The Difference Between Quitting And Moving On With Your Life For The Better

Often in life, circumstances can grow to be so frustrating that you come to realize you can’t go on doing what you’re doing. Maybe you’re in a bad relationship or a job that makes you feel miserable. Whatever the situation may be, it’s pretty normal to think, “I can’t do this anymore.”

It’s also normal to seek advice and guidance from the people around you to help you figure out what to do. I was recently extremely stressed about my job because deep down, I know it’s not the right job for me.

There are things I know I can tolerate (like a relatively heavy workload) and other things I know I can’t (like lack of structure and guidance combined with utter chaos). I tried to talk to people about leaving this job and they all told me I "can’t just give up.”

This made my blood boil. I am not someone who gives up easily and I am certainly not a quitter.

However, I am someone who knows when I'm in a bad situation and when it's time to leave. Leaving this job is not the same thing as giving up.

I am not leaving because the work is too hard, the hours are too long or even for the fact that no one talks to me (although, I certainly don’t care for any of those things).

I’m leaving because I know this job is not what I want to do with my life and the work environment leaves me feeling stressed and unhappy.

I don’t consider this to be quitting. Quitting is giving up because something is difficult and you don’t want to dedicate the effort. Moving on is being honest with yourself and knowing when enough is enough. Moving on is being able to listen to yourself; it means you’re taking care of yourself.

It’s a personal point of pride that I feel able to be honest with myself. I am very self-aware and I know which situations are good for me and which are not. I also know when I can “suck it up” and when I need to walk away. My issue is that I don’t always listen to myself; instead, I listen to other people.

I've come to realize that these situations never work out. If I could just listen to myself in the first place, I’m sure I would avoid much disappointment and stress, but disappointments and stressful times help to make us stronger and grow into the people we’re meant to be. So, as much as it hurts now, I know this situation will help me in the long run.

When you’re in a sticky, confusing situation, sit down with yourself (no one else) and really think about it. If you can try a little harder and your efforts will be rewarding and lead you toward something better, don’t quit.

But, if you know something will not lead to anything productive and could potentially hurt you, have the courage to move on and try something else. The most important thing to do is to listen to yourself and have to strength to make a change.

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