Do Lazy Girl Jobs actually exist?

First things first - while the Internet may be calling it a Lazy Girl Job, it doesn’t mean that the person carrying out the role is lazy.

“This job should be paying your bills and have so much work-life balance that you should feel as [if] you’re almost operating in a lazy state,” clarifies TikTok user Gabrielle (@gabrielle_judge), who brands herself as the “Anti-Work Girlboss”.

In other words, the Lazy Girl Job is termed as such because we’ve been so used to overworking that suddenly taking on a reasonable amount of responsibilities at our jobs seems almost, well, lazy.

“It doesn’t necessarily imply laziness; instead, it signifies a conscious choice to avoid overwork and prioritise wellbeing,” agrees Grace Loh, a counsellor, career coach and psychotherapist at Counseling Perspective. She observes that younger women are now recognising that achieving work-life balance is crucial for maintaining their physical and mental health, as well as for nurturing their relationships and personal growth.

“As a coach and psychotherapist, I wholeheartedly support this mindset as a balanced and healthy individual is more likely to thrive both personally and professionally,” she says.

Examples of Lazy Girl Jobs

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So… where are these Lazy Girl Jobs, and how can we get them? The consensus online seems to be that administrative, accounting, analyst and customer service roles are relatively low-pressure. That, and any job that allows remote or flexible work.

But if you ask Sabrina Ho, CEO of Half The Sky, a career platform that connects female professionals with equal-opportunity employers, these jobs can exist in “any job functions of industries”.

The caveat though? “Lazy Girl Jobs could be more prone to automation or outsourcing, making job security a concern in the long term,” she points out.

Unpacking the implications of a Lazy Girl Job

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There has been some debate about whether the use of the word girl in this label is misogynistic and infantilising women. After all, there isn’t a male equivalent of the Lazy Girl Job in our lexicon. However, it is also worth pointing out that women often take on a disproportionate share of caregiving work, which explains why we might be more likely to leave a job for another one that gives us better work-life balance.

Then there’s also the worry that labels such as “Lazy Girl Job” isn’t doing our gender any favours. In fact, it might just perpetuate the stereotype that female hires - especially Gen Z women - won’t be as committed to their careers when compared to their male or older counterparts.

“I would encourage millennial and Gen Z women to be aware of the potential biases that may exist in the hiring process,” Grace says. “While they should absolutely prioritise their well-being and work-life balance, they should also be prepared to address any misconceptions during interviews or in their professional interactions.”

So then how should you respond to an employer who might view your boundaries around overtime or unpaid work as a negative trait?

“Emphasise that seeking a balanced and healthy work-life integration is not a reflection of laziness but rather, a strategic approach to maximising productivity and overall wellbeing,” says Grace. But overall, if work-life balance is a priority for you, then being clear about your boundaries from the get-go is a great way to filter out potential mismatches.

“It is essential to communicate [your] values and needs effectively during job searches and career discussions. By doing so, [you] can identify companies and roles that genuinely support work-life balance and align with their values,” Grace adds.

The cons of a Lazy Girl Job

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Before you rush to get yourself a Lazy Girl Job, know that some of these jobs might actually be way below your current pay grade - especially if you’ve been climbing the corporate ladder for quite some time now.

One TikTok commenter summed it up as such: “I want these jobs but I girlbossed too hard and I’m overqualified now.”

There are also other potential downsides to consider, such as career stagnation, low job satisfaction, financial limitations and the lack of challenge and skill development, says Sabrina.

“Lazy Girl Jobs often involve repetitive and mundane tasks, leading to a lack of mental stimulation and personal growth. Over time, this can result in boredom and dissatisfaction with the job,” she adds.

You’ll also need to consider your career trajectory, and whether taking this step would be more detrimental than helpful to your long-term goals.

“A job that requires minimal effort may not provide opportunities for skill development or learning new things. This can hinder personal and professional growth and make it difficult to transition into more challenging roles in the future,” cautions Sabrina.

So while it is understandable why some people might seek out a less demanding job, Grace’s advice is to “approach this decision thoughtfully, with a clear understanding of [your] priorities and long-term aspirations”.

“While such a change may alleviate stress and provide more personal time, [you] should also consider the financial implications and overall stability of [your] career path,” she says.

Let’s just say that your finances are healthy and you looking to escape from the hustle culture. Should you then apply for a Lazy Girl Job that gives you work-life balance - and live happily ever after?

“It is true that everyone is at a different stage of their career with completely different goals, but the key is to strike a good work-life balance by looking at the full scope of the job,” explains Sabrina.

“Rather than just looking at the pay and responsibilities, pay attention to the people you work with and the organisation’s company culture - [they] play a huge role in your overall job satisfaction,” she elaborates.

Both experts we spoke to agreed that the key to being happy with your next job is to ensure that it aligns with who you are. That includes your interests, skills, goals and core values.

“Ask [yourself] whether the potential role offers a sense of fulfilment and purpose that resonates with [your] personal and professional goals. By ensuring this alignment, making the switch can lead to increased happiness and satisfaction in the long run,” says Grace.

“While pursuing personal well-being and family priorities is crucial, I also emphasise the significance of maintaining financial security and stability. Striking the right balance between these elements is fundamental for long-term contentment and peace of mind,” she adds.

Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with wanting - and working at - a Lazy Girl Job. But it is important to go in armed with the knowledge of how it can impact you in the long term. Sabrina sums it up as such: “While a ‘Lazy Girl Job’ may offer temporary comfort or simplicity, it may not be conducive to long-term career satisfaction and personal growth.”