Hustle culture and the “quiet quitting” phenomenon among Gen Z: From achievement pressure to career adaptation strategies
Published: October 23, 2026
Abstract
This study employs an integrative review to synthesize existing research and examine the relationship between hustle culture and quiet quitting. The findings indicate that hustle culture has a dual nature: it can promote proactivity and career development while also normalizing overwork, constant availability, and achievement pressure. When job demands exceed personal resources, employees may reduce their level of investment in work in order to conserve resources and restore work-life boundaries. Quiet quitting therefore may reflect not only declining work engagement but also a strategy of self-protection and career adaptation. Among Gen Z employees, this adaptation may further involve reallocating effort toward personal development, side hustles, or alternative career goals.
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