Love It or Leave It: When It’s Time to Move On
There comes a point in every career when we stop and ask ourselves, “Is this still right for me?” Maybe the excitement has faded, the stress outweighs the reward, or the workplace culture no longer fits who you are. The reality is, not every job is meant to last forever—and that’s okay.
But how do you know whether you should dig in and find ways to reignite your passion, or if it’s time to move on? Let’s explore that together.
Signs That You Still Have Something Here
Not every rough patch means it’s time to quit. Sometimes, challenges push us to grow, and with the right adjustments, we can find joy again. Here are some signs that your job might still be worth holding onto:
- You feel challenged, but not defeated. Even if work is tough, you’re still learning and growing.
- You respect your colleagues and leadership. The people you work with can make all the difference in job satisfaction.
- You see a path forward. If you have opportunities to grow in ways that excite you, it might be worth sticking around.
- You still believe in the work. If your company’s mission aligns with your values, that connection can be powerful.
If these resonate, you might not need to leave—perhaps a conversation with your manager, a new project, or a shift in responsibilities can help you feel re-energized.
Signs That It’s Time to Leave
On the flip side, there are clear indicators that staying in your current job is doing more harm than good. If these apply to you, it may be time to consider a change:
- You feel drained more often than inspired. If Sunday nights fill you with dread, that’s a big red flag.
- You’ve stopped growing. Feeling stagnant for too long can sap your motivation and confidence.
- Your values don’t align with the company’s anymore. If you’re compromising on things that matter to you, it will take a toll.
- Your workplace has become toxic. If negativity, poor leadership, or a lack of respect define your work environment, it’s time to protect your well-being.
- You daydream about doing something else—all the time. If you constantly imagine another career or role, that’s your intuition speaking.
My Own Experience: Knowing When to Walk Away
I’ve had to make tough choices about leaving jobs in my own career.
Once, I resigned in solidarity with a friend. I had gotten the position through that friend, and when the business owner fired them, I felt it was time for me to go, too. I enjoyed the work, but the values of the owner didn’t sit well with me. He openly cheated on his wife, making no effort to hide it from us, his employees. I wasn’t sure if he was trying to impress us with some ‘bad boy’ persona or if he was just a jerk. Either way, when he fired my friend, I knew I didn’t belong there anymore.
Another time, I left a company because I was burned out—overwhelmed, under-appreciated, and drained after years of investing myself in it. Looking back, I probably just needed a break. But instead of seeking support, I left. That decision left a void, and I spent a long time searching for what was next, when I could have used that time more wisely. Had I had a coach, career advisor, or just someone to talk to, I probably would have made a different choice.
That said, it isn’t about regretting past decisions—it’s about awareness and being present in the moment while reaching for the stars (which, incidentally, is at the heart of my new book: Journaling to Create a Habit Change – Charting my course toward the stars, fuelling my journey, one habit at a time).
Facing the Fear of Change
Even when you know it’s time to move on, fear can hold you back. Financial security, the uncertainty of what’s next, and the comfort of familiarity all make change daunting. But staying in a situation that drains you is costly, too—mentally, emotionally, and even physically.
Here’s how to move forward with confidence:
- Get clear on what you want. What excites you? What do you not want in your next role?
- Explore your options. You don’t have to quit tomorrow—start researching, networking, and seeing what’s out there.
- Prepare financially. If fear of money is holding you back, make a transition plan so you feel secure.
- Trust yourself. You’ve made changes before and landed on your feet. You can do it again.
What’s Next?
If you’re feeling stuck, know that you’re not alone. The choice to stay or leave isn’t always black and white, but one thing is clear—you deserve to feel fulfilled in your career.
In our next post, we’ll explore “Exploring Alternatives: Making Career Moves Without Burning Bridges,” where we’ll discuss career pivots, side hustles, and how to test new paths before making the leap.
For now, take a deep breath and ask yourself: Is it time to reignite my passion here, or is it time to create something new? The answer might just set you on the right path forward.
Leave a Reply