Understanding Quiet Cracking: The New Workplace Challenge

A few weeks ago, I shared my experiences at the 2025 Black Hat Conference, focusing on the human side of the tech and cybersecurity landscape. Recently, discussions have reignited around employment trends, especially as AI continues to transform the job market. One of the most fascinating terms to emerge in this conversation is "quiet cracking," a phenomenon that encapsulates the struggles of millions in the workforce today.

What is Quiet Cracking?

Quiet cracking is a relatively new concept that describes the prolonged disengagement and burnout experienced by employees stuck in jobs that offer little satisfaction or advancement opportunities. According to Forbes, it is a response to feelings of unappreciation and stagnation at work. While quiet quitting was framed as an act of resistance—a conscious decision to disengage—quiet cracking reflects those who feel trapped. They endure ongoing stress, anxiety, and even panic attacks, opting to persist in their roles out of fear of the unknown job market.

The Rise of Ongoing Burnout

According to a TalentLMS report, 20% of employees experience quiet cracking frequently, with 34% struggling with it occasionally. Unlike quiet quitting, which indicates a deliberate choice to reduce effort, quiet cracking reveals a deeper psychological impact. Employees who experience this often feel disconnected from their work, contributing to a decline in both personal well-being and organizational performance.

This phenomenon taps into the broader narrative of workplace dynamics post-pandemic, where economic uncertainties and financial commitments have led many to feel unable to leave their jobs.

Reflections on the Trends: Quiet Quitting vs. Quiet Cracking

Back in September 2022, I discussed quiet quitting and its implications for employee engagement. Initially, I viewed quiet cracking as just another spin on job dissatisfaction. However, I’ve come to recognize the important distinctions between these trends.

Quiet quitting can be seen as a conscious decision to disengage, while quiet cracking involves a sense of helplessness that stems from external pressures, such as financial obligations and limited job prospects. Many find themselves stuck in jobs that no longer fulfill them but feel too bound by circumstances to pursue alternatives.

Real-Life Experiences

An article highlighted in MSN.com illustrated an individual’s struggles with quiet cracking long before the term gained popularity. Faced with financial responsibilities and organizational misalignments, this person expressed a sense of obligation to stay in a role that no longer served them well. Their story echoes the sentiments of many who are grappling with similar situations today.

The Role of AI in Job Market Anxiety

Amid these challenges, we must also consider the impact of artificial intelligence on employment. Influential voices like Robert Kiyosaki and Dario Amodei have voiced concerns that AI could drastically reshape the job landscape, potentially leading to high levels of unemployment and uncertainty, especially in entry-level white-collar jobs.

As quiet cracking and AI-related anxieties surface together, many individuals feel hesitant to transition to new employment. The fear of job losses due to automation creates further reluctance to leave existing roles, even when those jobs are detrimental to mental health and personal growth.

Insights from LinkedIn Comments

Engaging with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn has opened up a broad dialogue about quiet cracking. One respondent noted that symptoms often begin with a feeling of gratitude for employment, spiraling into feelings of being trapped. Another emphasized the importance of developing relationships with management to mitigate the risks associated with this phenomenon.

These conversations remind us that the struggle is real and widespread; many people find themselves enduring jobs that don’t align with their aspirations simply because they feel they have no better options.

The Scams Amidst Job Anxiety

An unexpected twist came to light when I shared an article about quiet cracking and received a comment from someone impersonating Doug McMillon, the CEO of Walmart. The comment promised job opportunities, but the signs of a scam were obvious. This experience serves as a crucial reminder to remain vigilant against deceptive offers that prey on vulnerable job seekers.

As the employment landscape becomes more complex, and as greater numbers of individuals confront quiet cracking, it becomes increasingly essential to ensure that we scrutinize potential job offers and identify genuine opportunities from scams.

Navigating the Current Landscape

With feelings of being trapped compounded by the rapid advancement of AI, it’s imperative for both employees and employers to foster open dialogues about mental health and job satisfaction. Understanding trends like quiet cracking not only assists in mitigating personal burnout but also serves organizations seeking to retain talent.

Recognizing the signs and addressing the emotional landscape of the workforce will be pivotal in creating healthier work environments where employees feel valued, engaged, and ultimately more stable in their career paths.