Ever found yourself staring at a resignation letter, fingers hovering over the send button, heart racing at the thought of quitting yet another job? Yeah, me too. After hopping through more careers than I can count on one hand, I’ve learned a thing or two about the art of quitting. These moments of walking away aren’t just bold and gutsy – they’re a big part of how we shape our lives and find our true paths.
Identifying What You Don’t Want
Those of us who frequently make significant life changes possess a unique ability – we’re adept at recognizing what doesn’t align with our values and aspirations. It’s akin to having a finely tuned internal compass.
A colleague once shared, “I discovered I was more skilled at identifying what made me unfulfilled than what brought me joy.” She had left three positions in two years before finding her niche. “Each departure taught me something new about what I couldn’t tolerate in a workplace. It was a process of elimination, but for my career path.”
Consider this: Isn’t recognizing what you don’t want just as valuable as knowing what you do want? Perhaps even more so?
Making Decisions That Feel Right
Once you’ve identified that something isn’t suitable for you, taking action becomes the next challenge. This is when you may encounter a multitude of opinions from others.
“But it’s such a promising opportunity!” they might say. Or, “You’re just going through a phase.” A common refrain is, “You’ll regret it if you leave now!”
However, I’ve learned that my only regrets stem from the times I didn’t trust my instincts.
Consider the experience of a family member who was a new product manager at a firm. He had an impressive salary, excellent benefits, and the envy of his peers. Yet, he felt unfulfilled. “I felt very lost and overwhelmed,” he confided. Despite numerous warnings that he was making a mistake, he quit and took up a consulting role. “I’ve never been more content,” he now says. “My bank account may be smaller,” he adds with a smile, “but my satisfaction is immeasurable.”
Owning Your Decisions
Here’s an important truth: when you decide to leave, you must take full responsibility for that choice. It’s not about blaming circumstances or others. The decision rests entirely with you.
But here’s the empowering aspect: it’s incredibly liberating.
I recall when I left my “dream job”. For weeks, I questioned my decision. Then I realized – this was my choice. I could either dwell in uncertainty or embrace the freedom I’d given myself to pursue something more fulfilling.
Owning your decision means standing firm in your convictions. It means facing skeptics and confidently stating, “Yes, I chose to leave. And I made the right choice“
What Drives a Chronic Quitter
What motivates those of us who frequently make significant changes? Is it a fear of commitment? A short attention span? An inability to persevere?
I believe it’s something entirely different.
It’s an unwavering pursuit of alignment. A profound need for authenticity. A refusal to settle for “adequate” when we know there’s an ideal fit waiting to be discovered.
A friend puts it this way: “Every time I leave a situation, I’m not retreating. I’m advancing towards a more authentic version of myself.”
It’s Not for Everyone
It’s important to acknowledge that this approach to life and career isn’t universally applicable. It requires a certain resilience to repeatedly start anew. It demands a comfort with uncertainty that not everyone possesses or desires.
Some individuals thrive on stability, on gradually building something over time. And that’s perfectly valid. The world benefits from those people as well.
But for those who feel that persistent urge, that restlessness when things aren’t quite right – embracing our tendency to move on might be the key to living our most authentic lives.
As the insightful Dr. Seuss once wrote, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
So here’s to those who recognize when it’s time to move on, who have the courage to depart, and who possess the resilience to continue seeking what truly ignites their passion.