Knowing when it’s time to quit - Episode 46
We often hear that quitting is failing, but sometimes, quitting is the best decision you can make. Pushing through isn’t always the right move—letting go of something that no longer serves you can open up space for things that bring you more joy and fulfillment.
Looking back, I can think of several moments when I walked away from something and, in hindsight, realized it was the best thing I could have done.
Create & consume
What Austen is creating this week: Spring reset vlog for YouTube channel with 3 phases and a downloadable quarterly checklist
What Austen is consuming this week: We are almost done with The White Lotus and also just started Paradise
In this episode:
Times I chose to quit (and why it was the right choice)
Quitting the violin: This made room for guitar (which I didn’t stick with either) and piano (which I ended up loving). Letting go of one thing sometimes leads you to the right fit.
Figure skating: While I enjoyed it, it wasn’t something I saw myself continuing long-term.
Not doing a special senior year elective: A reminder that just because a more prestigious option is available doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for you.
Transferring colleges: More of a pivot than a quit, but it taught me that I never have to stay stuck in a situation that isn’t right for me.
Leaving my job at Free People: This freed up time for a paid internship and allowed me to actually enjoy my senior year of college.
Leaving my job at Jumprope: I left to pursue an opportunity that had been on my mind for a while as my day-to-day work changed.
Quitting copywriting as a freelance service: I was offering bio-writing and other services, but ultimately, it wasn’t fulfilling or aligned with my long-term goals.
Stopping my Patreon membership: It was causing me more stress than it was worth financially, and quitting it felt like a relief.
Signs it might be time to quit
If you’re wondering whether it’s time to walk away from something, here are a few signs that quitting could actually be the right move:
You feel drained or uninspired by it.
You’re staying out of fear, obligation, or a sense of duty rather than genuine passion.
There’s a natural stopping point (ex: graduating from high school and not signing up for a sport in college).
The opportunity cost of staying is too high—what are you missing out on by holding on?
The emotional side of quitting
Even when quitting is the right choice, it can still bring up complicated emotions:
Fear of judgment: The label of being a “quitter” can feel heavy, but walking away isn’t always a sign of weakness.
Guilt of leaving something behind: It’s natural to feel guilty, especially if you’ve invested time or energy into something, but letting go can be a powerful step forward.
The benefits of quitting
Once you make the decision to let go, you’ll often find that quitting comes with some unexpected benefits:
Creating space for new opportunities: Walking away from one thing allows you to invest in something better.
Gaining clarity on what really matters: When you remove distractions, your true priorities become clearer.
Strengthening your decision-making skills: Learning to make tough calls builds confidence and resilience.
How to quit with confidence
If you know it’s time to quit, here’s how to do it in a way that feels right:
Make a plan: Don’t quit impulsively if you can help it. Ensure you have a plan for what comes next.
Communicate clearly and respectfully: If your decision impacts others, handle it with professionalism and kindness.
Trust yourself in the next phase: Quitting something doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means you’re making room for something better.
The Dip: knowing when to push through
There’s a difference between quitting something because it’s no longer right for you and quitting because it’s hard. Seth Godin’s book The Dip (summarized in a great YouTube video by Deya) explains that everything worth doing comes with a difficult period—the Dip. When you hit that point, ask yourself:
Is this something I truly feel called to do?
Do small, consistent actions still feel meaningful?
Am I willing to lean into the challenge?
Are there others who are navigating this same struggle? (Finding a community can help!)
For me, YouTube is something I’ve chosen to push through, despite the challenges, because I know it aligns with my long-term vision. But not everything is worth sticking with—learning to recognize the difference is key.
In summary:
Quitting isn’t always giving up—it’s sometimes the bravest, smartest choice you can make. Whether it’s a hobby, a job, or a commitment that no longer aligns with your goals, letting go can lead to more fulfillment, better opportunities, and a clearer path forward.
If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself: Is this truly serving me, or is it time to move on?
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