All Episodes

January 24, 2025 19 mins

 Quiet Quitting: A Mid-Career Awakening

Welcome to The Mid-Career Makeover Show, where we’re tackling the workplace trend everyone’s buzzing about: quiet quitting. But here’s the twist—we’re flipping the narrative and showing you how it can be a powerful growth opportunity for mid-career professionals instead of a setback.

Feeling drained, stuck, or unfulfilled? Quiet quitting isn’t about giving up—it’s about reclaiming your energy, setting healthy boundaries, and redefining success on your terms. In this episode, we explore why quiet quitting resonates with mid-career professionals, the root causes behind it, and how you can use it as a springboard to thrive, not just survive.

Discover practical steps to align your career with your values, hear inspiring stories of mid-career pivots, and take away actionable insights to begin your own transformation.

💡 This isn’t about quitting—it’s about stepping into your power. Let’s turn quiet quitting into the boldest move of your career.

For more career transformation resources,  visit yourbreakthrough.app, and don’t forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of mid-career inspiration!

📚 Featured Resource: Think Like a Leader to Build a Career Brand That Accelerates Your Success—available now on Amazon.

Your best is yet to come. 

Send us a text

Thank you for listening! For more information on mid-career transformation, visit AI4CareerSuccess.com. Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Mark as Played
Transcript

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_00 (00:00):
The Mid Career Makeover Show.

SPEAKER_03 (00:09):
It's too late now.
Your shine's behind ya.
But wisdom's in your gate.
Pat turn on fire.
You've got stories to tell anddreams to inspire.
Rise above the noise.

SPEAKER_00 (00:30):
Take your playtime.
This episode is sponsored by Geta Better Job Career Branding.

SPEAKER_01 (00:38):
In a world where first impressions are made in
the blink of an eye, your resumeis more than just a piece of
paper.
It's your story, your brand,your future.
Imagine a resume that doesn'tjust list your experiences, but
brings them to life.
A resume that doesn't whisper,but shouts your potential from
the rooftop.
Get a better job invites you tothe visual resume evolution, a

(01:02):
movement where your career storyunfolds with color, design, and
undeniable passion.
You have the power to redefinethe standard, to turn the tide
in your favor.
With Get a Better Job, everyline, every graphic, every bold
choice marks a step towards yourdestiny.
Don't wait.
Elevate your career path today.

(01:22):
With Get a Better Job, be seen,be memorable, and yes, get
hired.
Your next chapter starts here,and it's nothing short of
extraordinary.

SPEAKER_00 (01:38):
For more information on Get a Better Job, visit
getabetterjob.org.
Welcome to today's episode ofthe Mid-Career Makeover Show,
where we are tackling one of themost talked-about workplace
trends, quiet quitting.
But we're flipping the scripttoday.
Instead of looking at it as aproblem, we're exploring how it
can be a powerful growthopportunity for mid-career

(01:58):
professionals.
If you've ever felt like you'rerunning on empty, questioning
your purpose, or stuck in acycle of just going through the
motions, this episode is foryou.
Because let me tell you, quietquitting isn't about laziness or
giving up.
It's about setting boundaries,reclaiming your energy, and

(02:21):
redefining success on your ownterms.
Did you know that only 30% of USemployees report feeling engaged
at work according to a Gallupsurvey?
This widespread disengagementisn't a personal failure.
It's a clear signal thatsomething needs to change.
Today we'll explore why quietquitting happens, how to

(02:41):
approach it effectively, and howit can serve as a catalyst for
your transformative mid-careerpivot.

SPEAKER_02 (02:47):
Are you ready to break through the noise and
build a career that trulyreflects your potential?
In how to think like a leader tobuild a career brand that
accelerates your success?
Levon McIver James shares theproven strategies behind her
brand breakthrough system.
Learn how to think like aleader, craft your unique value
proposition, and tell a storythat commands attention.

(03:08):
Whether you're looking to standout in your current role or land
your next big opportunity, thisbook is your guide to taking
control of your career and yourfuture.
Don't wait for success to findyou.
Create it.
Get your copy of How to ThinkLike a Leader to Build a Career
Brand that Accelerates YourSuccess Today and start building
the brand and life you deserve.
Available on Amazon.

SPEAKER_00 (03:31):
Okay, let's start with the basics.
What exactly is quiet quitting?
It's not about walking away fromyour job or slacking off.
It's about rejecting the hustleculture that demands you
over-deliver without recognitionor reward.
It's about doing your job well,but refusing to let it consume
you.

(03:52):
For mid-career professionals,quiet quitting often looks like
disengaging from tasks thatdon't align with your values or
deciding to stop going above andbeyond for organizations that
don't invest in you.
And let's be honest, if you'vebeen grinding for years without
feeling fulfilled, it's nowonder you're questioning the
point of it all.
But here's the twist quietquitting isn't about giving up.

(04:18):
It's the first step inreclaiming your career and your
life.
Quiet quitting is also aboutchallenging the status quo.
Why should we measure our worthby how much we sacrifice for
work?
Is it absurd to say I'll give mybest during my work hours, but
I'll reserve my nights,weekends, and mental space for
myself and my loved ones.
I don't think so.

(04:38):
Let's redefine what successlooks like.
It's not about burnout badges orbeing the last one to leave the
office.
Success is about balance,purpose, and living a life
aligned with your values.
What might that look like?
It's the manager who used torespond to emails at 10 p.m.

(04:59):
but now logs off at 6 p.m.
sharp, choosing to spendevenings with their family.
Or the project lead who oncetook on every extra assignment
but now delegates tasks thataren't in their wheelhouse.
You are not your job title.
You are not a cog in someoneelse's wheel.
You are a person with dreams,talents, and untapped potential.

(05:19):
Quiet quitting isn't a sign ofweakness.
It's a sign of strength.
It's you saying, I deservebetter, and you do.

Let me remind you (05:27):
reclaiming your time and energy is not
selfish.
It's self-respect.
You're drawing a line in thesand and saying, I matter, my
well-being matters, my lifematters.
That's power.
That's ownership.

SPEAKER_04 (05:46):
This is your way through.
Your way to raise the doubt.

SPEAKER_00 (06:00):
Let's start with the basics.
What exactly is quiet quitting?
It's not about walking away fromyour job or slacking off.
It's about rejecting the hustleculture that demands you
over-deliver without recognitionor reward.
It's about doing your job wellbut refusing to let it consume
you.
But here's the twist.

(06:20):
Quiet quitting isn't aboutgiving up.
It's the first step inreclaiming your career and your
life.
Why does quiet quitting resonateso much with mid-career
professionals?
Because by the time you are 10or 15 years into your career,
you've seen the highs and thelows.
You've poured your energy intoyour work, maybe sacrifice time

(06:43):
with family or put your passionson hold.
And for what?
A title, a paycheck.
If that's not enough, it's asign you're ready for something
more.
It's called fulfillment.
When talking to clients, I oftensee three root causes of quiet
quitting.
The most prevalent by far isburnout.
Years of overwork can catch upto you.
You're exhausted, and novacation feels long enough to

(07:05):
recover.
A close second is stagnation.
You've hit a ceiling, a brickone, and you just can't go any
further, no matter how hard youtry.
Thirdly, there is that feelingof disconnection.
If this is you, you realize yourwork doesn't align with your
values or your passions anymore.

(07:27):
So your current work seemsmeaningless to you.
I had a client who was amarketing executive who spent
years climbing the corporateladder.
She was constantly on call,sacrificing her evenings,
weekends, and holidays.
One day, she realized she hadn'tspent a full day with her kids
in months.
That wake-up call led her tostep back and reevaluate what
mattered to her at mid-career.

(07:49):
It took some time, buteventually, after quitting her
job and stepping back torefocus, she found the perfect
opportunity.
A job that valued her skills andher home responsibilities.
She now works on projects thattruly excite her without
sacrifice her entire life.
So you see, mid-career is not acrisis, it's an awakening.

(08:11):
It's the moment you realizeyou've earned the right to
prioritize your happiness, yourfamily, and your dreams.
This is the point in life whereyou stop asking for permission
and start giving yourself thefreedom to live authentically.
Quiet quitting is not aboutshrinking back.
It's about stepping forward intoa life that truly aligns with

(08:32):
your values and aspirations.

SPEAKER_02 (08:35):
Are you ready to break through the noise and
build a career that trulyreflects your potential?
In how to think like a leader tobuild a career brand that
accelerates your success?
Levonne McIver James shares theproven strategies behind her
brand breakthrough system.
Learn how to think like aleader, craft your unique value
proposition, and tell a storythat commands attention.

(08:56):
Whether you're looking to standout in your current role or land
your next big opportunity, thisbook is your guide to taking
control of your career and yourfuture.
Don't wait for success to findyou.
Create it.
Get your copy of How to ThinkLike a Leader to Build a Career
Brand that accelerates yoursuccess today and start building
the brand and life you deserve.
Available on Amazon.

SPEAKER_01 (09:19):
In a world where first impressions are made in
the blink of an eye, your resumeis more than just a piece of
paper.
It's your story, your brand,your future.
Imagine a resume that doesn'tjust list your experiences, but
brings them to life.
A resume that doesn't whisper,but shouts your potential from
the rooftop.
Get a better job invites you tothe visual resume evolution, a

(09:43):
movement where your career storyunfolds with color, design, and
undeniable passion.
You have the power to redefinethe standard, to turn the tide
in your favor.
With Get a Better Job, everyline, every graphic, every bold
choice marks a step towards yourdestiny.
Don't wait.
Elevate your career path today.

(10:03):
With Get a Better Job, be seen,be memorable, and yes, get
hired.
Your next chapter starts here,and it's nothing short of
extraordinary.

SPEAKER_00 (10:19):
For more information on Get a Better Job, visit
getabetterjob.org.
Think about this.
You've spent years honing yourskills, gaining wisdom, and
building resilience.
All that experience has preparedyou for this moment.
You have what it takes toredefine what success means for
you.
You've given so much to yourcareer, and now it's time to ask
yourself what do I need to feelfulfilled?

(10:42):
Here's the truth.
The rules you've been playing bydon't have to define your
future.
You're allowed to pivot.
You're allowed to dream bigger.
You're allowed to say, This ismy time, because it is.
Quiet quitting is your chance torecalibrate.
It's your chance to say, I'm notsettling, I'm stepping up to
claim the life I deserve.

(11:04):
And when you do that, youinspire others to do the same.
You show them what's possiblewhen you choose courage over
comfort, purpose over pressure,and joy over just getting by.
Quiet quitting doesn't meanslacking off, it means setting
boundaries and focusing yourenergy where it matters most.
If you're looking to quietlyquit with purpose, there are

(11:26):
some steps you can take to getit right.
Step one, reflect on yourpriorities.
Start by asking yourself, whatmatters most to me?
Is it time with family, pursuinga passion, financial freedom?
Quiet quitting begins when youget crystal clear on your
priorities and use them as afilter for your decisions.

(11:50):
Step two, set healthyboundaries.
Boundaries are your new bestfriend.
If you're used to saying yes toeverything, practice saying no.
No to after hours emails, no totaking on tasks that don't align
with your role, no to beingoverworked and underappreciated.
Step three, invest in yourself.

(12:13):
This is where the magic happens.
Use the time and energy youreclaim to focus on you.
Take that class you've beeneyeing, build that side hustle,
network with people inindustries you're curious about.
Remember, every investment inyourself is a step toward your
next chapter.

(12:33):
Remember, you are the CEO ofyour life.
No one else is going toprioritize your happiness and
growth.
You have to do that foryourself.
Quiet quitting isn't about doingless, it's about doing what
matters more.
You are worth the effort.

unknown (12:47):
This is your breakthrough.

SPEAKER_00 (13:02):
Okay, so this is about to get interesting.
I've put together a quietquitting manifesto for
mid-career professionals.
Ready?
Here it is.
I will no longer sacrifice mywell-being for the illusion of
productivity.
I will define success on myterms, aligning it with joy,

(13:22):
purpose, and fulfillment.
I will honor my boundariesbecause protecting my time and
energy is an act ofself-respect.
I will use my skills and talentsto create a life that excites
me, not one that drains me.
I will embrace the courage topivot, knowing that growth comes
from stepping into the unknown.

(13:43):
I will choose thriving oversurviving, progress over
perfection, and purpose overpressure.
This manifesto isn't aboutrebellion, it's about
reclamation, reclaiming yourtime, your values, and your
power to create the life youdeserve.
Quiet quitting isn't quitting atall.

(14:04):
It's living boldly,unapologetically, and with
intention.

SPEAKER_02 (14:08):
Are you ready to break through the noise and
build a career that trulyreflects your potential?
In how to think like a leader tobuild a career brand that
accelerates your success?
Lavon McKyver James shares theproven strategies behind her
brand breakthrough system.
Learn how to think like aleader, craft your unique value
proposition, and tell a storythat commands attention.

(14:29):
Whether you're looking to standout in your current role or land
your next big opportunity, thisbook is your guide to taking
control of your career and yourfuture.
Don't wait for success to findyou.
Create it.
Get your copy of How to ThinkLike a Leader to Build a Career
Brand that accelerates yoursuccess today and start building
the brand and life you deserve.
Available on Amazon.

SPEAKER_00 (14:52):
Here's the thing about quiet quitting.
It doesn't have to end there.
It can be the launch pad foryour next big move.
Maybe it's the moment youfinally decide to start that
business you've been dreamingabout.
Maybe it's the push you need toswitch industries or roles.
Or maybe it's simply thebeginning of a more balanced and
fulfilling work life.

(15:14):
Instead of seeing quiet quittingas stepping back, think of it as
stepping into your power.
Quiet quitting isn't quitting.
It's intentional living.
It's saying, I am worth morethan endless hustle.
I am worth joy and purpose.
I remember an IT specialist Iworked with who used his quiet
quitting phase to upskill indata analytics.

(15:36):
Within a year, he landed a newrole that paid 30% more and
allowed him to work remotely.
Quiet quitting wasn't the endfor him.
It was the beginning ofsomething better.
Quiet quitting isn't the end ofyour story either.
It's the beginning of your nextchapter.
It's the moment you stopsurviving and start thriving.
It's the moment you say, I'm nolonger defined by the grind, but

(15:58):
by the life I want to create.
You are rewriting the rules ofyour career, and you have every
right to prioritize yourwell-being.
Think of this as your secondwind, the chance to dream
bigger, act bolder, and alignyour work with what truly lights
you up.
It's not about abandoningeverything you've built.
It's about using that foundationto construct something even more

(16:20):
meaningful.
Imagine walking into each daywith excitement, knowing you're
doing work that feels authenticand purposeful.
That's what thriving looks like.

And let me be clear (16:30):
thriving doesn't mean perfection.
It doesn't mean every day willbe easy or without challenges.
But it means you're finallysteering your own ship and
charting a course that alignswith your passions and values.
You're not just living, you'refully alive, making choices that
honor your potential and yourhappiness.
Thriving starts with onedecision, one choice to step

(16:55):
back from what's draining youand step toward what energizes
you.
Maybe it's finally taking thatclass, reaching out to a mentor,
or starting that side projectyou've been dreaming about.
Maybe it's as simple as sayingno to what doesn't serve you,
and yes to what does.
Here's the truth Thriving isyour birthright.

(17:16):
You don't need permission topursue a life that makes you
happy.
You've earned it.
Through every lesson learned,every challenge overcome, you've
built the strength and wisdom totake this next step.
So, take it.
Leap into this new chapter withcourage because you deserve
nothing less than a life whereyou're not just getting by,
you're thriving.

SPEAKER_01 (17:38):
In a world where first impressions are made in
the blink of an eye, your resumeis more than just a piece of
paper.
It's your story, your brand,your future.
Imagine a resume that doesn'tjust list your experiences, but
brings them to life.
A resume that doesn't whisper,but shouts your potential from
the rooftops.
Get a better job invites you tothe visual resume evolution, a

(18:01):
movement where your career storyunfolds with color, design, and
undeniable passion.
You have the power to redefinethe standard, to turn the tide
in your favor.
With Get a Better Job, everyline, every graphic, every bold
choice marks a step towards yourdestiny.
Don't wait.
Elevate your career path today.

(18:21):
With Get a Better Job, be seen,be memorable, and yes, get
hired.
Your next chapter starts here,and it's nothing short of
extraordinary.

SPEAKER_00 (18:37):
Here's your challenge.
Take one step today to realignyour career with your values.
Maybe that means setting aboundary, researching a new
field, or simply allowingyourself to dream of what's
next.

Remember this (18:48):
you are not defined by your job.
You are defined by the choicesyou make to honor yourself.
Thank you for joining me todayon the Mid-Career Makeover Show.
If this episode resonated withyou, share it with someone who
needs to hear it.
And don't forget to subscribe,leave a review.

(19:09):
Until next time, dream big, takebold action, and own your
success.
Because the best is yet to come.
Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.