I went on a secret holiday for a month without telling my boss, using a mouse jiggler to avoid suspicion. I'd do it again.

• As a self-described quiet quitter, this tech employee spends most of their day avoiding work.
• They've also started quiet vacationing, taking time off to travel without telling their employer.
• Earlier this year, they spent a month in Italy but only used one week of PTO.

This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation with an employee who has been on a "quiet vacation," which refers to taking time off without using PTO. The interviewee requested anonymity to protect their employment. Business Insider has verified their identity, employment, and travel with documentation. The following has been edited for length and clarity.