Nono Bokete, CEO, Data Sentinels, leading digital tranformation projects.
It’s normal to want to quit. In fact, if you’ve been at something long enough, that urge to throw in the towel has probably visited you more than once. Most people will say, “Don’t quit. Keep going no matter what!” But I’ll say something different: Quit. Just know when to do it.
Quitting isn’t inherently bad. It’s often seen as weakness or failure, but sometimes it’s the boldest move you can make. However, there’s a catch—you’ve got to quit right. And to quit right, you need to think it through. In this article, I’ll walk you through my personal approach before I quit anything—like a job or a digital transformation project. Maybe, just maybe, it’ll give you some clarity if you’re standing at the crossroads of “stay” and “go.”
1. Ask yourself: Why do I want to quit?
This is the first and most crucial question. Are you tired? Frustrated? Feeling unappreciated? Or is the thing you’re doing just no longer aligned with where you want to go?
I’ve learned to distinguish between quitting because I’m emotionally exhausted and quitting because something is no longer serving me. The former can often be remedied with a break, a shift in approach or asking for help. The latter might require a tougher decision. In short, when you feel like quitting, step back for a moment and journal it out. Write down everything—what you’re feeling, why you think quitting will help and what might happen if you push through. Often, the act of writing brings clarity.
2. Have I tried everything reasonable?
Quitting without trying to fix the situation is like abandoning a car that’s run out of fuel when there’s a petrol station just around the corner. If something isn’t working, ask yourself: “Have I really given this my best shot?”
For me, this means having the tough conversations, re-evaluating my methods or even seeking mentorship. Sometimes what seems like an impossible situation only needs a fresh perspective. Don’t mistake discomfort for impossibility. Growth often feels uncomfortable. If you haven’t tried every reasonable option, you might regret quitting too soon.
3. What’s my exit strategy?
Every good quit comes with a plan. I never, ever walk away without considering what comes next. Quitting on impulse might feel good in the moment, but it can leave you scrambling later.
If it’s a job, I ask myself: “What’s my financial safety net? What’s my next step?” If it’s a digital transformation project, I think about how to ensure I’m not leaving people in the lurch. And if it’s a bad habit, I focus on what I’ll replace it with—because nature abhors a vacuum, and old habits love to creep back in when there’s nothing to fill the void. Even if you’re burning to leave, take time to map out your exit. A well-executed quit can be the foundation for your next success.
4. What will I gain—and what will I lose?
Every decision comes with trade-offs. Before I quit, I like to sit down and weigh the pros and cons. What am I walking away from? Stability? Relationships? Momentum? And what am I gaining? Freedom? Peace of mind? Space to pursue something better?
Sometimes, the losses outweigh the gains, and that’s a signal to stick it out a bit longer. Other times, the gains are so compelling that it’s worth enduring a short-term hit. Don’t just think about the immediate aftermath. Consider the long-term impact of your decision—on your career, your relationships and your mental health.
5. Am I running from or running to?
Here’s a big one: Are you quitting because you’re escaping something or because you’re moving toward something better? There’s a difference between running away from discomfort and running toward growth.
When I quit a job a few years ago, I wasn’t just leaving an environment that didn’t serve me any longer; I was moving toward a path that aligned with my values and strengths. That clarity made the decision easier—and far more fulfilling in the long run. It’s okay to quit because something is unbearable. But it’s even better to quit with a clear vision of what you’re moving toward.
6. Have I consulted my ‘board of directors’?
No, not the company boardroom—your personal board of directors. These are the people you trust most—mentors, family and close friends. Before I quit anything, I run it past them. They often see things I can’t when I’m too close to the situation.
Their feedback doesn’t always dictate my decision, but it gives me a broader perspective to work with. Choose people who will tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear. And don’t forget to consult your gut—that inner voice often knows the way.
7. What’s my timing?
Sometimes it’s not about whether to quit, but when. The timing of your decision can make all the difference. If you quit a job before securing another one, you might face financial strain. If you quit a project before handing it off properly, you might damage your reputation.
Quitting at the right time isn’t just smart; it’s strategic. Think about the ripple effects of your timing. Are there key milestones to hit before you leave? People who need to be informed? Plan for those.
Overall, quitting is not the enemy. Sometimes, it’s the bravest and smartest move you can make. But it’s also not something to take lightly. Before you quit, take the time to reflect, plan and make sure it’s the right move for you. Here’s the thing: Quitting isn’t about failure. It’s about choosing the life, career or habits that serve you best. And when you quit right, it’s not the end of the road—it’s the beginning of a better one.
So what are you quitting today? Or maybe, what are you sticking with just a little longer? Either way, consider this: The power isn’t in the quitting—it’s in the thinking.
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Read the full article here
