The Power of Leaving Well: Reclaiming Your Path and Unlocking Growth

We have a bad habit of trying to force square pegs into round holes, convincing ourselves that endurance equals success. But here’s the truth: if you know you’re not meant to stay—whether in a job or life chapter—then own it. Stand firm in your decision. Your exit strategy should serve you, not leave you scrambling for a lifeline.

We’re often told that leaving a job or ending a chapter of life looks like quitting—that somehow staying, no matter how unfulfilling, is a mark of loyalty or perseverance. But sometimes, the best way to love yourself is to leave.

I’ve learned this firsthand. I’ve walked away from jobs, closed out life chapters and continued to live on purpose. While society may view that as “giving up,” I’m aware of how leaving has positively impacted my path and created the necessary space for me to foster my pupose.

As you can imagine, that has never been easy for me, but through each departure, I realized something: staying in the wrong place isn’t always a sign of strength. Holding onto something that doesn’t align with who you are or where you want to go only holds you back. That’s why I believe leaving well is an art—a skill that’s helped me grow and understand my “why.”

Leaving Well Matters

I’m sharing this because I know some of you might be in a place where you’re wondering if it’s time to leave—whether that’s your job, or "that" chapter of your life. If you’re feeling stuck, drained, or questioning your next move, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you don’t have to stay out of fear. Leaving, when done with clarity and intention, isn’t a sign of failure—it’s the key to unlocking something bigger, something that’s a better fit for where you are right now.

But not all exits are created equal. There’s leaving with intention, there’s leaving in frustration, and then there’s leaving in disaster. If you know you’re there to learn and leave, then act accordingly. Move with strategy. Build your skills, stack your resources, and position yourself so that when you go, you’re stepping up—not just stepping away.

More tellingly, do not feel guilty for prioritizing yourself. Don't internalize external risks without considering all internal risks. Knowing when to go is character development. The difference between a setback and a setup is in how you move. So move wisely.

The Art of Leaving Well

Mastering the skill of leaving well is not about abandoning ship at the first sign of trouble—it’s about recognizing and honoring when it’s time to transition. The impulsive exit is driven by frustration, burnout, or dissatisfaction. It’s reactive and rarely productive. The emotional exit, though cathartic in the moment, often comes from a place of hurt or betrayal, but lacks the foresight needed for a successful transition.

Then there’s the art of leaving well. This is the masterful exit, where you understand when it’s time to move on—without bitterness, regret, or second-guessing. It’s about honoring your worth and stepping away from what no longer serves you. This type of exit requires you to assess the situation, prepare for the transition, and leave with intention.

Leaders Who Left

I’ll be honest: leaving can feel uncomfortable, but leaving—when done purposefully—isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a powerful decision that opens doors to new possibilities.

Some see those who leave as quitters, but I’d argue that the best leaders are the ones who know when to walk away. Take Steve Jobs, for example. After a power struggle, he left Apple—but instead of retreating, he used his time to create NeXT and become Chief Executive at Pixar Inc., where he refined his vision and leadership. By the time he returned to Apple, he wasn’t just coming back; he was coming with clarity and innovation that helped transform the company.

Final Thought: Embrace Your Exit with Confidence

Own your decision(s).

Your journey isn’t defined by your past commitments—it’s defined by your ability to grow and move forward. Leaving well is about choosing what’s next for you, not what you’re leaving behind. It’s not selfish to leave what no longer serves you. It’s self-care. Recognize when it’s time to go and trust that stepping away opens up space for what’s truly meant for you.