How to Know When it's Time to Go
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Over the past year or so, I’ve had to make some difficult decisions regarding how I’m spending my time–whether it’s my client work or volunteering efforts. In 2021, I ended client relationships and moved on from leadership positions, and those decisions weren’t easy. Back in 2020, I ended my passion project, which was also a tough call. Sometimes it can be extremely challenging to figure out whether an endeavor is serving you anymore. Is it time to move on? Should you stay? There’s no rulebook and it’s different for everyone!
That’s why I thought it might be helpful to transform some of my own experiences and feelings into a handy quiz for others who are in the same boat. This isn’t a definitive guide, it’s simply meant as a jumping off point.
Is it time to move on from your job, client gig, leadership position, or volunteer opportunity? Let’s assess!
1) You have a meeting coming up and you have to lead it. How are you feeling?
A) Pumped and ready to go.
B) Exhausted and filled with dread.
2) You’re catching up with a friend and they ask how things are going with your job/client/the organization you volunteer with. How do you respond?
A) You’re so excited! You share fun stories and enthusiasm for upcoming projects/events.
B) You give a halfhearted answer and change the subject.
3) Your inbox dings–you have an email with a question about your work/client/organization you volunteer with. How do you feel?
A) On top of it! You answer promptly.
B) You grit your teeth and try to press down the resentment that’s creeping in.
4) You can’t sleep because work/client/volunteer gig is on your mind. What are you thinking about?
A) This project is going to be so fun/I have so much to do for this event but it’s going to turn out great/I can’t wait to share this cool idea with the team.
B) I hope my boss doesn’t talk down to me tomorrow/I can’t stop thinking about that mean comment my coworker made/I’m so overwhelmed.
5) Is there someone you learn from at the organization? Are you able to mentor others?
A) Yes! I learn from my boss/colleagues and enjoy helping newer folks.
B) Not really, my boss doesn’t understand what I do and I haven’t learned anything new in a long time. I’d like to mentor others but I don’t have the energy or opportunity to do so.
6) Does the time spent on your work/volunteer efforts align with your passions?
A) Mostly! A lot of the time, I love what I do, and the other responsibilities are manageable.
B) Not really–I feel like a fish out of water because it’s such a mismatch.
7) Do you feel respected at the organization?
A) Definitely! People value my insights and perspective.
B) Not quite–they still treat me like I’m new or don’t trust my expertise.
8) What are your motivations–why do you work/volunteer here?
A) The cause means a lot to me/I love the work itself/the people are amazing.
B) I feel a sense of obligation/I want to make someone else proud/I’d feel guilty if I didn’t.
9) In general, when you think about the organization you work for/volunteer with, what’s the predominant sentiment in your mind?
A) We do great work. Sometimes things are hard, but it’s worth it.
B) Stress, dread, angst, fear, exhaustion.
10) At the end of the day, how does the organization make you feel?
A) I feel like a valued part of the team.
B) I feel taken for granted.
How did you do? If your answers are mostly As, then you’re likely in good shape to stay. If you answered mostly Bs, then it may be time to move on to the next chapter. It’s worth noting that the A and B responses are somewhat exaggerated; there is plenty of gray area in between that can make deciding even harder. You may need to stay in a job for the paycheck, despite your frustration with the status quo. That can be okay, until it isn’t. We all reach a breaking point eventually. Sometimes we just have to listen to our gut and make a change when the time is right.
I asked folks on Instagram what helped them realize it was time to move on, and several themes emerged. Commonly, people knew it was time to go if: their values weren’t aligned with the organization anymore, the bad days outnumbered the good, they didn’t feel a sense of belonging, there weren’t opportunities for growth or advancement, or they started to hate the work they used to love. Have you experienced any of those?
These decisions are tough, so if you’re still feeling conflicted, try talking about it with friends, family, your partner, or a therapist. Journaling about your thoughts and experiences can be useful too.
How did you know when it was time to go? Share with me on Instagram–@servemethesky.
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