Rising Stress and 'Giving Up': A Generation Navigates Overwhelm

Twenty-eight-year-old Melissa is experiencing burnout after transitioning from a small social media agency to a major advertising company, describing the shift as ‘palpable’ and leaving her exhausted.

A Trend of Retreat

Increasingly, individuals are seeking ways to cope with constant overwhelm, leading to trends like ‘lazy girl jobs,’ ‘micro-retirement,’ ‘bed rotting,’ ‘NPC energy,’ and ‘funmaxxing.’ These trends share a common thread: a desire to disengage and prioritize wellbeing.

Recent data reveals a concerning trend, with a 2026 report finding that 91% of adults have experienced high or extreme work-related pressure and stress in the last year, and 39% of 18 to 24-year-olds have taken time off due to burnout.

Contributing factors include unmanageable workloads, digital fatigue, bleak current events (with record-high news avoidance), and economic insecurity. The traditional belief that ‘hard work equals a better quality of life’ is increasingly being questioned.

The Appeal of ‘Giving Up’

As Trevor Williams notes, labeling these behaviors can amplify their perceived prevalence, but there’s a growing sense that many are feeling ‘knackered’ and seeking retreat. The rise of ‘bed rotting’ and similar trends reflects a widespread desire to escape the pressures of modern life.

Wellbeing expert Andy Cope cautions against prolonged periods of inactivity, distinguishing between restorative rest and a retreat from life. He emphasizes that while a week of minimal activity can be beneficial, extended avoidance of responsibility is a ‘warning light.’