Who is benefiting most from your overfunctioning? Is the exhaustion you feel maybe not about quitting, but more about realigning with your values? What do you do once you realize that you need to make the shift?
In this podcast episode, Jennifer Froemel discusses “quiet quitting or quiet awakening?” and what you’re actually feeling.
In This Podcast:
- What is quiet quitting?
- Who is getting you at your best?
- Signs that you may be experiencing a quiet awakening
- What to do next
What is quiet quitting?
Quiet quitting looks a lot like doing what you’re paid for and no longer giving extra emotional labor … It’s that idea of no longer staying late at work, and not volunteering for everything … And it’s not absorbing everyone else’s stuff … Ultimately, it’s about protecting your boundaries.
Jennifer Froemel
Quiet quitting is not specifically just about quitting the job itself. It can also include returning to emotional balance.
In a way, it is much more than just stepping back: it is about waking up. That’s why Jennifer calls is quiet awakening, the moment you realize that you are giving far too much of yourself to an organization, job, or even a person that isn’t valuing you.
Quiet quitting is about exhaustion. It is about burnout, detachment, emotional protection, and the idea of “I just can’t give more” … It is also about clarity, alignment, values, and boundaries: “I won’t give more because it’s no longer aligned.”
Jennifer Froemel
Who is getting you at your best?
These are crucial questions to ask yourself:
- Who is getting the best of you?
- Who benefits from your overgiving?
- Who benefits from you not having boundaries?
Midlife really triggers this quiet awakening, more than anything, because it’s that big question: “Why am I doing all of this?” You know, “Who benefits from my overfunctioning?” and, “What am I getting out of all this emotionally?” Are you being fulfilled, or are you just being drained?
Jennifer Froemel
Signs that you may be experiencing a quiet awakening
Here are some signs that could show you are entering into a period of quiet awakening in your life:
- You notice your intuition for the first time, and it is louder than the fear
- You no longer feel guilty for wanting more balance
- There’s a sudden awareness you have of how much you have been giving
- You feel more connected to your values than your job title
- You want purpose, not productivity
- The environments that once energized you now drain you
- You are less willing to tolerate disrespect or dysfunction
These are not signs of quitting; these are signs of aligning. And so, that is so important for you to recognize.
Jennifer Froemel
What to do next
If you suspect that you are in a phase of quiet awakening, here’s what you do:
- Don’t suddenly quit your job rashly!
- Honor these signals and what they are trying to tell you
- Adjust your boundaries
- Take gradual steps towards alignment
- Explore what your soul is asking for
Start exploring what meaningful work means to you today.
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ABOUT THE FEAR OF CHANGE PODCAST
Change can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. The Fear of Change podcast is all about helping you embrace change and live a more fulfilling life. Hosted by Jennifer Froemel, LCPC, a therapist with nearly 30 years of experience, we cover topics like mental wellness, holistic health, and improving relationships.
Jennifer’s down-to-earth approach makes it easy to understand why we fear change and how to move past those fears. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, relationship issues, or just feeling stuck, there’s something here for you.
