Rising Burnout and the Rise of 'Giving Up'

Melissa, a 28-year-old, describes feeling drained by the demands of her advertising job, a stark contrast to her previous role at a smaller social media agency. “The pressure leaves me exhausted week after week, with no respite,” she explains.

A Growing Trend of Retreat

Increasingly, it seems as though all of us are in a state of constant overwhelm, simply trying to get through each day. Over the last few years, this feeling has given rise to buzzy internet trends like ‘lazy girl jobs,’ ‘micro-retirement,’ ‘bed rotting,’ ‘NPC energy,’ ‘funmaxxing,’ and the ‘lying flat’ movement in China.

Statistics on Work-Related Stress

A 2026 report found that 91% of adults have experienced high or extreme levels of work-related pressure and stress in the last year, with 39% of 18 to 24-year-olds having to take time off because of burnout.

Contributing Factors to Overwhelm

This feeling is exacerbated by digital fatigue, the bleakness of current events (with news avoidance at a record high), and economic precarity, housing insecurity, and an uncertain future. The traditional belief that ‘hard work equals a better quality of life’ is no longer holding true.

The Appeal of ‘Bed Rotting’

“Bed rotting is my only peace,” Melissa says. “Finishing a busy week at work, closing my laptop, and getting straight into bed for an hours-long doomscroll is my sole relief from life overwhelm.” Many are seeking a temporary escape, like a ‘bed-bound sabbatical’ – a period of rest and isolation.

Expert Perspective on Rest vs. Retreat

Wellbeing expert Andy Cope cautions that while restorative rest can be beneficial, prolonged retreat from life is a “warning light,” emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between genuine recovery and avoidance.