[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Quite quitting is another unfortunate misnomer from hashtag culture. In reality, the concept is really about setting healthy boundaries.

I’ve said it before plenty of times, I’ll say it again… your job is a contract, perform these services in exchange for payment. There are a few caveats like bonuses and promotions (and even those aren’t guaranteed) but for the most part, that’s the agreement. Now, somewhere along the line (we can sort through that another time) workers convinced themselves that working crazy long hours, hustling, jockeying for supposed position and power and such would result in equal reciprocation from their employer and self-fulfillment. Workers convinced themselves that the company would also put the need of the worker above itself and it’s wellbeing. But, that’s not how it works because your employer recognizes, honors, and respects their part of the contract… it’s why they have policies…to ensure their part of the contract is clear. It also doesn’t lead to self-fulfillment; it’s one factor in why there is so much burnout and chronic illness.

Here’s an example (speaking generally): Let’s say you’re one of these “hustle hard”, 60-80+ hour a week workers delivering great value to your employer. You get sick and have 5 days of paid sick days as a part of your compensation. If you need to be out for 8 days, guess who’s not going to hustle hard and jump through hoops to pay you for the extra 3 days of sick time you need…that’s right, your employer. You’ll either have to tap into unused vacation (if you get vacation) or go the unpaid route. Why you ask? Because your employer has a great relationship with its boundaries and managing expectations of those boundaries. Your employer will hold the line of those established boundaries, as it should, making very few (if any) exceptions.

Now it’s your turn. It’s unfortunate that it has taken this long for workers to love themselves and their sanity enough to recognize that jobs are not reciprocal relationships where everything you put in gets returned to you. Jobs are contracts and thus far one side has been holding up their end to the letter and the other side has been putting in way more effort than required or rewarded.

So, here’s some things to consider:
1. Always deliver what you promise based on the agreement.
2. What you deliver should always be 10 out of 10 (above reproach).
3. Make your boundaries clear (example: I’m Jewish, I don’t work (physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically…) from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday…full stop.
4. Be prepared to reiterate your boundaries. As in any relationship when there have been no boundaries by one of the parties, there is first shock from the other party that you have this new thing called a boundary. So, it may take a second because there will always be a testing phase by the recipient of the new boundary to determine how pliable the boundary is and how steadfast the new boundary setter is. Don’t be alarmed, but do time box how long the adjustment period should last before you take other actions.
5. Be okay with defining for your “leaders” your work, resourcing the work, and setting/managing expectations for both.
6. It’s okay to be good at something, get paid for it, and that thing not be your passion. You can have a passion that is completely decoupled from your job and your job can be your job ONLY because it pays the bills–hopefully well.
7. Know that you can walk away ANYTIME without the guilt of leaving behind the team, the company, and even work buddies.

Lastly, in always and always prioritize your well-being first. Now, as my mom always says, when you know better, do better.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]