Gabrielle Judge, a 26-year-old avid content creator, sat in front of her mounted camera. Wearing oversized glasses, with her hair tied in pigtails, she filmed a TikTok about what she coined “the lazy girl job” – a low stress, fully remote workspace with little oversight and a good salary.
The hashtag #lazygirljob soon went viral, little did she know that she had started the latest trend. Young women began speaking out about jobs with benefits that included working from home, having a laid back boss, lax deadlines, and fewer pressures. All with a decent pay package. The slang now has over 20 million views and has attracted widespread global attention. In one similar video, a creator mentioned that all her work day entails is copy and pasting the same set of emails, answering 3-4 calls a day, an extra-long lunch break, another break AND a healthy paycheck and the end of it.
The consensus seems to be that the “lazy girl job” isn’t necessarily about being lazy at all. The trend is representative of a new mindset that’s taken hold in the era of the Great Resignation – one where workers are regularly demanding sustainable salaries and flexible working conditions; challenging the notion that hours punched equates work well done. Coining the term has brought the trend its fair share of attention and started a conversation.
We are living in a world where the dynamics between work and life have blurred, and it’s crucial that we put the welfare and health of employees at the forefront. Now more than ever, enabling employees to succeed in an autonomous and self-guided manner will help integrate work into their lives, not life into their work.
Looking Through A ‘Lazy Girl’ Lens
The trend challenges some of our oldest preconceived notions around work and employee value propositions. A common misconception is equating commitment with long hours. However, commitment is about output, productivity, and achieving your goals. Treating people with compassion and fairness will tempt them to give their all at work. When there is time for R&R to explore other interests, productivity thrives.
Here are 4 key lessons any business head should keep in mind:
1. Output before Input
The trend advocates a culture driven by results and outcomes. Emphasize on what gets done rather than how long it takes. Shifting priorities to productivity over hours promotes a more efficient and flexible work structure.
2. Healthy Boundaries
Recognize that work is a part of life, not the other way around. Foster a work environment that reflects this ethos for a better work-life balance. This translates to greater flexibility in work hours, opportunities for remote work, and determining that after-hours communications are the exception, not the norm.
3. Build Trust and Autonomy
Empowering a team to carry out their work autonomously creates a sense of ownership and responsibility. This translates to higher job satisfaction and performance.
4. Integrate Wellness and Health
While it’s important to hire intelligent, focused, goal-oriented, and talented individuals, it is also crucial to ensure their well-being. Offering mental health support and cultivating a positive work environment all contribute to this goal.
Is This – As the Name Suggests – Applicable Only to Women?
Reading this article may prompt you to think: why is it only girls, or women who are being targeted in this phrase?
The answer lies in creating representation for career focused women. It’s about achieving your own version of success, whatever that might look like. It’s about radically redefining what hard work looks like… and spoiler alert, it is not the same as burnout.
For generations that were drenched in the ‘hustle’ mindset and being a ‘Girl Boss’, this new call may seem like a step in the wrong direction. But, returning to the idea of a job with boundaries, a job with a work-life balance, a job that doesn’t cause you to burnout – isn’t that what we all want? It should be.
Finding the Sweet Spot: Making Work Work for You
In a world where we’re constantly connected and the line between work and life is blurry, the ‘lazy girl job’ trend is like a breath of fresh air. It’s about finding that sweet spot where work feels less like a chore and more like a part of your life you actually enjoy. Think about it – jobs where you can set your own hours, work in your pajamas, and still get stuff done. Sounds dreamy, right? But it’s not just about kicking back and relaxing. This trend is all about working smart, not hard. It’s for everyone who’s tired of the grind and wants to work in a way that’s better for their mental health and overall happiness.
Your Roadmap to ‘Lazy Girl’ Success
1. Define Your Goals: What does your ideal work day look like? Start by figuring out what matters most to you – is it flexible hours, more time for hobbies, or just not having to commute?
2. Seek Out Flexible Opportunities: Keep an eye out for jobs that offer the flexibility you’re looking for. Remote work, freelance gigs, or even part-time positions can be great options.
3. Set Boundaries: Once you’ve landed your ‘lazy girl job,’ set clear boundaries. Decide when you’ll work and when it’s time to unplug. Remember, it’s all about balance.
4. Be Efficient: Make the most of your working hours. Find ways to do your tasks more efficiently, so you have more time for you.
5. Stay Connected: Just because you’re working flexibly doesn’t mean you’re on an island. Stay connected with your team or clients to keep the workflow smooth.
6. Keep Learning: Stay on top of your game by continuously learning and adapting. This will make sure you stay valuable and irreplaceable.
7. Enjoy the Ride: Don’t forget to enjoy the perks of your new work style. Take that mid-day yoga class or spend some extra time with family.
Remember, the ‘lazy girl job’ isn’t about being lazy. It’s about finding a way to work that makes you happier, healthier, and more productive. So go ahead, flip the script and make work work for you!
