I recently attended a meeting where people openly admitted that they were exhausted—done, spent, over it. They spoke about how, as the year wound down, so did their energy levels. It made me think: Why do we keep ending up in the same cycle every year? We start fresh with new goals and enthusiasm, but by the time we reach the last few months, many of us feel like we’re just hanging on. This cycle begs the question: are we truly finding purpose at work?

As I discussed this with a friend, he pointed out something that struck me: we’re all trying to be “OK” most of the time. We’re juggling work, family, and personal pressures, putting on a brave face while navigating the ups and downs. We’re like ducks on a pond—calm above the water but paddling frantically underneath. Maintaining this facade can be exhausting, especially if we’re not finding a purpose at work that keeps us engaged and motivated.

Quiet Quitting: A Symptom of a Lost Purpose

This brings us to quiet quitting—a term gaining traction, but the concept is far from new. Quitting is when someone stays in their job but only does the bare minimum, showing up just enough to keep their position but not enough to engage. For years, we called this “working to rule,” but the truth is, quiet quitting isn’t just about the workload. It’s a sign of disconnection, lost purpose at work, and diminished engagement.

Why do people quietly quit? Often, it’s because they’ve lost sight of the meaning in their work. Maybe they started with big dreams or enthusiasm, but over time, that spark faded. Now, they’re just going through the motions. It’s not laziness—it’s a response to feeling unappreciated, unsupported, or stuck. When people aren’t finding purpose at work, their motivation wanes, and the desire to go the extra mile disappears.

Quiet Quitting and Purpose: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Quiet quitting and finding purpose at work are deeply intertwined. When people feel a sense of purpose in their work, they’re more likely to show up fully, invest their energy, and strive to make a difference. But without that purpose, work can feel like an endless loop of tasks that don’t matter. This is where quiet quitting starts—when there’s no longer a reason to care deeply about the work being done.

If you’re only doing the basics at work, ask yourself why. Is it because the work doesn’t align with your values anymore? Is it because you don’t see how your efforts are making a difference? These are purpose questions; answering them can help you understand what’s driving your disengagement. To find purpose at work can be the key to breaking free from this cycle. Are you speaking up on what doesn’t work for you? Do you have a work personality and a home personality? Why is that? Have you lost trust in your manager?

Most people leave managers, not jobs, and often, a lack of quality communication gets in the way. Of course, it takes two to tango, but if you are to find purpose at work, you do need to speak up and call out bad behaviour. It’s tough when you perceive all the power is with the manager, but don’t forget, in this game of life, you are all just going through life as best you can. No one goes to work to do a bad job. Hopefully, your manager, although clueless at times, perhaps, is doing the same thing. If you are the manager, its time to take a long hard work at who you are being.

The Real Cost of Quiet Quitting

But here’s the thing: quiet quitting doesn’t help you, and it doesn’t help your employer either. It’s like pressing a pause on your career and your growth. It leads to stagnation, where lacking progress becomes a breeding ground for frustration. While it might seem like a way to cope with burnout, it’s a fast track to feeling even more unfulfilled. Research shows that disengaged employees are more likely to experience higher stress levels, affecting their work and spilling into their personal lives.

From a business perspective, quiet quitting is costly. It means that projects slow down, innovation stalls, and team morale dips. Even those passionate about their roles feel the effects of a colleague who has mentally checked out. It’s a cycle that feeds into itself, creating a workplace where no one feels truly motivated. This is why finding purpose at work is crucial—not just for individuals but for the health of the entire organisation.

Looking Ahead to 2025: A Fresh Perspective on Work

As we move into 2025, we can change the narrative. What if we focused on reconnecting with our purpose instead of dragging ourselves through another year? And no, I don’t mean some lofty, unreachable ideal. Finding purpose at work can be as simple as providing for your family, building a skill, or finding joy in even the smallest aspects of your day. It’s about looking at your current situation and asking, “What can I do to improve this for me?”

Purpose isn’t about finding a new job or making a radical change; sometimes, it’s about finding moments of meaning in what you’re already doing. What if your purpose at work is to be a steady hand during uncertain times? What if it’s about being the person who makes things run a little smoother, whether at work or at home? In a world that can feel chaotic, finding purpose at work can be your anchor, helping you stay focused and resilient.

Finding Purpose at Work When You Feel Stuck

If you find yourself struggling to find purpose in your job, start by asking these questions:

• What part of my work do I enjoy, even a little? Is it the camaraderie with a coworker? The satisfaction of completing a task? Focus on those moments, however small they may seem.
• What values matter most to me right now? If your current job helps you keep a roof over your head, that’s not a tiny thing. There’s a purpose in stability and security, especially in times of uncertainty. A steady paycheck might not be your dream, but it’s a foundation that supports everything else.
• How can I make one small improvement in my day? Maybe it’s finding a way to make your routine more efficient, learning a new skill, or simply connecting with a colleague more genuinely. These small shifts can have a huge impact on how you feel.

Why Purpose Matters—Even When You’re Struggling

Purpose doesn’t have to be a grand mission. For many people, especially those just trying to make ends meet, purpose can be about surviving another day or supporting loved ones. And that’s important. When you’re working to keep food on the table and a roof over your head, that’s purpose too. It’s about protecting what matters and holding it together during tough times.

Perhaps the lofty notion of finding purpose at work may often come across as some life-changing discovery, but the reality is more down-to-earth. Sometimes, it’s about showing up, day after day, doing your best with what you have. That’s no small feat, especially when the world around you feels unstable.

But it might be time to reach out for support if your current role is holding you back or making you feel trapped. Talk to a career coach, a mentor, or a trusted friend. They can help you identify your strengths and see new possibilities. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Sometimes, just having someone to listen can reignite the spark you thought was lost.

It’s Not Your Fault: Understanding How Stress Affects the Brain

It’s easy to blame yourself when you feel overwhelmed or stuck, but here’s the truth: It’s not your fault. When your brain perceives stress or danger, it switches into fight or flight mode—a hardwired response for survival. But here’s the kicker: the brain can’t distinguish between real danger (like a tiger in the wild) and perceived danger (like a tough meeting with your boss). It reacts the same way, shutting down non-essential functions and making it harder to think clearly or make decisions.

When this happens, your mind becomes laser-focused on survival, and seeing the bigger picture is nearly impossible. It’s why you might feel paralyzed by fear or unable to take action on even the simplest tasks. The key message in moments like these? Take it easy on yourself. Instead of tackling everything at once, focus on one small thing—something manageable that you can accomplish. It could be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, making a cup of tea, or organizing your thoughts on paper. By shifting your focus to small, achievable actions, you can slowly regain control without overwhelming yourself further.

Reconnecting with Hope: What’s Possible in 2025

Here’s the good news: 2025 offers a chance to reimagine what work can be. We’ve learned a lot in the past few years—about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of well-being. Now, it’s time to apply those lessons.

Employers are starting to realise that burnout and quiet quitting can’t be ignored. More companies are investing in mental health support, flexible work arrangements, and creating more human-centred workplaces. If you’re a leader, now is the time to build a team culture where authenticity is valued—where people don’t feel like they have to put on a game face to be heard.

For those who feel like they’re barely getting by, remember that purpose doesn’t have to be grand. It can be the determination to show up, the courage to keep going, or the hope that things can improve. As long as you’re moving forward, even in small steps, you’re already making progress.

Final Thoughts: Moving Beyond Quiet Quitting

Quiet quitting doesn’t have to be your story in 2025. By focusing on finding purpose at work, you can find a way to reignite your passion, even in the most challenging circumstances. It’s about knowing what drives you, understanding your values, and taking small, consistent steps towards a work-life that feels more aligned with who you are.

And remember, it’s okay to seek help when you need it. Whether reaching out to a mentor or seeking support through a coach, don’t be afraid to ask for some guidance. After all, the best pathway to finding purpose at work is to keep searching, one step at a time.