There’s a famous quote by Lance Armstrong which says, “Pain in temporary. Quitting lasts forever.” I assume the implication here is quitting is bad and you shouldn’t quit even when things are really tough.
On the surface…I agree with Lance that a single day of inconvenience or rough waters doesn’t justify quitting. But I wouldn’t imply quitting is necessarily a bad thing. If you’re beating your head against the wall, day in/day out…yes, you should consider quitting.
I feel bad for people who tell me stories of how their boss is narrow minded and unreceptive to change. They want to do more for the organization but their boss won’t let them. They’re looking for help and assistance in making their boss understand. Honestly, I’m not sure that’s the answer. Will your boss have an epiphany and all of a sudden start listening to you by your will alone? I wish it were that simple.
Deep down inside, I think these folks know the answer…they need to quit. Then, they see a whole bunch of motivational quotes that talk about quitting being a bad thing. They assume they’ll be scarred for life as a ‘quitter’.
Look, quitting is not failure. If you‘re outnumbered at work with people who don’t listen to you and make what, in your opinion, are stupid decisions…then you need to ask yourself honestly if you can really single-handedly change the place. If the answer is no…then quitting isn’t failure. It’s actually smart decision making. Go focus your energy in a place that truly appreciates your talents.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with saying that your goals and the company’s goals aren’t in alignment. And sure, I know the current economy doesn’t lend itself to just picking up and walking away. But, if you come to the realization that your boss won’t change, you can start looking for that next opportunity. That alone offers some relief.
The key to successful quitting is knowing when it’s time to step away. Do you have to try to get your point across when you know you’re right? Yep. But you also have to be honest with yourself about what’s happening around you.
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Hi! I'm Sharlyn Lauby, an HR pro turned consultant. I created the HR Bartender blog so people would have a friendly place to discuss workplace issues. And since, over the years, I've developed an appreciation for the culinary arts (translation: I'm a Foodie) you'll see some of that here too. So, pull up a stool and order your favorite drink . . . the bar is always open.
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Is this really your Sarah Palin post? ha
Good thoughts!
Sarah Palin never crossed my mind as I was writing this. But I can see how it might…too funny!
A wise friend of mine says often that you must “pick the cause you want to die for.” Some things may be worth fighting for. Others are not. Quitting is deciding that the cost/benefit in this battle favors the opposition. Remember great generals pick their battles.
Typically, we believe that staying, “giving it our all”, and allowing ourselves to become drained is the true measure of success, persistence and fortitude. In fact, remaining at a job or in a position which does not nurture your strengths is failure! I have a saying on my wall which I use to measure each [professional] decision I make, and it has thus far proven to be a sound guide post:
We are born to blossom into more….not shrink into less.
Thank you, HR Bartender, for posting such a great message!
Great advice and a helpful way to frame an issue so many struggle with. Thanks!
Fantastic advice as usual, Sharlyn. I think every day you spend in a job that you know is wrong for you, that you die a little bit inside. I know practical considerations always factor in (food, water, shelter), but in the end, each wasted, unhappy day is lost forever. And that carries a high price.
Good advice! My interpretation is a little different: choosing to race somewhere else (new employer) is much different than deciding not to race at all because it’s tough. The former retains integrity and self-esteem. The latter is full of long-lasting problems.
- Barry
I love the irony of Lance Armstrong’s quote. Apparently quitting doesn’t last forever since he retired and is now riding in the Tour de France.
Quitting isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Nobody wants to have to quit or be thought of as a quitter, but with the amount of time that people spend at work, nobody wants to spend it miserable or outnumbered on all issues. Steve is right that there are variables that come into play (food, water, shelter) when you are considering quitting, but things generally work out and they will feel like a weight has been lifted off their chest. I don’t encourage quitting and would always like to see people stick it out, but on the other hand life is to short to be miserable.
Great post, Sharlyn. I love Steve Boese’s comments. When you know that you’re in the wrong job, it does weigh on you and affects all aspects of your life. As Jack Welch said in his presentation to Gen Ys, “Find the job that turns your crank.” : ) This statement, of course, applies to everyone.
One thing to remember when you quit; always leave on a good note, don’t burn any bridges. This is useful if you change your mind and want to return someday. Also, if you really want to help the organization but you have a bad boss, trying switching departments first before quitting outright.
Good advice, so true. You can’t change people when they’re locked into mass misguidedness.
People are complicated and have other motivations than what will benefit the business.