Quiet Quitter
Overwork Refusal Meme Button

A 1.25" pinback button with the words ‘quiet quitter.’ This renaming of the ‘work-to-rule’ concept was originally promoted as a way of shaming workers who refused to take on extra work, but has been taken over as a badge of honor for those who refuse to be exploited.

For decades American work culture has included the idea of working above and beyond: that people who hustle will receive the rewards for their extra labor. However, after the stress of two years of COVID and related job departures (the Great Resignation), many people came to believe that their extra work only benefitted their employers. Millions are now doing their job and only their job. They are the quiet quitters.

Work-to-rule is a union job action in which employees do no more than the minimum required by the rules of their contract, and precisely follow all safety or other regulations. Examples include nurses refusing to answer telephones, or teachers refusing to work for free at night and during weekends and holidays.

Quiet quitting can be considered an application of work-to-rule, in which employees work within defined work hours and engage solely in activities within those hours. The philosophy of quiet quitting, despite the name, is not connected to quitting a job, but rather doing exactly what the job requires. It’s necessary to avoid occupational burnout and to pay more attention to one's mental health and personal well-being.

In 2022, quiet quitting experienced a surge in popularity in numerous publications following a viral TikTok video. That same year, Gallup found that roughly half of the U.S. workforce was quiet quitters.

Wearing this button while working may result in negative feedback. But if you choose, you can wear it while refusing to hustle, while doing your best and no more, and while clocking in and out at exactly the right times.

See our store for more interesting items -
combine orders to save shipping! Click Here

Pin back on each button. US penny for scale. Penny and ruler NOT included in price. 1.25 inches = 3.175 cm.

Act your wage