‘Quiet cracking’ is the new term for unhappy at work
+ Your August horoscope • The MidstHer whose 2nd company was just acquired • One of the best freelance databases we've seen
Quiet cracking much?
One in five employees say they’re stuck in a persistent state of workplace unhappiness, leading to disengagement, poor performance, or plans to quit. The new term for this “phenomenon” is “quiet cracking,” according to a new survey from Talent LMS of 1,000 U.S. employees across industries.
What’s causing quiet cracking? Not surprisingly, the majority of the surveyed workers say they are not confident about the future of their job.
Only 62% feel secure and confident in their future with their current company.
Close to 1 in 6 employees (18%) are unsure if they have a long-term future where they are now.
Many of the survey participants said they were disengaged, in part, because they lacked a sense of job security due to concerns about layoffs, a lack of growth opportunities, or being replaced by artificial intelligence.
Raise your hand if you’re going through this now?
We think quiet cracking is a primary reason why so many women in the midst are considering making career changes — and we’re here to talk about it. We recently created this private Slack channel for The Midst community. If you’d like to network with professional women who are entrepreneurs, consultants, freelancers, career changers, and corporate leaders who are considering their next thing, we’d like to meet you.
A badass database for freelance writers
Attention writers: This homegrown database is a must-read if you want to save time hunting around for writer rates. More than 400 publications are included in the list, ranging from SELF to PopSugar, House Beautiful, and Business Insider.
Let’s thank Freelancing With Tim for his generosity and sharing notes about his experience writing for these publications.
Your August 2025 horoscope
By Mandy Wilde
Happy August, GALs! And shout-out to all the August Leos and Virgos!
In August, we also move through the zodiac signs of both Leo and Virgo, each connected to specific regions of the body. Leo governs the heart, spine, and upper back, which are areas linked to courage, posture, and emotional vitality. Virgo’s focus turns to the abdomen, intestines, and digestive system, reflecting Virgo’s association with discernment, integration, and daily health. This seasonal transition invites us to move from heart-centered expression into grounded, bodily awareness which is an ideal time to listen to both emotional and physical digestion. And with Mercury still retrograde in Leo, this month we see themes of recalibration, and realignment. Before I get to your horoscopes, let’s look at a few dates of interest.
Starting with August 8, the energy around this date can be described as a pressure cooker with Mars in Libra opposite Saturn retrograde in Aries, causing you to feel caught between the desire to maintain peace and the need to stand your ground. If your patience feels worn thin, that’s the universe knocking. What do you do when the universe knocks? You answer it! You are being asked where you’ve compromised too much for too long. That week there is also the Full Moon in Aquarius, which means August 9 brings a release point. Think emotional detachment, and a reminder that you’re allowed to redefine your place in the collective. Once the Full Moon releases the tenseness of the beginning of the month, we get some much needed softness around August 11 when Venus conjoins Jupiter in Cancer. This opens a wide, healing window which allows for some well needed nourishment on a soul level. Indulge in this chance to reconnect with intimacy, safety, and what truly feels like home.
By the New Moon in Virgo on August 22, you are asked to reset with a little discernment. What does your body want now? What does your nervous system actually need? Set intentions rooted in rhythms that honor your changing energy, not fight it. As the Sun moves into Virgo on August 23, there’s a natural shift toward integration. We move from the element of active fire to grounding earth. The pace may begin to slow but the purpose will start to deepen. Finally, August 28 brings a rare Uranus-Neptune sextile, sparking intuitive insight through unexpected channels. Don’t be surprised if a sudden knowing surfaces in a dream, or a walk. Don’t forget that your inner oracle is always on.
Aries (March 21–April 19)
August’s energy asks you to pause before charging ahead. The Mars-Saturn opposition on August 8 is especially potent for you. You may feel like you’re hitting walls externally in relationships, or internally in the form of doubt and fatigue. Ask yourself: Where are you …
Taurus (April 20–May 20)
Taurus, in August, Mercury retrograde stirs those deep roots of yours in family dynamics, and childhood beliefs. This could show up in home situations that may resurface asking to be reviewed or redefined. If you’re feeling irritable or nostalgic …
Gemini (May 21–June 20)
With your ruling planet Mercury retrograde in Leo, you may feel a little scrambled, especially when it comes to expressing yourself. But this slowdown has medicine, Gemini. Old stories about how you “should” sound, lead, or perform are …
Cancer (June 21–July 22)
Cancer, this month you may come to the realization that safety is no longer the absence of discomfort but rather the presence of self-trust.You’ve been doing the emotional labor for …
Leo (July 23–August 22)
You don’t have to be center stage to be in your power, Leo. You also shine internally. August begins with Mercury retrograde in your sign. This could feel challenging at first, but expect …
Virgo (August 23–September 22)
Answers are coming Virgo, but first, there is some unravelling you have to do. That’s ok though because this is a strong suit for you.You’re nearing a powerful reset, but August begins in fog. Mercury, your sun sign’s ruling planet, is retrograde in the hidden sector of your chart. This means you may experience …
Libra (September 23–October 22)
Libra, it will feel like driving with the brakes on or the first half of August which may make you frustrated. I’m saying this because by mid month that release happens and you want to have your ducks …
Scorpio (October 23–November 21)
This month puts pressure on your inner world, Scorpio. And you are asked to choose between control and clarity. They are not one and the same. Early in the month, you may see a stir up in old fears around being misunderstood. If you feel like …
Sagittarius (November 22–December 21)
Your sense of direction is returning in early August, lighting up your belief system! You may find yourself pondering What assumptions are no longer serving you? Are you pushing yourself …
Capricorn (December 22–January 19)
Capricorn, you’ve cultivated strength, but now, can you explore the power of softness? Early in the month you may be asked to reflect on how much you give in relationships. Look at this as an opportunity to open, and to receive care. Around August 8, you may …
Aquarius (January 20–February 18)
August begins with your relationships being highlighted, especially those in your partnership zone. The universe is asking you to consider How much of yourself you’ve been withholding to keep the peace?
While yes, you may see some …
Pisces (February 19–March 20)
Pisces, you are in your element early in the month when you are being called inward. Mercury retrograde may stir up your routines, and nervous system but you are no stranger to navigating these waters. To get through this time …
Jaime Derringer’s second exit
In case you missed our What Linkedin Doesn’t Say About interview with Jaime, she’s in her third career act and says she’s “lucky to have invented jobs for myself as I go."
The award-winning artist sold her first business, DesignMilk, in 2019 to AHALife. On Tuesday she announced that her latest venture, TRAMEParis, was acquired by Art Blocks Inc., a platform that shares their “belief in the power of generative systems, meaningful storytelling, and human touch.”
LOVE this issue!! Reminds of magazine heyday (but without the beauty product dump) My horoscope was spot on. Are these a new feature? If not, how did I miss it?
LOVE this - exited the corporate world last month and it’s comforting to know how many other smart and capable women are also feeling less than fulfilled, so thank you