Sh*t I Just Quit My Job – Details, episodes & analysis

Two weeks before the Chicago Marathon, Maricella was terrified. Not just about the race—about what it would mean if she finished and felt destroyed, ashamed of her pace, not wanting to run again.

In this deeply personal episode, she shares what it's like to show up to something hard while feeling like a fraud. She reads her raw journal entries about training anxiety, works through shame about being "too slow," and tells the story of race day—including the sign that changed everything.

This isn't a story about hitting a time goal (she didn't). It's about discovering you're stronger than you thought. About the tools and reminders we need when we forget we're capable. About hope, shame, and doing hard things scared.

Maricella shares a tattoo on her leg that says "Braver, Stronger, Smarter"—from Winnie the Pooh, gotten after the hardest moments of her life. She talks about the bracelets she wore during the race, her partner who believed in her when she didn't believe in herself, and what it means to find your strength not in the outcome, but in showing up.

This is the final episode of 2025.

In this episode:

- Pre-race anxiety and the bonking pattern during training

- Working through shame about pace and performance

- Reading unfiltered journal entries from two weeks before the race

- The difference between facts and fears

- Hope as fuel vs. tying self-worth to outcomes

- Race day: the sign, the nausea, the finish

- Feeling strong instead of destroyed

- The anchors we carry (bracelets, tattoos, people)

- Feeling like a fraud even after accomplishing hard things

- Using tools (therapy, journaling, friends, AI) to see clearly

- Showing up scared and doing it anyway

Mentioned in this episode:

Win the Inside Game by Steve Magness

SAFE methodology (created by guest Jaqueline Oliveira-Cella)

In this special episode, host Maricella Herrera introduces listener calls to the podcast for the first time. She sits down with Jaqueline Oliveira-Cella to test SAFE—an AI-powered emotional awareness tool—on two real workplace scenarios submitted by listeners.

SAFE is a methodology that helps people pause and reframe in high-stakes emotional moments at work and in life. The framework stands for Set intentions, Acknowledge facts vs emotions, Frame and reframe, and Execute.

In this episode, Maricella and Jackie work through two common workplace challenges:

Scenario 1: Navigating a Company ReorgA listener shares their anxiety about job security after their group is acquired by a larger team. They're unsure whether to update their resume, network with the new team, or wait to see how leadership decisions unfold. Using SAFE, they separate facts from feelings, identify what's within their control, and develop concrete micro-actions like "building bridges, not safety nets."

Scenario 2: Managing Uncertainty with a New BossAnother listener describes the discomfort of having a new manager who meets with the team before direct reports. They want to make a good first impression but don't know how to introduce themselves without overloading or being absent. SAFE helps them reframe the situation, consider the manager's perspective, and create a thoughtful introduction strategy.

Throughout both scenarios, Maricella and Jackie discuss the importance of distinguishing facts from emotions, finding hope and agency in uncertain situations, and taking small, strategic actions rather than waiting passively. They also explore how AI tools like SAFE can augment critical thinking and emotional awareness—not replace human connection.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Next week, Maricella shares her own experience using SAFE to navigate anxiety before running the Chicago Marathon in October 2024.

Topics covered in this episode:

Emotional awareness and workplace stress

AI-powered tools for mental health and emotional regulation

Company reorganizations and job security anxiety

Managing relationships with new managers

Separating facts from feelings in high-stakes situations

Design thinking and AI as augmentation

Evidence-based journaling and reflective practices

Building resilience during workplace uncertainty

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00] Cold open: The "fuck you" moment[01:00] Thanksgiving intro and gratitude[12:30] Conversation with Jackie begins[15:30] What is SAFE? The framework explained[20:30] Why Jackie created SAFE: personal experiences with workplace challenges[26:00] AI as augmentation vs. shortcut: critical thinking and design thinking[28:00] The future of emotional intelligence in an AI world[33:00] Listener Scenario #1: Company reorg and job security anxiety[35:00] Breaking down facts vs. emotions in the reorg scenario[39:00] Hope and agency: what the listener didn't mention[41:00] Micro-actions: Building bridges, not safety nets[46:00] Listener Scenario #2: New manager meeting the team first[48:00] Setting intentions for a first impression[50:00] Reframing: Could this be about fairness, not hierarchy?[52:00] Micro-actions: Draft an intro note, observe and listen[57:00] Asking SAFE about talking to the team[59:00] What's next for SAFE and closing thoughts

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Try SAFE for yourself (free on ChatGPT): https://chatgpt.com/g/g-68c2e478cba88191b31bf8e906de103f-s-a-f-e-leadership-daily-reflections

Connect with Jaqueline Oliveira-Cella on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaquelineoc/

Previous episode with Jackie: https://maricellaherrera.substack.com/p/sht-i-had-a-midlife-awakening

SUBMIT YOUR SITUATION:Listeners can leave a voice note at (646) 902-1426 or email quitymyjobpod@gmail.com to share workplace challenges for potential future episodes.

GUEST BIO:

Jaqueline Oliveira Cella inspires you to shift discomfort into purpose-driven action. She brings over 15 years of experience in US and global health, wealth, and wellbeing sectors, specializing in developing client-centric solutions, health equity, and risk management. Jaqueline has a proven track record of empowering employees and enhancing corporate wellness programs

As the founder of wellBe consulting, Jaqueline co-creates and advises healthcare corporations on innovating health and wellbeing solutions for employers, establishing strategic partnerships, and rethinking their go-to-market strategies and key performance indicators. Her recent executive education at Harvard Medical School and her actuarial and business background further empower her to drive meaningful, impactful changes.

Driven by her passion for purpose-driven action, Jaqueline created the 'Health at Work' initiative. Collaborations cover top health risk concerns topics such as Burnout in the Healthcare System, Culture & AI, Diabetes at Work, Busyness & Food, Mindful Inclusion, Menopause at Work, Measurable Inclusion & People Analytics.  ‘Health at Work’ collaborations are promoted through LinkedIn, a social initiative, extending the reach of her work to help employees advocate for their health in the workplace, and build sustable organizations by assisting employers in navigating significant health challenges with data-driven and actionable insights.

KEYWORDS: emotional awareness, workplace anxiety, AI tools for mental health, company reorganization, managing new managers, SAFE framework, emotional intelligence, career transitions, job security, workplace stress, reflective journaling, ChatGPT for emotional awareness, reframing workplace challenges

In this episode of Sh*t I Just Quit My Job, host Maricella Herrera delves into the profound impact of long-term employment on personal development. Joined by Carla Siegel, a graphic designer and hospitality branding expert, they explore the journey of spending years at a single company and how it shapes one's career and life choices. Carla shares her experiences of working at Daniel Boulud's restaurant group for eight years, highlighting the growth, challenges, and eventual decision to pursue a more fulfilling path. Tune in to discover how staying in one place can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth. Key Highlights:

Carla's early career aspirations and how they evolved over time. The pivotal moments that led Carla to leave a secure job for new opportunities. Insights into balancing creativity with practicality in career decisions. The role of mentorship and networking in Carla's professional growth. Carla's reflections on the importance of patience and self-kindness during transitions.

Guest Bio: Carla Siegel is the Founder of Agentsie, a boutique creative studio offering design and marketing services to clients in the hospitality industry. From establishing restaurant brand identities to crafting creative, on-brand communications in digital and in print, Agentsie provides smart, sustainable communications solutions with an intimate understanding of operational and budgetary constraints unique to the hospitality realm.

Connect with Us:

Email: quitmyjobpod@gmail.com Follow us on social media for updates and more inspiring stories.

Hashtags: #CareerPivot #GraphicDesign #HospitalityBranding #CareerDevelopment #LongTermEmployment #PersonalGrowth

Two years after quitting her job, Maricella Herrera checks in — not with a polished reflection or a big announcement, but with a real-time look at what it means to keep showing up as the version of yourself you worked hard to reclaim. In this solo minisode, she revisits the same postmortem questions she asked at the one-year mark (what she did, what she’s proud of, what didn’t go well, and what she’s learned) — and finds the answers are harder, murkier, and maybe more honest.

This is an episode about integration, pacing, and trying not to lose yourself once the break is over and life picks back up.

In this conversation, Miriam Simon shares her inspiring journey from a creative child dreaming of working in New York to a successful career in transportation and HR. She discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative power of writing. Miriam reflects on her past traumas and the lessons learned through unlearning negative patterns, emphasizing resilience and self-love. Her story is a testament to the strength of community and the importance of lifting others as we rise.Takeaways

Miriam always dreamed of working in New York, inspired by her childhood.

Her career in transportation led her to HR, showcasing her adaptability.

Balancing motherhood and career was a significant challenge for Miriam.

A pivotal moment for Miriam was realizing the need to unlearn negative patterns.

Trauma from her past shaped her resilience and drive for success.

Survival mode pushed Miriam to prioritize her basic needs and self-care.

Miriam's peak career moment led her to seek new opportunities and growth.

Writing became a therapeutic outlet for Miriam, allowing her to share her story.

Mentorship played a crucial role in Miriam's journey, helping her navigate challenges.

Miriam emphasizes the importance of self-love and resilience in overcoming obstacles.

00:00 Introduction and Host's Personal Reflection

02:32 Introducing Miriam Simon: A Story of Resilience

05:10 Miriam's Early Aspirations and Career Journey

09:51 Challenges and Triumphs in Miriam's Career

15:39 Balancing Motherhood and Career

19:56 Overcoming Personal and Professional Hurdles

32:18 The Turning Point: Prioritizing Self-Care

33:09 Balancing Family and Self: The Struggle of Saying No

33:40 The Weight of Burnout and the Journey to Self-Discovery

34:54 Coaching and Career Transformation

36:20 Reaching the Peak: Career Achievements and Reflections

37:28 Discovering Writing and Embracing Leadership

41:47 The Power of Sharing Your Story

46:47 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Visibility

49:44 Empowering Others and Building Movements

54:08 Reflections and Advice to Younger Self

56:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What happens when the work you love starts to break you? In this episode of Sh*t I Just Quit My Job, Dr. Miriam Zylberglait—triple-board-certified physician, educator, and advocate—shares her journey of leaving the U.S. healthcare system in order to practice medicine with integrity and compassion.

Dr. Z started her medical career in Peru and rebuilt it from the ground up when she moved to the U.S.—a testament to her passion and purpose. But despite her deep love for medicine, she found herself burned out, exhausted, and emotionally depleted by a healthcare system that prioritized profit over people. With honesty and heart, she talks about what led her to quit the system (not the profession), and how she created a path that allowed her to stay aligned with her values.

This conversation dives into the emotional toll of working in misaligned systems, the difference between empathy and true compassion, the growing mental health crisis among healthcare workers, and the legacy we leave behind when we stop living for everyone else.

If you’ve ever felt like you were sacrificing yourself to succeed, or like your job no longer reflects who you are, this episode will resonate.

Ever wonder what it's like to build a tech startup with zero traditional business background? In this episode, we dive deep with Jereme Holiman, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Urban Stems, who stumbled into the startup world from a fine arts background. Jereme shares his gripping journey from imagining a new floral gifting service with friends to navigating the highs and terrifying lows of running a VC-funded startup. He candidly discusses the humbling experience of failing spectacularly on Valentine's Day and the crucial lessons learned in scaling a business. Whether you're a passionate builder, considering the startup life, or just love a good success story mixed with hard-earned wisdom, this episode is packed with insights on resilience, adaptability, and the true cost of entrepreneurship.

What if you're not riding the highs or drowning in the lows—but just kind of... here? In this minisode, I talk about a feeling I’ve been sitting with lately: something that looks like calm but sometimes feels like avoidance, something that might be peace but also feels a little weird. I’m calling it neutral.

I’ll walk through how it’s been showing up in my life, why it felt so unfamiliar at first, and what I learned when I went down a rabbit hole of psychology, Buddhism, and my own messy reflections. Spoiler: this might actually be growth.

If you’ve ever been in that quiet in-between, where nothing’s “wrong” but everything feels a little off—or maybe just still—this one’s for you.

Entrepreneur and Navy vet David Franklin joins me to talk about grief, burnout, and what happens when purpose and passion start to drift. We dive into career pivots, mindful leadership, building healthtech with meaning, and the hard work of reconnecting with your why—especially after loss.

Michelle Moffitt spent 25 years as a pastor’s wife in a conservative church, doing everything “right” — until the system she trusted told her to repent for telling the truth. The conversation delves into her battle with spiritual disillusionment, burnout, and the complex process of finding her voice after years of living within an oppressive system. Michelle discusses her book 'Cracked Open,' which combines her personal story with scientific methods to help readers overcome limiting beliefs. The episode also touches on the importance of having a supportive personal board of directors and the journey of self-discovery through small, incremental steps.Lessons learned, full show notes, and bonus content at https://maricellaherrera.substack.com/ — subscribe for weekly extras.