I was on stage at the New York Comedy Club, about to deliver my first five-minute stand-up set in America. I'd memorized and rehearsed and memorized every word. After I delivered my first joke, my mind went completely blank. Nothing. For 30 excruciating seconds, I stood frozen like a deer in headlights. When I looked down at my palm for my SOS backup notes, all I saw was a giant smudge mark. My nervous, sweaty hands totally smeared the ink.
Described as a persistent feeling of workplace unhappiness that leads to disengagement, poor performance, and an increased desire to quit, the signs of "quiet cracking" include: Persistent unhappiness at work. Lack of initiative or enthusiasm. Feeling undervalued or unrecognized. Emotional detachment from colleagues and work tasks. Loss of confidence in one's career path at the company. A general sense of being "stuck" in a role with no visible opportunities.
Employers must consider the whole package as increasingly employees are looking for more than just a salary in order to provide them with job satisfaction.