Knowing When to Quit

Growing up, I was terrible at making decisions. I operated in two extremes; either overthinking myself into exhaustion or, as my sister would say, “you just do what you want and think about it later.”

Now, as someone society would label as an adult, my process is more refined, and I think that has a lot to do with my career choice. As a Public Relations Strategist, it’s literally my job to find solutions in any situation, yet somehow, translating that same logic to my personal life isn’t always as easy.

So when my favourite creative outlet started to feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable, I felt like my peace was being disrupted, and I started to spiral.

“Should I quit?”

“Am I just being emotional?”

“Do I still love this?”

“Is it time to move on?”

And that led me here.

When you strip away the specifics, we’ve all asked the same question: When do you walk away?

Whether it’s a relationship, a job, a hobby, or something you once loved, when do you close that chapter?

Using my situation as an example, here’s my approach.

Find the Root of the Problem

When I really sat with it, the issue wasn’t the hobby itself; it was the environment. And, if we’re being honest, that’s usually a common trigger. We live in an era of “protect your peace,” and rightfully so. You shouldn’t have to constantly endure spaces that disrupt your well-being just for the cause. 

Start by identifying the problem areas and decide if those things are dealbreakers.

Unpack Your Emotions

I always say that because I have so many emotions, I have become a star student in the class of emotional intelligence. Understanding my patterns helps me recognize when I’m overreacting, when I’m being sensitive, and when my feelings are completely valid.

To be transparent, I was on day three of my menstrual cycle while trying to make this decision, and ladies, we know during this time we can develop some skewed thoughts.

So, be honest and ask yourself, “Are my emotions amplifying the issue, or are they revealing something real?” 

Take Control

Then, follow up with, “What is actually within my control?”

I couldn’t control the people. I couldn’t change the space. But I could control how I showed up, how I responded, and what I chose to take from the experience. 

I reflected on the situation and wrote in my journal what I could control versus what I couldn’t. That simple exercise brought a lot of clarity, so I challenge you to do the same.

Measure the Relevance

If it no longer serves you, it may no longer be for you.

Does this thing still align with your current life or the life you’re building?

In my case, my hobby still contributes to my goals and my bucket list side quests. Therefore, instead of quitting, I chose to adjust my approach to protect my peace.

But, if after reading all of this, your answer is to walk away, then do what feels right and walk away

I didn’t quit this time. But within the past year, I’ve walked away from jobs, projects, and even relationships that no longer align with my life. 

Because at the end of the day, Life is for the living, so if anything gets in the way of that, let that 💩go.