Quiet vacationing

I learned of the phenomenon “quiet vacationing”. Similar to “quiet quitting” this is where you work remote, don’t let anyone know, and deliberately appear to be busy and productive.

It leads me to ask - what does it mean to be productive as a knowledge worker? The industrial mentality of 9-5 is deeply engrained, and easy to grasp. It is the default for any colleague, expecting you to be available during those hours.

And speaking from experience, that can cause anxiety. I hate the feeling of “having to be productive” within that timeframe.

I do my best work in the very early mornings, or the very late evenings, and in the weekends. On an iPad, in my living room. Deeply thinking through issues.

Does thinking count as productive work? And how do you manage thinking?