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February 20, 2026
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February 20, 2026
The Tech Trends
AI
AI Ethics
Automation
Deep Learning
Generative AI
Machine Learning
Robotics
Culture
Creator Economy
Digital Nomads
Internet Culture
Remote Work
Tech Careers
Tech Events
Future Trends
5G/6G Networks
BioTech
Metaverse
Quantum Computing
Space Tech
Sustainable Tech
Innovation
AgriTech
EdTech
FinTech
Green Tech
HealthTech
Smart Cities
Gadgets
AR/VR Devices
Drones
Health Tech
Smart Home
Smartphones
Wearables
Software
App Development
Cloud Computing
Cybersecurity
Open Source
Productivity Tools
SaaS
Startups
Disruptive Ideas
Founder Stories
Funding News
Startup Trends
Tech Launches
Unicorn Watch
Web3
Blockchain
Cryptocurrency
DAOs
Decentralization
NFTs
Smart Cities
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The Tech Trends
Uncategorized
Uncategorized
The Rise of Quiet Quitting and Work/Life Boundaries in Tech
by
Sofia Petrou
February 20, 2026
Table of Contents
×
Key Takeaways
Who this is for (and who it isn’t)
What “Quiet Quitting” Actually Means in the Tech Context
The Core Behaviors
It Is Not “Quitting”
The Death of the “Hustle Culture” Narrative
Why the Narrative Collapsed
The Psychological Contract: Why Tech Workers Are Pulling Back
The Breach of Trust
“Acting Your Wage”
Recognizing the Signs: Boundary Setting vs. Burnout vs. Disengagement
1. Healthy Boundary Setting
2. Burnout
3. Active Disengagement
Establishing Healthy Boundaries Without Sabotaging Your Career
1. The Art of the “No”
2. Visible Asynchronous Work
3. Ritualizing the Shutdown
4. Managing On-Call Rotations
The Remote Work Paradox: Flexibility vs. Always-On
The “Bleed” Effect
Reclaiming the Commute
The Right to Disconnect
The Manager’s Perspective: Leading in the Era of Boundaries
Shift from Input to Output
Normalizing Boundaries
The Danger of “Quiet Firing”
The Economic Context: Tech Layoffs and Stability
The Survival Strategy
Case Studies: What Quiet Quitting Looks Like in Practice
Case A: The Senior Engineer (“The Architect”)
Case B: The Product Manager (“The Burnout Survivor”)
Case C: The Junior Developer (“The Transactionalist”)
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls
1. Passive-Aggression
2. Leaving Your Team in the Lurch
3. Neglecting Visibility
Alternatives to Quiet Quitting: “Loud Quitting” and Renegotiation
Loud Quitting
Renegotiation (Job Crafting)
The Future of Work in Tech: Sustainable Pace vs. Hyper-Growth
The “Sustainable Pace” Model
Related Topics to Explore
Conclusion
FAQs
What is the difference between quiet quitting and just doing your job?
Can quiet quitting get me fired in the tech industry?
Is quiet quitting bad for my career growth?
How do I discuss workload with my manager without sounding like I’m quitting?
Is quiet quitting just a Gen Z trend?
Does remote work make quiet quitting easier?
How can companies prevent quiet quitting?
Is “acting your wage” the same as quiet quitting?
What is “loud quitting”?
Will AI impact the quiet quitting trend?
References
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Table of Contents
