The Power of Quitting
I used to think quitting was a dirty word. In my 20s and 30s, it wasn't even on the table. Loyalty was my north star—I'd stick with things for years, even when they no longer fit, simply because I was good at them or others expected me to.
It wasn't until I realized the toll this was taking on my well-being that I understood quitting can be the bravest, most self-honoring thing you can do. That's actually how my 22-year retail career ended, and my coaching journey began—proof that sometimes, letting go opens the door to something entirely new.
Recently, I decided to quit my job (again).
I loved the clients this company sent me, thrived in meetings, and felt deeply connected to the people I served. But behind the scenes, the work environment clashed with my values. The back-end was so unethical and maddening that staying would have meant compromising my well-being and integrity.
I had to ask myself: Am I being loyal to others at the expense of being loyal to myself?
When I was considering leaving my 22-year retail career, I listened to the Quitted podcast with Emily McDowell and Holly Whitaker. Their conversations helped me let go of the belief that quitting made me a "quitter"—something I used to associate with weakness or failure.
What I’ve learned is this: when something no longer serves you, or you no longer want to be the one who stays at any cost, forcing yourself to remain is what truly feels like letting yourself down.
Being out of alignment with my values always feels super icky.
So, with that lesson still fresh in my mind, I once again chose to put my value of self-care above my value of loyalty, and I quit one of my 1099 contracts in coaching.
And while it was scary, it was also liberating.
Ironically, I'm now starting (alongside my private clients) a new 1099 job with Strawberry.me—career coaching for those who might be in the same spot I was. This new chapter feels like coming full circle.
Now, I get to support others who are questioning whether to stay, go, or reinvent their work and lives. If you're wondering whether to let go of a job, a habit, a relationship, or even just an old story about what you "should" do, I want you to know you're not alone with these thoughts.
Sometimes, the most courageous thing you can do is choose yourself, even if it means stepping into the unknown.
I'm incredibly excited to dive into this new path as it feels so much more aligned with my values and passions.
I hope my story reminds you that it's okay to outgrow or move on from things—and that something new and more fulfilling might be waiting on the other side.
“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.””
An Invitation to You
Is there something in your life that you're holding onto out of habit, fear, or a sense of obligation?
Is there a job, a relationship, a habit, or even a belief that no longer serves you but you're afraid to let go of because you don't know what comes next?
Maybe you're worried about disappointing others. Maybe you're scared of the unknown. I get it—I've been there.
But what if quitting isn't the end?
What if it's the beginning of something more aligned, more authentic, and more true to who you are becoming?
I'm curious:
What's one thing you might want to quit?
Please comment if you feel called to share. Sometimes, the first step toward freedom is simply acknowledging what's no longer serving you.
You're not alone. And you're allowed to choose yourself.
