In a tight labor market, more and more workers are choosing to leave their jobs quietly and without notice. Referred to as “quiet quitting,” this trend is on the rise, especially as layoffs become an increasingly common occurrence.

While the trend may seem like a way to avoid drama or conflict, it can actually have negative consequences for your career. According to a recent survey, 88% of American workers do not know someone who has “quiet quit” recently. This means that if you choose to leave your job in this way, you’re likely to face some backlash from your co-workers.

Six in 10 Americans would not provide a good reference for a co-worker who they know has “quiet quit,” putting a high price on subscribing to the trend. In a macro-environment of falling productivity, higher wages, falling earnings, and ever-increasing inflation, corporate executives are ringing alarm bells around the concept of quiet quitting – and pointing to its negative externalities.

The Pros of “Quiet Quitting”

There are some benefits to leaving your job without notice. First, it gives you time to line up another job before leaving your current one. This can be helpful if you’re worried about being unemployed for an extended period of time. Second, it allows you to avoid confrontations with your boss or co-workers. If you have a difficult relationship with your boss or you’re concerned about retaliation from your co-workers, quitting without notice may seem like the best option.

The Cons of “Quiet Quitting”

However, there are several downsides to “quiet quitting.” First, it’s important to remember that while you may not have to deal with confrontations in the short-term, quitting without notice can damage your relationships with your boss and co-workers in the long run. If you ever need a reference from your boss or a positive review from a co-worker, you may not be able to get one if you’ve burned those bridges by leaving without notice.

Second, “quiet quitting” can hurt your professional reputation. If word gets out that you left your job without notice, future employers may view you as unprofessional or difficult to work with. Finally, “quiet quitting” may make it harder for you to collect unemployment benefits if you’re laid off from your new job shortly after starting it.

Conclusion:

Before making the decision to “quit quietly,” weigh the pros and cons carefully. While there are some benefits to this approach, there are also several potential drawbacks that could hurt your career in the long run. Consider all of the factors involved before making a decision so that you can ensure that it’s the best choice for your career going forward.