A lazy girl job is an easy, usually white-collar, job with good pay where an employee can quiet quit.[1][2] The term was coined in 2023 by Gabrielle Judge, also known by screen name "antiworkgirlboss" on Instagram, in response to hustle culture, the Great Resignation,[3] and worker exploitation. Although the trend is centered around women, she says men can have lazy girl jobs too. Judge explained the term was a marketing gimmick in order to raise awareness about "toxic workplace expectations" and is not about celebrating laziness.[4]
Background
The term "lazy girl jobs" is a product of COVID-19 pandemic-era developments in antiwork philosophies.[5] Phrases and terms commonly used by proponents of lazy girl jobs, such as "act your wage"[6][7] and "burnout"[8][9] soared in popularity during the later stages of the pandemic. Similar to the "I don't dream of labor" movement,[10] lazy girl job advocates emphasize separating work from personal life. The trend still encourages workplace participation, as opposed to staying at home, which also grew in popularity during late 2022.[11][12]
Reception
Reactions to the phrase have been mixed, with critics arguing that "lazy" employees may be replaced with AI,[13] that Gen Z workers were not raised for "adulthood's challenges,"[14] and that advocates have "defeatist attitudes."[15]
Supporters of the movement argue that "lazy girl jobs" encourage work-life balance,[16][17] acting your wage, avoiding burnout, and earning more money through nontraditional means, such as overemployment.[18]
