Spending a significant amount of time on TikTok, one would expect to be up-to-date on all the trends. However, amidst trends like the cottage cheese craze, the Daily DOSE Challenge, and the three-word method, many get overlooked until their longevity is proven. While some catch my interest (hello, quiet life), I often find many of these trends exaggerated and easily misunderstood, particularly the recent buzz surrounding “Lazy Girl Jobs.”
If you haven’t come across the concept of a lazy girl job on your ‘For You Page’ yet, let me explain. Gabrielle Judge, who coined the term, defines a lazy girl job as a secure, fair, effortless job with high flexibility. These jobs, often remote, promote genuine work-life balance and alleviate the stress of living paycheck to paycheck, according to Gabrielle. Numerous users in the comments section express their enthusiasm, asking how to secure such a job, where to find and apply for them, and stating, “This is my dream!”
@gabrielle_judge Career advice for women unsure about which remote job to apply for. You can pay your bills and not feel drained at the end of the day. Women are here to collect those paychecks and move on from the workday. We have much more exciting things happening during our 5-9 that are far more valuable than dealing with a boss you dislike. #corporatejobs #jobsearchhacks #remoteworking #antihustleculture #9to5
♬ original sound – Gabrielle👸🏻
However, the reality is different. While I understand the sentiment behind advocating for jobs that offer such “luxuries,” I believe this notion is misleading. Essentials like work-life balance and fair compensation should not be seen as luxuries. Everyone deserves jobs that provide the necessary benefits, flexibility, and salary to lead a fulfilling life, and desiring a job that offers these qualities does not equate to laziness. Tech recruiter Bonnie Dilber shared her perspective on TikTok, asserting that no one in a “lazy girl job” is actually lazy, as companies prioritizing employee care have stringent hiring standards, ensuring no one is slacking off at these firms. Amen to that, Bonnie.
@bonniedilber There’s nothing lazy about desiring a lazy girl job! We all deserve it! #lazygirljobs #workculture #remotework
♬ original sound – Bonnie Dilber
Moreover, working diligently does not necessarily lead to burnout. If your job leaves you feeling drained, overloaded, frustrated, uninspired, and unmotivated, it’s time to seek a new opportunity, but not one labeled as “easy” to the point of laziness. You can love your job, excel in your role, contribute to your company, achieve your career aspirations, and leave work at a reasonable hour. It’s not a binary choice between burnout and laziness.
So, while I acknowledge the origins of this concept, if you’re exploring new job options, I urge you not to fall into the trap of pursuing lazy girl jobs. Instead, reflect on your passions and long-term career aspirations. Look for a role that excites you and offers the benefits, flexibility, and compensation that enable you to lead the life you deserve.
