Millennials are changing how they balance work and personal life with a new trend called 'quiet vacationing.' Instead of asking their boss for time off, they're taking unofficial breaks to find a better work-life balance.
This shows their creative way of dealing with the demands of their job and personal responsibilities but also has sparked heated debate on social media.
The concept of 'quiet vacationing,' known as 'quiet quitting' has already gained traction, wherein individuals strictly follow the duties outlined in their work contracts without going the extra mile.
Proponents argue that this approach challenges the notion of going 'above and beyond' due to toxic workplace cultures.
Now, millennials are taking a step further with 'quiet vacationing,' addressing the issue of insufficient work-life balance.
According to reports, 78% of employees in the United States admit to not utilizing all their paid time off (PTO) days, with Gen Z and millennials being the most affected.
However, instead of forgoing their breaks entirely, many millennials are opting for unofficial time off without notifying their managers.
Some individuals employ creative tactics to maintain the appearance of productivity during their unofficial time off.
They occasionally move their computer mouse or even schedule emails to be sent outside of working hours to give the impression of working overtime.
This 'workaround culture' allows millennials to find a work-life balance discreetly.
While Gen Z employees tend to be more vocal about their needs in the workplace, older millennials, who are now in their 40s and starting families, prefer a more covert approach.
By engaging in 'quiet vacationing', they can enjoy time away from work without explicitly requesting it, avoiding scrutiny from their employers.
A Gen Z worker recently made headlines after being fired from her 9-to-5 job for expressing dissatisfaction and breaking down in tears due to her inadequate income.
The incident gained attention when she shared her struggles on TikTok, only to face dire consequences in her professional life.
The worker, identified as Brielle Asero, a college graduate from New Jersey, became popular on social media after posting videos about her difficulty adjusting to the demands of a 9-to-5 job.
However, she revealed in a viral video that she was subsequently terminated. Asero emphasized that the termination was not her fault.
Before her dismissal, Asero had spent months searching for a job and eventually secured a position at a startup company.
Asero shared that during her working process, she was recognized by her boss as one of the brightest individuals on the team, consistently completing her tasks with excellence.
However, when her complaint video went viral, leading to her unexpected termination.
The consequences of her dismissal left Asero in a difficult financial state, as she had no savings to rely on. Gen Z worker lamented that her 9-to-5 job did not provide a sufficient income to sustain herself.
In her videos, Asero expressed disappointment and fear regarding the job-hunting process, feeling rejected and unaccepted.
Despite her hard work and impressive portfolio as a college graduate, she still faced a challenging position.