When to Quit & When to Stick - Career & Business
Knowing when to quit and when to stick is an important skill to know in navigating life in the 21st. Stay in a dead end, and it drains the life out of you. Stick with the right things and stay focused on the right pursuits, and you will succeed and have more life, joy, and energy.
I originally learned about this from Seth Godin from his book The Dip. I believe we need ways that can help us discern When to Quit and When to Stick.
Here is my list of green flags to confirm you are on the right track in something that is not toxic or a dead end.
The leadership consistently focuses on strengths, and leads training you with what you are doing right and positive reinforcement first.
The people you report to are 100% responsible. That means when you are not clear or make a mistake is made, it is on them. They don’t blame you, and they take full responsibly for their position within the chain of command. They ask questions about what you are missing and what is not clear. It is their job to work with you and support you until you do it they way they need it done.
Things that need to be corrected, or when you do make a mistake, it is done with dignity and respect. You know this by tone of voice and body language. Or if a manager screws up and is off base with you. They look you in the eyes, apologize, and make things right.
Here is my list of red flags when you are in a dead end or toxic dynamic.
You are being micromanaged, and only your mistakes and negatives are pointed out. You rarely ever hear what you are doing right and what you are rocking at.
There is bullying, harassment, and defamation of character in the work place that goes up the chain. Could include getting ganged up on by people who are jealous of how good of a job you are doing. Even though you are the one not doing anything wrong and doing excellent, they start making things up, falsifying information, taking shots, and fabricating evidence against you.
There are bad apples in every bunch. When it goes all the way up the chain and you see these types of behaviors from leadership you know you are in a dead end. Your mangers and higher ups should care about you in a way that is palpable, and they should elevate you and help you rock your job. This should make you feel confident and empowered in your role. Not drain you out.
You can’t sleep at night with your mind racing about your work situation.
You feel like you are walking on egg shells.
You dread going to work.
There are inevitable challenges and rough patches in business and life. Having a gut check and reality check to know the difference between a dead end/toxic place, or a rough patch on the right path that needs to be worked through is critical.
This is the art of Knowing when to Quit and When to Stick.
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