity, but on purpose.
The Lifestyle Angle: Redefining Success
From a lifestyle perspective, soft quitting is part of a larger cultural shift. We're moving away from the hustle-till-you-drop narrative. People want to live more, work saner, and find meaning beyond titles and targets.
Soft quitting doesn’t make someone a bad employee. It makes them a human one—navigating their limits in an increasingly demanding world. As the line between work and life continues to blur, trends like these reveal a deeper truth: people are rethinking what they owe to their jobs—and what they owe to themselves.
