In May, a 26-year-old TikToker took the internet by storm with a catchy new workplace term: “lazy girl jobs.”
Gabrielle Judge, the influencer behind this viral TikTok movement, describes a “lazy girl job” as one that allows you to essentially quiet quit. “There are a plethora of positions that offer salaries between 60K-80K, which are quite comfortable, yet require minimal effort and can be done remotely,” she explains. With nearly 156,000 followers and 3 million likes on TikTok, Judge, known as the “Anti Work Girlboss,” is making waves. Here’s a deep dive into what a “lazy girl job” entails and the opinions of experts regarding this trend.
What defines a ‘lazy girl job’?
Judge outlines various positions that fit this description, such as marketing associates, account managers, or customer success managers. She further characterizes them as follows:
- “Safe”—Judge clarifies that this means not having to endure late nights or other significant disruptions.
- Flexible—“This alleviates the pressure on childcare in general,” Judge notes. She emphasizes that these roles should ideally have no fixed start or end times, allowing children to roam in and out during Zoom meetings.
- Work/life balance is essential.
- Secure—“Women shouldn’t have to live paycheck to paycheck… We are complex beings… Removing the strain from physically demanding jobs enables us to perform to our highest potential.”
Judge encourages individuals following her lazy girl job application strategy—which she developed using ChatGPT—to target 15-20 job applications each week.
The lazy girl job trend reveals a shocking statistic regarding global workplace happiness (or the lack of it)
Clearly, many employers would hesitate to label job openings as “lazy” in any capacity, so while it’s an undeniably catchy phrase, some experts consider it a misleading label for an otherwise beneficial concept.
Lori Gottlieb, a psychotherapist and author of the bestselling Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, shared her thoughts: “What this is really indicating is that work expectations have significantly evolved, which is the essence of this trend… I don’t believe people are advocating for laziness. They are seeking to foster a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work relationship.” She asserts that a “healthy” work environment encompasses both emotional and physical wellness, and there is opportunity for growth in how engaged and connected employees feel towards their roles.
She collaborated with HP to uncover a troubling statistic from a survey of 15,600 participants across 12 countries: Only 27% of employees report having a healthy work relationship. The report’s researchers conclude that workers’ connections with their jobs are “at a tipping point—and the repercussions are widespread.”
How lazy girl jobs triggered significantly different interpretations
As with any trend, individuals interpret it in varying ways, leading to a spectrum of reactions and understandings. For instance, Judge has had to defend herself against critics, even sharing a FoxNews segment featuring reporters scoffing at her suggestion of aiming to be “the second least effective member of the team and just live life.”
Some are appalled
“What a bizarre sentiment; I grew up during a time when women aspired to shatter the glass ceiling—now they merely wish to pose alongside it and call it a day,” stated one analyst. The commentators specifically take aim at Gen Z women in their critiques. One TikTok user remarked, “I believe they heard the term ‘lazy’ and ceased listening.” This highlights a potential reaction from employers, who might genuinely value balance and flexibility but feel alienated by the notion of “lazy.”
Some take pride
In a society where monetary gain has often surpassed satisfaction or equilibrium, it seems perspectives may be shifting. The HP survey indicates that 83% of knowledge workers would accept lower pay for increased happiness at work. Eliza VanCort, a transformation coach and the author of A Woman’s Guide to Claiming Space: Stand Tall. Raise Your Voice. Be Heard, speaks about her daughter, who has embraced a lazy girl job to accommodate her desire to volunteer for Planet Over Profit.
“My amazing daughter is engaged in such a role. She is dedicating her life to climate change advocacy. Her choice is to have a job that grants her the freedom to spend her time working towards saving our precious planet rather than earning a bit more. I am extraordinarily proud of her. To me, lazy girl jobs embody the spirit of prioritizing our world and the people in it over merely fattening our wallets, often at the expense of our wellbeing and, on a macro level, our planet.”
She further expresses hope that this generation of women will select roles that “encourage your passions… and move away from situations that belittle you.” Thus, for her, the trend signifies a reclamation of space for women.
Some worry it’s unfair
Judge has been met with criticism from many individuals who simply say, “That’s great, but most of us still have to clock in and earn a living.” Roza Szafranek, CEO of HR Hints, an HR subscription service that partners with over 70 organizations globally, started her business after experiencing burnout firsthand.
“These are individuals who today have the privilege of choosing their work hours, but previously logged long hours daily. Unfortunately, others need to realize that there’s no easy money, overnight success, and no achievement without effort,” she emphasizes. “This is why it’s vital to openly discuss the challenges we face and clarify the terms under which we choose to work with our employees.”
Some view it as a lifeline for parents
In an environment where paid parental leave and affordable childcare options are virtually nonexistent, lazy girl jobs that facilitate making ends meet could be crucial for parents facing challenging circumstances, asserts Barbara Palmer, founder of Broad Perspective Consulting. She advises individuals navigating career shifts and parenthood.
“For working parents, the exorbitant cost and poor quality of childcare have led many to assess the financial implications of work versus the expenses of hiring nannies or daycare services. In numerous cases, this analysis leans towards seeking part-time, less stressful roles or even foregoing work entirely in favor of a more manageable life,” she concludes.
She elaborates that a lazy girl job may provide essential additional income required for childcare expenses or might outright replace a standard job, reducing the necessity for childcare altogether. “In certain instances, an individual’s best interest may lie in minimizing stress. Many realize that if their needs are simplified, a job that provides a paycheck without anxiety can offer the lifestyle they desire.”
Indicators that you may want to pursue a lazy girl job… or simply a better job
To begin, assess whether you belong to the 73% who lack a healthy association with your job. Gottlieb recommends asking yourself various questions, noting that most of her clients already possess an instinctive awareness of their work relationship quality. If any of the following resonate with you, it might be time for a job change:
- You feel unrecognized, undervalued, or disrespected.
- Your anticipation of work is marked by dread.
- You struggle to care for yourself in fundamental ways, such as allocating enough time for a nutritious meal.
- There are blurred boundaries between your personal life and work time, hindering connections with family and friends.
However, before diving into a job search, Gottlieb suggests having a conversation with your current supervisor—even if they aren’t typically considered receptive to suggestions.
She advises inquiring whether you might take on more responsibilities in areas you are passionate about or skilled in, allowing your talents to shine more brightly. Alternatively, you could express your desires in an approachable manner to your manager: “‘I discovered that my productivity increased when I worked from home once a week. Could we experiment with that for a month?’ By taking incremental steps like this, people are more inclined to try new things.”
She concludes, “Sometimes, individuals may surprise you.”
