The “Quiet Quitting” Myth is Toxic for Tech
Let’s get one thing straight: the idea that engineers are making $300k/year while doing next to nothing is either a massive exaggeration or the product of mismanagement at scale. Sure, there are underperformers in every industry, but framing this as a norm in tech is damaging and frankly, ridiculous.
Here’s why this narrative bothers me:
It Misleads Aspiring Engineers
Stories like this set false expectations. No, you’re not going to land a cushy six-figure job and do two code changes a month while sipping coffee on Slack. Real engineers work hard, learn constantly, and contribute to meaningful projects. Claiming otherwise undermines the effort that goes into building a tech career.It Fuels Layoff Culture
Posts like this give companies an excuse to justify mass layoffs under the guise of “cutting inefficiencies.” This isn't about lazy engineers; it’s about management failing to set clear goals and measure outcomes effectively. Blaming employees is easier than admitting systemic leadership failures.It Damages the Industry’s Reputation
Tech already faces public scrutiny over layoffs, automation, and pay disparities. This kind of narrative fuels resentment and paints an unfair picture of an industry filled with talented, hardworking people. The myth of “easy money” in tech also devalues the expertise we bring to the table.
Yes, some employees coast—welcome to the reality of any large organization. But glorifying this idea, especially from VCs with agendas, only perpetuates toxicity. Instead of amplifying these anecdotes, let’s focus on creating realistic expectations, better leadership, and healthier work cultures.
If you want a $300k paycheck while doing nothing, tech is not your golden ticket. It takes effort, collaboration, and continuous growth. Let’s stop pretending otherwise.