Let’s Talk About the Fear of Leaving...
Nobody wants to feel like a quitter. We hear things like “Tough it out, it'll get better, or Don't give up.” Yes, there are times when persistence pays off, but sometimes persistence may not be the answer.
What if staying is costing you more than it’s giving?
I'm going to talk about the other side of “never give up.” The side where you’re holding on to something that has already let go of you.
A job that underpays, a relationship that drains you, a city that no longer feels like home, or even a version of yourself that you’ve outgrown.
Sometimes, walking away isn’t giving up. It’s realizing you’re worth more.
I used to think walking away meant I was giving up, or it was a weakness. I talked about this in my previous blog, Faith in the Dark | How I Found Light in My Hardest Year, go read it if you haven't.
I’ve stayed in situations long past their expiration date because I was either scared of starting over, didn't feel like starting over, or felt I was giving up on a journey that was meant for me. Scared of what came next...
Maybe you're telling yourself, "I just need to be more patient,” or "Maybe I should work harder at this,” or here's a big one "Am I expecting too much?"
Let me tell you—when you have to beg a situation to be good for you, it most likely isn’t.
And the longer you stay, the more you convince yourself that this is as good as it gets. A lot of people get stuck here. Not in the bad situation itself, but in the mindset that tells them they can’t leave.
So, how do we know when to walk away? You probably already know and knew for a while. You just don’t want to accept it yet.
But if you need a sign, here it is... me slapping you in the face telling you to wake up. Haha, kidding, but maybe these signs will give you a nudge.
1. You’re Constantly Drained, Not Fulfilled.
Situations like work, relationships, etc should feel good. It should pour something into you. If it’s only taking, you will eventually run on empty.
Ask yourself: Do I feel exhausted by this?
2. You’re Staying Out of Fear, Not Love.
Huge difference between fighting for something because you love it and staying because you’re afraid of leaving.
Don't stay in relationships because you don’t want to be alone. You really can do bad all by yourself. And truth is, the "by yourself" will eventually feel fulfilling and open space for something better.
Keeping a job you hate? That’s not security, that’s fear. I get that you don't know what's next, but maybe it's time to figure it out.
3. When the Situation Is No Longer Growing With You
Not everything is meant to last forever. Learn to be ok with that. Sometimes, we outgrow people, jobs, and even dreams.
Ask yourself this: “Is this helping me become who I want to be?”
If no, rethink why you’re still there then.
What If Walking Away Feels Like Failing?
Leaving something behind can feel like losing.
A waste of time.
Throwing away everything you’ve invested.
Look, the time you’ve spent isn’t coming back. So now are you going to spend even more time on what's not working?
When you finally let go of what’s weighing you down. Your energy comes back. Trust me, I know. Those little knots in your back will dissolve, the stress releases. You don’t even realize how much something was draining you until you step away. Your confidence starts to grow because for once, you chose yourself. Then boom, you make space for better things.
Your Peace Is Worth More Than Your Pride. You finally respected yourself enough to choose peace.
So, this is your sign to move on from whatever isn’t serving you anymore.
The question shouldn't only be "will I regret if I leave?” Ask yourself, "If I stay will I regret it even more?” Then go with your gut.
I'm wishing better things for you.
Peace.
written by Morgan | @MORGANtheCEO
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