Does everyone feel like a fraud for doing the minimum at work?

Many people experience a sense of guilt or inadequacy when they feel they are only meeting the basic requirements of their job. This feeling often stems from a societal expectation to consistently go above and beyond, even when it's not sustainable. It's a common internal conflict that arises when effort levels don't match personal or external ideals.

Research indicates that approximately 60% of employees admit to experiencing feelings of guilt or anxiety when they perceive their effort levels as 'just enough' rather than 'exceptional'.

See other perspectives

Am I the only one who feels like a fraud for doing the minimum at work?

Am I the Only One?

Is it normal to feel like a fraud for doing the minimum at work?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to feel like a fraud for doing the minimum at work?

Is It Weird?

Why do I feel like a fraud for doing the minimum at work?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

I’m a lab tech – not, like, a scientist, just a tech. …

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I worked at this retail place, part-time. …

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I started this remote software support gig two years ago, right after I finally hung it up at the office. …

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I don't know if this counts as a confession, but I'm a graphic designer for a local charity and I just… do what they tell me. …

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I’m in my late sixties now, and I find myself looking back at these small decisions, these little rebellions, and wondering if they were actually bigger than I ever let myself believe. …

quiet quitting guilt

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel guilty for just doing my job?▾
Guilt for simply fulfilling job duties can come from a belief that more is always expected or rewarded. Often, this is an internal pressure rather than an explicit demand from your employer, fueled by a culture that values constant overachievement.
Is it normal to feel like I'm 'quiet quitting' even if I'm productive?▾
Yes, it's quite common to feel this way. The term 'quiet quitting' can lead to self-doubt even when you are consistently productive and meeting all expectations. The feeling often arises from a comparison to others who appear to be working excessively long hours or taking on extra projects.
How can I stop feeling bad about doing the minimum at work?▾
Focus on clarity regarding your job responsibilities and performance metrics. When you meet these established benchmarks consistently, you are fulfilling your role. Shifting your perspective to focus on effective completion of core tasks rather than perceived extra effort can help alleviate these feelings.

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